Launch of unique book in Edgeworthstown library

Edgeworthstown has a rich literary history and heritage. One of its most famous authors was Maria Edgeworth - a pioneer in Children’s Literature. The town is also the place where Oliver Goldsmith received his classical education.

Contemporary writers include Vona Groarke and Belinda McKeon, with both having close associations with the town.

The next generation of writers may come from a group of 6th class students from St Mary’s NS, Edgeworthstown.

As part of the Maria Edgeworth Festival of Art & Literature, teacher, Aron Fitzpatrick, was asked by the organising committee to oversee the children in a collaboratively written Novella.

The committee was so impressed with the outcome that they decided to publish it alongside one of Maria Edgeworth’s most popular stories, ‘The Purple Jar.’

Not only did the committee want to publish the Novella, they also wanted it to be a hardback, limited edition publication.

To celebrate this achievement, the launch of the book will take place in Edgeworthstown’s new Community Library on Tuesday evening, November 28 at 7pm. The book will be launched by County Longford Librarian Martina Needham.

Proceeds of the sale of the Novellas will go towards the upkeep of the wonderful Maria Edgeworth Visitor Centre and Museum in the town.

The committee would like to thank all those who helped in making this project possible - Creative Longford, Poetry Ireland, Chris Thompson for facilitating the project, committee member Elizabeth Fitzsimons for proof-reading, the Principal Alan Conroy and the staff and children from St Mary’s NS and Edel Fallon of Bottlegreen Design for her design skills.

The layout and design is similar to what readers would have expected in the 19th Century in a Maria Edgeworth publication.