Book on 'The Great Law of Birr' to be launched in local library

HAVE you heard of The Great Law of Birr?

This law, usually called the Law of the Innocents (Lex Innocentium) or Cáin Adomnáin dates back to 697 AD and Birr town. The law gave protection to women, children, clerics and other non-arms-bearing people in time of strife and was the first such known law in the history of Western Europe. That these innocents should have special protection in time of war has always been important but the barbarity of Putin’s war in Ukraine has given it an acute relevance for all of us today.

Dr James Houlihan has written a short illustrated guide to the Law. The book is illustrated by artist Caroline Conway. The launch will be held in Birr Library at 6.30pm on Thursday April 27th. Signed books will be for sale on the night for €10 and will be available in local shops afterwards. The book will be launched by the President of the High Court, Mr Justice David Barniville. All are welcome.