Launch of ‘The History of Castlebar’ proves a major festival highlight

‘The history of Castlebar’, a brilliant new book by Noel Campbell and John Healy, has been launched at the Wild Atlantic Words Festival in the town.

The launch was performed by local journalist Sean Rice before a capacity attendance in the Festival Dome at Bridge St.

Sean described by the book, published by Mayo Books Limited, as a chronicle of its prehistoric tracks, its birth, its progress through the ages, and every other facet of its history . .. stretching back to the stone tool, 8,000 years ago around which the town would eventually grow.

He stated: “It delves deep into the bowels of its formation. Noel and John have provided us with a mine of facts and figures relating to the birth and development of Castlebar.

“Noel is well established as a local historian having written frequently about the history of Castlebar. He is also author of a History of Castlebar Municipal Government 1613-2014.

“I have known John all my life and keep in touch with his wonderful weekly column in the Mayo News which he has been writing for more than quarter of a century.

“He had earlier been involved with the Mayo Post and was an original board member of Castlebar Community Radio.

“The publishers are Mayo Books Press of Castle Books, a publishing business established by Catherine and John Brennan. It’s a beautiful production and I wish them well in their new business and their new shop.

“This history you can pick up anytime and find pleasure in every page and every chapter. You can visualise the town’s growth step by step through the ages from the first signs of life.

“It excites curiosity. Feel yourself live through it, the various phases of an evolving town.

"History, famine, wars, invention, people, crafts, music, evolution. The last execution. The most famous execution.

“So while the streetscape hasn’t changed much in our time, the wings have grown wider and denser. It’s a big town now.

“Once we knew everyone in it. Now our dimming senses make it hard to recognise even the dwindling numbers of those we know.

“But this publication will keep us in touch. It is the result of mammoth research and dedication by Noel and John. A work of true love. A testament and a tribute.

“A thousand years from now this 'History of Castlebar' will still be emblazoned with the names of Campbell and Healy.

“No house should be without a copy.”

The book is on sale at Castle Book Shop.

The Wild Atlantic Words Festival continues until Sunday.

* Video: Co-authors John Healy and Noel Campbell speaking about the book.