Dublin launch of widely acclaimed book 'On This Day in Mayo'

The widely-acclaimed book, On This Day In Mayo' by Máirtín Ó Maicín will be launched in Dublin on Wednesday, November 22, 7 p.m.

In an effort to reach out to the Mayo diaspora in Dublin former Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, will launch the book in the Croke Park Hotel in the city.

Mayo folk will be very familiar with the venue after their many trips to the GAA headquarters across the road.

The book, the fruit of four years of extensive research, seeks to tell the story of Mayo by connecting the 366 days of the year with an event of significance relating to the county, or with an event pertaining to a person from the county.

There is a compelling story attached to every date – stories of triumph and tragedy, politics and pugilists, revolution and renewal. Stories about Mayo’s pioneering men and women, fighting men and women, resilient men and women.

The author believes that Mayo has punched well above its weight, not only on the national scene but also on the international stage.

He instances Tom Reilly from Hollymount who pioneered sports science from his base in John Moore University in Liverpool, the internationally-acclaimed ornithologist, Major Robert Ruttledge, from the same south Mayo village, Br Joe McNally from Ballintubber who exerted enormous influence in the development of artistic education in Singapore and Fr John Blowick from Belcarra who founded the Maynooth Mission to China, later known as the Columban Fathers.

From sport to politics, from education to religion and from the environment to space travel, men and women with Mayo blood have left their mark on the world stage.

Former Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, has described the book as “an absolute treasure chest of facts, data and information.”

He went on to say that the book should be left where it can be read and talked about.

“Every story I read in the fine publication I can hear a call of the past and a challenge of the future,” he continued.