A fascinating talk is taking place in Laois this week on an infamous mystery that was solved in 2019.

In 1864, Workhouse Master Henry Ogle abandoned Portumna Poor Law Union, leaving it in financial ruin. The whereabouts of the Ballinasloe man remained a mystery until it was uncovered by historian David Broderick in 2019.

The case has been called 'an almost unbelievable tale of fraud, deceit, escape to New York, and twelfth-hour retribution.'

Now working with Laois County Council as a Creative Communities Engagement Officer, Mr Broderick will explore the mystery through a fascinating talk in Portlaoise library.

"I am very excited about sharing the Ogle story in Laois, this story formed a large part of my life before I started work with Laois County Council as a Creative Communities Engagement Officer," Mr Broderick told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"Those who attend will gain an understanding of my passion for researching and pursuing people stories that have been lost in time. They will also learn about how one man caused so much misery until he was finally exposed by a brave whistle blower, although this all happened in the 1860's the mystery that surrounded the man was only solved in 2019!"

The talk will take place in Portlaoise library on Wednesday July 9 at 7pm.

It is recommended that those wishing to attend the talk register here.

David Broderick is Creative Communities Engagement Officer with Laois County Council. He has a master’s degree in Applied/Public History from UL and worked in Portumna Workhouse Museum as a history researcher. His book Finding Ogle was published in 2019.