PICTURES: Offaly author launches book telling story of Tullamore's outdoor swimming pool

A book launch was held to celebrate the release of Author Damien Byrne's book titled 'Cool Pool' on Friday, November 14 at Tullamore Rugby Club.

The book which encourages readers to take a dip into the history and memories of Tullamore's outdoor swimming pool drew a great turnout at the event. 

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In 1934, a bold idea emerged at a Tullamore Urban Council meeting to build a public swimming pool for the town.

Four years later, Tullamore opened one of Ireland’s first municipal pools, a six-lane outdoor pool complete with diving boards and changing rooms.

For over six decades, the pool was alive with activity. Children learned to swim, teenagers attempted daring dives, and families and friends gathered on long summer days.

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Author Damien Byrne from Tullamore spent his summers in the pool in the 1970s and became a lifesaving instructor before teaching at Tullamore and Birr pools.

The outdoor pool closed in 2000, and this book dives into the full story and memories of the pool, its champions and challenges, and the countless moments of joy it gave the community for more than sixty years.

The book which was published through Esker Press is available for purchase at selected outlets across the county.