There was a very big turnout at the library in Newcastle West on Friday evening last for the launch of a volume of writings by the late Michael O’Riordan, Feohanagh. The book, which was compiled and produced by Michael’s son Eamonn, is a neatly-bound hardback containing the very many short stories written by Michael and published in the Weekly Observer and Vale Star in the 1980s and 1990s.
Most of Michael O’Riordan’s writings were about growing up in Broadford, life in Feohanagh after he moved and settled there and where he lived until his death in 1998. Much of Michael O’Riordan’s working life was in Castlemahon. ‘Beyond the Myths’ features many local characters, sporting events and deeds of heroism and is a treasure trove of information for local historians and anybody interested in the happenings in rural communities during the last century.
Eamonn O’Riordan was joined at the launch by his mother Nell, his siblings and many friends and neighbours. ‘Beyond the Myths’ was launched by Matt O’Callaghan of the Weekly Observer and other speakers on the evening were the newly elected Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, Cllr. Jerome Scanlan, Deputy Dan Neville and local Parish Priest, Fr. John Duggan. The proceedings on the evening were ably conducted by Pat Normoyle.
The book, which is a riveting read and costs a very modest €10, is available at the following outlets, Coughlan’s, Castlemahon, Book Shop, Market Yard, Newcastle West, Keating’s, Raheenagh, Moloney’s, Broadford Centra and O’Connor’s, Dromcollogher and Lynch’s, Feenagh.