Longford's Corlea Trackway features in 'Home Place, Heart Place'

Longford features in a new book that blends history, culture and travel. RJ O'Donnell's “Home Place, Heart Place” follows the author on a series of journeys around Ireland.

Róisín's book is an intertwinement of travelogue with observations on home and friendship. She told the Leader that the book was inspired by memory: “The focus of the book is on the influence of home-place. My co-travellers singer-songwriter Christy Moore, the late Brendan Kennelly, poet Michael Farry, local historians and others show me their native places – loved spots of their youth.”

Róisín is the author of France, the Soul of a Journey.

In “Home Place, Heart Place” the history of Corlea is knitted in with the description of her own story, how she came to Longford and the friends she has encountered on the way. In the course of the description of one of Longford's most significant cultural artefacts she reflects on the importance of turf, turf cutting and harvesting and its meaning to the people of the area. Róisín cleverly uses descriptions of her day to impart information on the historic site.

Not only does Róisín give us the history and background to the Corlea site, contextualising its significance, but she also brings us into the lives of people she encounters on her journey.

“Home Place, Heart Place” The book was released in January and is available in good bookshops.