Offaly man's book on local river to be launched next week

'THE Silver River of Slieve Blooms’ by John Feehan will be launched on Thursday November 20th 2025 at 7.30pm in Kilcormac kindly hosted by the Kilcormac Development Association. The launch will be by Ella McSweeney, journalist and broadcaster.

John Feehan covers a wide scope in this book, natural, built and cultural heritage focusing on the evolution of the Silver River of Slieve Blooms and the landscape in its catchment. John Feehan first started exploring the Silver River in the 1970s and this book is the outcome of many decades of exploring and researching and reflects new interpretations of its geology.

For those that have been walking the routes up stream and downstream of Cadamstown for many years exploring Paul’s Lane loop, the Offaly Way and working up to Spink - it will offer many new insights.

The publication has many illustrations with great additions of paintings by Brigid Birney and Jock Nicol, photos by John Gill and reconstruction drawings of Barnascart by Philip Armstrong.

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There is a section remembering May Scully by Richard Jack.

The book is published by Offaly County Council and supported by Ceangal, a Heritage Council programme. The book is full colour, highly illustrated, hard back and available for €20.

After the launch the book will be available for sale from the Kilcormac Development Association, Offaly History book shop on Bury Quay Tullamore and their online bookshop, Midland Books on High Street and SuperValu in Birr.

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