By Dan Walsh at Gorey Library
Brian Cléirigh’s latest book, Enchanted to a Stone, was launched by Cllr Mary Farrell of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District in a pleasant ceremony at Gorey Library on Tuesday evening.
A native of Oulart and a former translator at Oireachtas Éireann, Brian has spent eight years researching his subjects The De Lacy family during the revolutionary period of 1900-1923 in Oulart, Wexford and Ireland.
Cllr Farrell said; “This publication, which tells the story of the De Lacy brothers and the Oulart Battalion in their role in the events of 1916, is a deeply important piece of work, not just for historians, but for our entire community.
“For me this evening carries a very special significance. Among those honoured for their bravery at that time are my two grandfathers -James Dempsey and John Hayden,” said Cllr Farrell, who added; “To see their names and their stories preserved within these pages, fills me and my family with immense pride. Their courage and quiet determination continue to inspire us today.
“I want to sincerely thank Brian Ó Cléirigh for his tireless work, for his respect for the truth, and for his care in telling these stories with such dignity,” stated Cllr Farrell who congratulated Brian on his “outstanding achievement” and concluded; “May this book find a home on many shelves and in many hearts across our community. And may we continue to cherish the memory of the men of the Oulart Battalion for their bravery, their sacrifice, and the freedom they helped secure.”
Enchanted to a Stone by Brian Ó Cléirigh, 400 pages, copies will be available from today (Wednesday) at Myles Doyle Select Grocers, Main St, Gorey, price €30. It will also be on sale in all good bookshops.
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