New book to portray Laois with a creative twist

Stradbally library will see the launch of Stradbally Writers new book "Beneath the Sky of Stars".

The anthology will feature a collection of short stories from local writers, portraying their locality through the lens of mythology and fairy tale.

The book will also feature artworks from Harry Clarke and Jim Fitzpatrick.

"County Laois is a landscape rich with folklore," said organisers.

"Mythologies or origins stories belong to every culture. The aim of ‘Beneath the Sky of Stars’ is to explore existing folklore and mythologies working with a group of writers known as the Stradbally Writers.

"Invariably, this kind of writing questions environmental issues and how to preserve landscape. Place names of themselves evoke respect and mystery.

"Place names in terms of writing attach a sacred connection to where we live; the neighbourhood becomes the community, the local and personal transforms to the universal," they said.

The launch of "Beneath a Sky of Stars" will take place in Stradbally library on August 20, from 7pm to 8pm.

Admission to the book launch is free.

The event is sponsored by Laois Writers, in collaboration with Laois County Council and Creative Ireland.