Launch of "My Tale Untold"

On  Friday 7th September we proudly launched ‘My Tale Untold’, a beautifully Illustrated children's book set in 1839 Sligo Gaol, produced by Friends of Sligo Gaol and talented illustrator Wayne O'Connor.

Inspired by real life characters, places and events, 'My Tale Untold' follows the story ofa young girl in 1839 from Sligo and how events bring her within the walls of Sligo Goal and beyond. It is a touching story of a young girl forced to make her own way in the world of the time.

The book was a passionate undertaking for Friends of Sligo Gaol that has been in the planning for four years. It aims to educate younger generations about the history of Sligo town, Sligo Gaol and what life was like for a child in the 19th century. We are proudly providing a number of free copies of the book to each primary school in Co. Sligo.

They day started with Wayne O Connor doing the first reading of ‘A Tale Untold” at the Hawk's Well Theatre, Sligo for the boys and girls of 4th & 5th class of St Johns National School.   
We wish to thank their Principal Mulhern for facilitating the children’s visit and to The Hawk’s Well Theatre Sligo for the use of the Theatre.

Later that evening the book was officially launched at 8pm at the Clayton Hotel by PJ Lynch, Ireland’s Laurete Na nOg 2016 & the most esteemed children’s book illustrator in Ireland.
PJ stated “Friends of Sligo Gaol are to be commended for creating this poignant tale and for selecting Wayne  O’Connor to bring this wonderful story to life. The collaboration of the Friends of Sligo Gaol with illustrator Wayne O’Connor has resulted in a coherent, informative and entertaining book”.

He then went on to tell the audience “Although “A Tale Untold’ centres on one young girl’s experience, this book tells the story of thousands, perhaps millions of the down-trodden who, over centuries, have struggled against poverty, misrule and injustice and who have crossed oceans in the search of a hopeful future.”

After the book launch the  Mayor of Sligo Cllr Rosaleen O’Grady opened the overall Bicentenary conference weekend with a very personal and interesting speech.  Sligo County Council CEO Ciarán Hayes was also in attendance along with many local politicians and local dignitaries. 

‘My Tale Untold” was funded by Sligo LCDC, County Sligo Leader Partnership Company Ltd, the Creative Ireland Programme Sligo and Sligo Credit Union.  Sligo BID & Institute of F

ield Archaeologists very kindly funded the launch evening.

‘My Tale Untold’ is available for sale in Liber and Eason bookshops Sligo and online via this

website.