I’m pleased to tell you that Fermanagh Miscellany 2021, the annual anthology produced by Fermanagh Authors’ Association, has just been released. As always it’s a diverse mix of fact, fiction and poetry. Inside you’ll find articles ranging from Newtownbutler to Belleek and points in between, featuring Fermanagh history and heritage, poetry, creative writing and some of Fermanagh’s notable people of the past.

The topics of the articles include a Derrygonnelly priest in the Boer War; Phillip Callaghan’s service in Belleek in WW2; reflections on the life of Barbara Chapman, Newtownbutler historian, the era of recitations on stage, radio and pub, family history from newspapers, Alexander Puskin’s Fermanagh links, fishing on the Erne; public works in 1901, Pandemic isolation and cameo thoughts that recall people and places and finally a poetic accusation that after all “the Butler did it.”

Going Home, my story in this year’s book, centres on the theme of home, and discovering where it is.

The front cover of the book is an eye catching image of Gad Island in Upper Lough Erne with its round tower symbolising to a degree the isolation we have all experienced in these pandemic times.

The book costs £5 and can be had posted in the UK for £7 P&P from Email – adam4eves@aol.com or orangefleece741@gmail.comAvailable in the Belleek area in Gilmartin’s, Rooneys, Palm Bush and Novel Idea Ballyshannon.