Launch of ‘When Stones Speak’ in Longford library

The latest book by local historians Luke Baxter and Hugh Farrell, entitled ‘When Stones Speak’ will be launched in Longford Library on Tuesday, 12 December 12 at 7pm.

The launch will be performed by Mary Carleton Reynolds, former County Librarian. The book is a treat for anyone with roots in Killashee Parish or with an interest in the history of that area.
It includes a full record of all the stones and memorials in the cemeteries. This parish has five burial grounds, three of those are grouped together close to the village of Killashee, Ballinakill is situated 4.6km North West of the village, while Clondra is 6km North. Many of the inscriptions have short biographies of the people buried within the parish.

The book also includes lists of people from the parish that died and survived the Napoleonic wars, Great War and World War II. National Army Soldier (Sergeant Major) Francis Neary of Ballinakill, Killashee, and Lt Comdt Michael Skelly from Clonmore, Killashee, Co Longford were both killed in action during the civil war.

James Farrell who was part of the Garrison of Jacob's Biscuit Factory in 1916 is buried in Clondra.
Anthony (Shinners) McNerney, army sharpshooter and Jadotville veteran was born in this parish. Some of those that made their mark on the world stage, like Sister Norah Mary Potter, Vincent Gill Newspaper Proprietor and Writer, John Thomas Ennis the Celebrated Pedestrian. Annie Clementina Fleming, the grandmother of Sir Edmund Hillary were born locally.

This is the fourth book that Luke has authored and the second he has co-authored with Hugh, containing gravestone inscriptions.
The authors would like to thank Mike Mulvihill and Jimmy Lennon who contributed to this publication. It will be available at local outlets at €15 per copy. All are welcome to attend the launch.