There was a large gathering in The Percy French Hotel, Strokestown last Sunday night for the launch of ‘Sliabh Bán, A Historical Journey’. It was launched by Prof. Luke Gibbons, whose father, the late Dr. Hugh Gibbons, was a native of Ballybeg. Henry Owens and Mike Lennon, who compiled the book, also spoke and the event was compered by Pat Compton.
The 470-page hard cover book chronicles the lives and times of generations past who inhabited the Strokestown, Scramogue, Curraghroe, Kilgefin and Cloontuskert areas. As well as being impressed by the comprehensive content, Prof. Gibbons praised its design, saying it was a template for how a local history should be produced.
Henry Owens thanked all those who provided old photographs and contributed sponsorship, and in particular the principal sponsor, Brian Carthy’s company, Sliabh Bán Productions.
The book, which sells at €20, can be purchased at Centra Supermarket, Hanly’s Spar, Dawn ‘Till Dusk, Strokestown and Eight ‘Till Late (ETL), Roscommon and Joe O’Brien’s shop, Lanesboro, as well as directly from Henry Owens at Lismehy, Strokestown.
