Longford’s huge role in shaping two Anglo-Irish Agreements highlighted in new book 'Crossing The Divide'

Use the Arrows < > above to go through the gallery

There was a great crowd in Longford County Library last Thursday evening as GAA President, Larry McCarthy officially launched Seamus McRory’s new book ‘Crossing the Divide’.

Derry native Seamus McRory, a retired primary school principal, lives in Abbeycartron, just outside Longford town, with his wife Olive. He is a former student of St Joseph’s College of Education and Queen’s University, Belfast. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO

‘Crossing the Divide’ is a 29 chapter memoir of GAA, musical, historical and political stories which runs to over 470 pages.

According to Seamus, no county, as small as Longford, has contributed so much to two Anglo-Irish Agreements over seven decades apart. Ballinalee men Henry Wilson and Seán MacEoin were competing protagonists prior to the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty. In the 1990s, a grandson of Ballinalee, David Trimble, and Longford TD, and Taoiseach, Albert Reynolds were key stakeholders on the pathway to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

Reading from a chapter in his book entitled ‘Longford and Anglo Irish Relations’ Seamus reminded the audience at his book launch, “The story of Currygrane, Ballinalee and Clonfin has now said goodbye to a world of hardship, bitterness and tears and says hello to a new world of trust, of caring and sharing for all.

“In the words of the late and great Seamus Mallon “our whole island must be shared on a just and equitable basis amongst all our citizens”. The narratives of Henry Wilson, Sean MacEoin, Albert Reynolds and David Trimble have played a considerable role in the ongoing enactment of that dream.”

Seamus thanked Paul McAvinchey, Armagh and Eamon Regan of Magherafelt for supplying him with primary source information as well as always being available with sensible advice and friendly encouragement. “A particular word of gratitude to Longford County librarian, Ms Martina Needham, the Secretary of Longford County GAA Board, Peter O'Reilly and Dermot McPeake, PRO of Derry County GAA Board for facilitating the production of this book in so many different ways.”

Seamus expressed a special word of thanks to all who feature in the book for ‘sharing their wonderful stories with me in such an open, friendly way is a tribute both to them and to their families’.

He thanked his good friend Joe Hunt from Legan for his meticulous attention to detail in expertly proofing the book and his wife Olive, son Diarmuid and son-in-law Damien, for all of their technical expertise, support and encouragement at all times.

Seamus thanked all the staff at Orpen Press, especially Managing Director, Gerry Kelly, Managing Editor, Eileen O'Brien and Benil Shah for their professionalism in facilitating ‘Crossing The Divide’. They were always there to encourage and support me in so many ways.

The book is on sale for €20 in various local outlets.