Book launch in McGirl's Bar, Ballinamore

Derry republican, Eoghan ‘Gino’ Mac Cormaic served 15 years in jail as a political prisoner, including five years on the H-Block blanket protest, during which many of his comrades died on the 1981 Hunger Strike.

He has since settled in Galway where has worked in the Irish language sector. He is now an accomplished author in both English and Irish.

Eoghan Mac Cormaic will read from his compelling eye-witness account of his experiences in the H-Blocks in the newly reopened McGirl's Bar, Ballinamore on Thursday, May 4 at 7pm.

The event marks the Leitrim launch of his book “On The Blanket.” Copies of the book, signed by the author, will also be available to buy on the night.

The Irish version of Mac Cormaic’s story, which will also be launched in McGirl's, won an Oireachtas award in 2021.

Judges at the Oireachtas said, “This is an exceptional narration from the inside which will add to the historic record and our understanding of that period of time and what happened. The author deserves commendation for providing this important piece of work for the Irish language community.”