Launch of ‘War and Peace in the Wee County’

Louth Library Service is delighted to announce the publication of a new book, ‘War and Peace in the Wee County. Louth during the struggle for independence and after.’ by Dr Thomas Tormey. 

This publication was funded through the Louth County Council Decade of Centenaries Programme, supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. 

Dr Thomas Tormey took up his role as Historian in Residence with Louth Library Service in 2021. Part of his remit for the remaining years of the Decade of Centenaries was weaving the local story of Co Louth into the national story of the revolutionary period. 

This book of essays covers events in County Louth during the revolutionary period. A detailed analysis of local events provides an accessible account of how national processes interacted with the local circumstances of County Louth.  

Among the topics covered are: The Conscription Crisis, The 1918 General Election and The Great War in County Louth. 

Dr Thomas Tormey, Historian in Residence with Louth Library Service, said: “This book tries to match local detail with national events and, as such, I hope it will interest a wide variety of readers.  

“It can be read by anyone, whether they have previously read much about the Irish revolution or not, and I think it will be of particular interest to people who have taken an interest in national histories but who want to find out how the revolutionary period was experienced by people on the ground in County Louth.” 

“The Decade of Centenaries offered an open invitation to everyone to explore the most important and transformative period in our modern history,” said Amanda Branigan, Acting County Librarian. 

“In terms of research, publications, and public events, I am delighted and proud of what we achieved in Louth County Council and of our part in bringing that period to life for the community of Louth. I know this book will be a valuable addition to our local history collection for years to come.” 

Copies of the book are now available for loan in each branch of Louth Library Service.