MICHAEL FITZPATRICK’S invaluable contribution to popularising Gorey’s history and heritage was the theme emanating from all speakers at last Friday night’s launch of his latest book, ‘Historic Gorey 6’, held in Gorey Library.

The official launch was performed by Senator Labhrás Ó’Murchú, Director-General of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, and a friend of the Fitzpatrick family for many years.

“I have known Michael for many years and he is an icon of Gorey,” said Cllr. Robbie Ireton, Leas-Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council.

Cllr. Michael D’Arcy, Cathaoirleach, Gorey Town Council, said; “Michael Fitzpatrick writes from facts and if you read the six books that he has already produced, Michael has done us (the people of North Wexford and Gorey) a great favour.”

Very Rev. William Howell, P.P., Gorey, said Michael has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the history and the heritage of Gorey.

Fr. Walter Forde, parish priest of Castlebridge, who spent  22 years in Gorey said he was delighted to be given the opportunity of joining in the very well deserved congratulations to Michael, who has chronicled and assembled history over a period on this community and general area, and more importantly, made the history accessible to people.

Michael Fitzpatrick was loud in his praise for the support of his family and everybody who had assisted him with the research and he hoped that everybody would be pleased with the book.

Michael said; “This volume of ‘Historic Gorey’ is dedicated to the late and well-loved and respected Professor Daithí Ó h-Ógáin from UCD. Daithí has been a staunch supporter and friend to me since 1981 and attended many former launches in the series.”

‘Historic Gorey 6 – Gorey & Courtown’, by Michael Fitzpatrick, A4 size, 350 pages, heavily illustrated, part funded by Wexford Local Development, available from the author or in local shops, price €22.

Full report in this week’s edition of The Gorey Echo.