The Royal Canal is one of Longford's most beloved waterways, with a rich and varied history filled with love, tragedy, hope, courage and resilience. Two of the nation's leading waterways experts have come together to write 'Ireland's Royal Canal 1789 – 2009' and in doing so have created a literary gem that gives the reader an informed and emotive insight into the events that marked the long life of the Royal Canal.

One of the historic moments outlined in the book is the tragic accident that occurred at Longford Harbour on March 3, 1845. A heavily laden passenger boat, destined for the emigrant ships in Dublin, was pulled away from the quay wall to prevent family and friends of those gathered from clambering on board.

"The boat getting rather nearer the opposite bank by the move, the friends of the passengers ran around the harbour to the opposite side when the passengers crowded to that side, for the purpose of speaking to them out of the windows, when the weight being all on one side, the boat leaned over so suddenly that the water rushed in at the windows and she settled down almost immediately.

"Six people were drowned; one man, James Higgins, four women including Mrs Thacker (the mother of the 41st lock-keeper), and one child. The master, Thomas Kenny, managed to save his sister, despite his hand being badly injured."

This is just one of the many tales that describe the life of our Royal Canal in the new book. The book also includes details of the type of goods carried on the canal, the threat of collisions and how armed escorts were sometimes required for the passenger boats on certain stretches, including between Longford and Thomastown.

The book also looks at the eventual closure of the Royal Canal and the onset of the railway era and how the Midland Great Western Railway take-over hastened the decline of the Canal.

This delightful, colourful and well-researched book is an update on the 1992 book of the same title and offers a comprehensive selection of photographs, reproduced documents and maps. It is a must for anyone with an interest in Longford's history.