Burning of local village recreated in new book

Panic rings through the street - Knockcroghery's on fire! Young Sally Finnegan and her neighbours are forced to watch their homes go up in flames and there is nothing they can do.

So begins a new children's book which aims to recreate the most famous event in the village's history – 100 years ago this month – which saw almost of all of the thatched homes burned in a reprisal attack following the ambush and shooting of Brigadier General T.S. Lambert earlier that day as he returned from a tennis match in Glasson.

Illustrator and graphic designer Annmarie Murray, herself a native of Knockcroghery village, and granddaughter of the famed Roscommon footballer Jimmy Murray, actually grew up in one of only three buildings left standing after the burning of Knockcroghery most likely on June 21, 1921, although the date is disputed in some circles.

Aimed at children aged 9-13, the colourful and beautiful illustrated book takes us back to life a century ago at the time of reprisal attack by following the fictional Sally Finnegan and her family. Their experiences are based on true life events and plenty of local names and places feature in the story such as the clay-pipe factory, Hangman's Hill and the local train station.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent, Annmarie said it was a real “passion project” for her coming from the village and hearing the stories down through the years.

“I endeavoured to make the story as authentic as possible and to gives a true representation of Ireland during the 1920s. The story and illustrations give a realistic insight into the lives of the people of the time, how a typical Irish cottage looked during this time, the roles people had in their house, and the types of jobs that were carried out every day,” Annmarie, who works for digital agency Mindshare in Dublin, explained of the new book which will be launched outdoors at Mai's Kitchen, Knockcroghery, this Saturday, June 19, at 8pm.

“Aside from Knockcroghery, the book talks about neighbouring areas such as Glasson and Ballymurray. There is an interesting chapter about the Crofton Estate at Moate Park, Ballymurray. After the fire, many of the villagers in Knockcroghery sought employment at Crofton's.

The book also shares information about the assassination of General Lambert,” she added.

Created as she worked from home during the pandemic, the story is a very personal one for Ann Marie, as she grew up in one of the three surviving buildings from the fire – J.S. Murrays.

“My grandfather, Jimmy Murray was four years old on the night of the burning and often told me stories about his recollection and his parents' recollections.

“Knockcroghery has such an interesting history, and I felt it was important to document it and publish it so that we can keep the story alive,” said Annmarie, who has always dreamed of creating and designing a children's book.

The upcoming centenary provided the impetus and over two months she, with the help of her aunty Mary Dywer and her folder of historical articles, has put together a publication she's extremely proud of. While it details the terror unleashed on the village by the Black and Tans which left many homeless and unemployed, it is ultimately a story of resilience as the community must rise from the ashes to rebuild their lives.

Delighted with the reaction so far, Annmarie said that 400 copies have already been sold, and she has another 200 ready for the launch on Saturday.

“I was very surprised by the interest from the children. The target was to keep the history alive, and who better to that than the young,” added Annmarie, who has been selling the book recently on Saturdays in Mai's Kitchen in the village.

“They (the children) are very interested in the story. They are asking is there a sequel, will I do something on Rindoon next or the clay pipes,” the designer, who is currently working on two other books for much younger children, enthused.

While she doesn't have another local book planned, the Knockcroghery native said she is always on the lookout for a collaboration with someone who has an idea or a story they want to tell.

To order a book, email:annmarie97murray@gmail.com or visit her instagram @annmaries_designs to see images of the new book or order a copy. The official launch takes this Saturday, June 19 outside Mai's Kitchen, Knockcroghery where umbrellas will be set up. Covid-19 restrictions will apply.