Maria’s new book takes a look at Carlow town of yesteryear
Maria O'Rourke signs a copy of her book 'Remembering Carlow' for Sr Cecilia during the launch in Carlow Library
NOSTALGIA and fond memories of a Carlow town that once was filled the air at Carlow Library recently for the launch of Maria O’Rourke’s enthralling new book .
The book was launched by former RTÉ journalist and Barrack Street, Carlow native Joe O’Brien and attended by Maria’s family and many in the local community.
The social history book features myriad articles about residents and businesspeople who lived and worked in the town from the 1940s onwards, capturing what everyday life was like through the decades. A town full of small family businesses, shopkeepers, undertakers, publicans and a host of characters whom everyone knew by name.
The book follows on from Maria’s hugely successful columns in , including ‘Living Over the Shop’ and ‘Dublin Street’, along with articles featuring Maria’s family business Russell’s Registry, which ran in Carlow from the 1900s, and local memories of events, happenings and local people.
is a culmination of three years’ work, combining Maria’s determination to acknowledge and preserve the town’s social history along with dedicated writing style.
“The reaction to the book has been amazing,” said Maria, “particularly from ex-pats who no longer live in Carlow and Carlow natives who remember how the town once was.”
Maria explained the significance of her new book, saying “my mother and grandmother always told stories of growing up in Carlow town, describing places and characters that are long gone. I’m proud to have preserved the memories of so many Carlow people in and hope it prompts reminiscences in all who read it”.
This is Maria’s second book. Her first one, a novel titled , was launched in March of this year and has proved extremely popular.
is available at Made in Carlow, Bookstation, Eason’s, Swans Electrical, Centra at Potato Market and the Arboretum in Leighlinbridge.
