New Athlone Miscellany compilation is launched

Over 100 people gathered last week at the Aidan Heavey Public Library in Athlone to mark the launch of a new book, Athlone Miscellany, a collection of articles from writer Gearoid O'Brien's Westmeath Independent series of the same name. The popular librarian and author was joined by friends, family, supporters, local history devotees and members of the public at the launch on Wednesday night. As master of ceremonies on the night, County Librarian Mary Farrell explained, it was the author's 16th publication in a lengthy writing career. Speaking at the launch, Gearoid O'Brien admitted: "I was a precocious young man - I started publishing poetry and other odds and ends when I was seventeen years old and still a pupil in St Aloysius College." Although, Gearoid's connection with the Westmeath Independent began formally in the edition of February 9, 1990, with the first Athlone Miscellany column, he revealed on Wednesday night, that but for a twist of fate he may have been a journalist with the paper rather than a librarian. In fact, he originally began a college course in journalism in the College of Commerce in Rathmines, with the hope of subsequently gaining employment with the Westmeath Independent, before a minor illness intervened during his first year and he was advised to recommence the course the following September. In the meantime, he took up a temporary job as a library assistant in Athlone, and four months later he was appointed to a full-time post. But, he admitted: "Part of me probably still hankered after that job in journalism." In the same month as taking up his first job, he published his first book, a collection of poems called Streamline. The Athlone Miscellany column began when then editor Margaret Grennan offered Gearoid O'Brien the opportunity to contribute a weekly column which commenced in 1990. In the intervening almost 21 years, there have been over 1,000 columns. Speaking at the launch, Mr O'Brien thanked the County Librarian Mary Farrell for her support. He also reserved a special word of gratitude to Athlone native Finbar Jordan, who first approached him about the book and to Ronan Colgan of The History Press - the publishers of the book. He also thanked those who had encouraged him to publish the articles in book form, over the years, and recognised "his debt" in terms of local history to the late Billy English, his own late father, Brendan, to his predecessor as Athlone librarian, Ernan Morris and his friend Harman Murtagh. There was one other great supporter of the column, whom Gearoid also wished to acknowledge: the late Jimmy O'Connor. "The late Jimmy O'Connor, that grand old man of Athlone who died earlier this year was a great supporter of the column. It is my great regret that Jimmy didn't live to see it in print. "He used to tell people that I was the man who made him famous - well he certainly enriched my life and my writings," he added. Referring to his wife, Angela, Gearoid said: "As my best friend and partner for over 40 years she has been a wonderful source of strength and encouragement - and our shared love of both reading and writing has been one of the many mainstays of our relationship." He ended by urging people to continue to support the Westmeath Independent. "A good local newspaper is probably one of the finest records of our times that we can leave for future generations. "My own writings have been informed by the journalists who have contributed to this paper over the past 165 years. "Newspapers are going through a lean time - but for a mere €2 a week you can keep yourself informed of all sorts of activities and get to read Athlone Miscellany in weekly instalments - so please continue to support the local press." Formally launching the book, Westmeath Independent editor Tadhg Carey outlined how over the years Gearoid O'Brien had regularly mentioned that he intended, at some stage, to publish a compilation of the Athlone Miscellany series. He said: "When the 20th anniversary passed by, without any publication, I have to admit that I reckoned it might be another 20 years. So I was truly delighted when informed of this fine volume and I pay tribute to publishers The History Press for their interest and for the quality of the book." Tadhg outlined that the first column appeared in the Westmeath Independent of Friday, February 9, 1990, by a writer, who under the pen name of Oisin, introduced the columns in the following way. "This is the first in a series of articles. The Editor has given me a gloriously wide brief. I will be writing on the town, its people and organisations - the past and the present - the history, culture and environment which go to making Athlone unique. Athlone to me is more than home, it is an inspiration. Over the centuries many people have been inspired by Athlone. King John was inspired to build a stone castle which has endured for over 700 years; Sgt Custume was inspired to sacrifice his life during the Siege of Athlone and a host of writers and artists have been inspired to create lasting works of literature and art. I hope to be inspired to write a varied and thought provoking collection of articles." Tadhg remarked: "Over the years, I believe Gearoid has more than met the mission statement he set out in that first article. "The intervening columns have been truly thought provoking, inspiring and more than anything else, varied." He said the paper continued to receive regular and positive feedback to the Athlone Miscellany series of columns. He added: "For that reason and for many more, as far as I am concerned there will always be a place for Athlone Miscellany in our pages, as long as its author continues to find the inspiration to turn out the columns."