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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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A new book has been published by a group of Laois writers, under the mentorship of writer and poet Eileen Casey.
'Beneath the Sky of Stars' is a collection of works that examines Laois through a lens of Irish folklore and mythology.
The book was launched on Tuesday, August 20 in Stradbally library.
Ms Casey has worked with the group of Laois writers over a series of three workshops in Stradbally, with the last one taking place earlier this year.
"We met each month in Stradbally Arts Centre, we were given every welcome," Ms Casey said.
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Laois County Council's Creative Communities Engagement Officer David Broderick also attended the book launch, and praised the writers for their creativity and talent.
"The lore referred to throughout the book have survived, some for thousands of years often through folk memory alone," said Mr Broderick.
"One quick example of the importance of folk memory is from the excavation of the Newgrange mound by Micheal O’ Kelly in the 1960’s when the locals were able to inform O’Kelly that they always heard the then closed mound had a connection with the sun.
"This folk memory had survived through local generations for thousands of years," he said.
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Pictured: David Broderick from Creative Ireland Laois speaking at the launch. Photo: Alf Harvey.
"That is how precious the preservation of local knowledge can be. It can often evolve or distort but it’s essence can be based on an element of truth.
"This collection of fascinating stories has now in its own unique way helped preserve the mythology and lore of county Laois in such a beautiful and accessible way.
"So, huge credit to Eileen for coming up with the idea of this project and all those wonderful writers who contributed so imaginatively. It must also be said the eye catching/memorizing illustrations by Harry Clarke and Jim Fitzpatrick add another world element that fuse so well with the stories held within this book.
"I am delighted on behalf of Creative Laois/Creative Ireland to have been able to assist (through our HTA Grant) in this county Laois publication created by the Laois Writers which is now a gift to the wider community of County Laois," Mr Broderick finished.
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