Launch of Great War Book at Carrickfergus Museum & Civic...
02 June 2010
The warm and balmy evening of Wednesday 2 June saw a capacity audience of invited guests join in the official launch of new book by author, historian and local resident, Philip Orr. The launch of Orr's new book `Carrickfergus, Whitehead and the Great War' held at Carrickfergus Museum and Civic Centre attracted over one hundred people.
Other speakers included Ray Mullan, Communications Director with the Community Relations Council and guest speaker Noel Kane, Archivist at the Somme Heritage Centre. The author Philip Orr then spoke on the inspiration behind his book and the new insights that he had gained through his research. The evening was compered by Jayne Clarke, Curator, Mid-Antrim Museums Service.
The book explores the impact of the Great War on the coastal communities of Carrickfergus and Whitehead and is lavishly illustrated with local photographs from the period. Orr's research focuses on the lives of the local people who were caught up in this tragic conflict.
Few parts of Ireland had a more intense experience of the Great War than the northern shores of Belfast Lough. The barracks town and port of Carrickfergus was filled with troops who were training for battle, including men from other parts of Ireland such as Cavan and Monaghan. Meanwhile at Kilroot, a huge artillery fort helped protect Belfast from sabotage attacks by the enemy navy. At Whitehead, the new airship base was a crucial part of the war on German U-boats, and the hotels became convalescent homes for wounded servicemen.
Philip Orr has written extensively about the Great War and his work includes books about the Battle of the Somme and the Gallipoli campaign.
Carrickfergus, Whitehead and the Great War was awarded funding by the Community Relations Council and was published by Carrickfergus Borough Council through Mid-Antrim Museums Service. Copies can be purchased at the Tourist Information Centre, Carrickfergus Museum & Civic Centre at the special promotional price of £5.00 for a limited period only.
