A huge crowd attended the launch last Saturday night of a new book reflecting on memories of life in rural Roscommon from the 1950s onwards.
Dear Old Elphin – A Journey In Time, written by local man Noel Collins, was described by Roscommon People Editor Paul Healy as “a gift to the community” and “a valuable social history”.
Formally launching the book before hundreds of attendees in Elphin on Saturday night, Mr Healy described the publication as “a really well drawn portrait of a rural town, spanning from the 1950s… right through to the early 21st century”.
Saturday night’s launch, held in An Bothar Rua, Elphin,
was also addressed by Noel Collins (the author of the book) and by local councillor, Valerie Byrne. The author’s son, Andrew was Master of Ceremonies.
The launch was attended by Deputy Frank Feighan, Senator Eugene Murphy and a number of local councillors.
During his address, Noel Collins thanked everyone who helped on the project. This included his wife Helen and family, all who assisted on research, and on typing the manuscript. He also acknowledged Fiona Healy (who designed the book) and Paul Healy of the Roscommon People (publishers).
During a very well received speech, Mr Collins read short extracts from the book and reflected on the process and inspiration behind the project.
Congratulating the new author, Paul Healy said the book was a tremendous piece of work.
“This is a personal achievement of considerable note, but also a huge service to your community. Because this book is of course a social history – and therefore a gift to your town and your community.
“I love books like this… books that capture the changing face of life in Ireland are invaluable. If books like this weren’t written, so much would be lost.
“Books like Noel’s are preserving for posterity bygone days. In fact, a book like this brings the past back to life. It certainly preserves those olden days for current and future generations to connect with”.
In her address, Cllr Valerie Byrne congratulated Noel Collins on producing such an interesting and valuable book, and went on to highlight the great community role he has played in the locality over many decades.
Urging everyone with Elphin links worldwide to make sure to get a copy of the book, Paul Healy said it should also be available in local libraries and schools, adding that future generations will reach for the book in years to come and will be transported back to the way life was in Ireland, to Elphin’s proud history.
The Roscommon People Editor noted that the book deals with a wide range of topics, including growing up in Elphin; school days; local sports; the Fair Day; Elphin’s proud history of drama; memories of the war years; faction fights; the introduction of electricity; old customs like killing the pig, house stations, etc.
Describing the book as an invaluable social history, he added: “This book reminds us of who we are, of our place, our home, our heritage and indeed our values”.
*Dear Old Elphin – A Journey In Time is now available in local bookstores (priced at €15).
