Killowen Historical Society » SUCCESSFUL BOOK LAUNCH FRIDAY 4TH DECEMBER 2009

The Society launched their second publication “KILLOWEN - LOST IN THE MISTS OF TIME - VOL 2″ to a packed house in St. Bronagh’s GAA Clubrooms, Rostrevor. An evening of music, song and poetry opened the programme of entertainment in the lead up to the introduction of our special guest

The past may be gone but it is not forgotten - the past has an elusive quality. Once what has gone before disappears, it is not easily rediscovered, but the history of Killowen won’t be easily “lost in the mist of time”, however. In the new book the past is remembered in both poetry and song along with the many stories penned by the members. Liam Sloan - chairperson - revealed how the majority of the material was assembled in under nine months and he thanked everyone who contributed to the impressive enterprise. Mark Brennan was MC for the evening and introduced each artisite in turn. Rose Brennan, local singer/songwriter, along with Rosaleen Farrell, Gerard Farrell, Aibhin Fitzpatrick and James Brennan, kept the audience entertained with their music and singing and for the first time Rose’s two new songs, “By the side of Cnoc Shee” and “Fires of Farewell”. Donal Burke recited his two poems, “Lost in the Mists of Time” and “A Mass Rock Prayer”. James Brennan sang the beautiful haunting “Ellis Island”, this was followed by the members reciting a verse each of “An Exiles Memories of Killowen”.

A piper then lead our special guest - Will Houston - to the stage where he was welcomed by Liam Sloan on behalf of the society.

Will Houston, a present day famous son of Killowen, took time out from his busy life schedule to come to Rostrevor to launch this book and the members are extremely grateful for this.

Will Houston, son of John and Stella (nee Houston) Mitchell and grandson of the late Frank and Stella Houston, Ballintur, Killowen was born in Sussex but came to live in Rostrevor at an early age. He attended the local Kilbroney Primary School and then the Methodist College in Belfast, he then trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama and has played many leading classical roles including Troilus in Troilus and Cressida, Prince Hal in both parts of Henry 1V and the title role in Henry V (for which he was nominated for an Evening Standard Theatre Award for best Actor), Ben Jonson’s Sejanus and most recently Coriolanus, all for the Royal Shakespeare Company. In April 2009 he appeared in “Cause and Effect”, the second episode of the third series of Robin Hood, he also acted in the BBC series of Casualty 1907 and 1909 as Dr. Millias Culpin. His most recent film was “Fifty Dead Men Walking”, he is also in “Sherlock Holmes “(Hollywood Version) which was released at Christmas.

Will commented on the various stories and commended the authors and remarked that many of the articles were “film material” (who knows?). He congratulated all those involved and said it was a great honour to be invited to launch this fantastic historical book. Liam thanked Will for coming and presented him with the first copy which had been specially inscribed. Liam also presented copies to Dean Davies and Canon Jameson and a bouquet of flowers to Stella Mitchell, Will’s mother. In his closing speech the chairman thanked everyone for their support. Mark brought the launch to a close by thanking everyone who had helped to make the evening a success and made a special thanks to the secretary Finola Sloan for her dedication and hard work in co-ordinating this publication, the former chairman, Aidan Murdock presented her with a bouquet of flowers. Mark invited all to have supper.The piper, Mary Louise O’Reilly then played “Auld Land Sang”. The book sales went very well on the night, and are now on sale in the local shops in Rostrevor and Warrenpoint, and Trim Print in Armagh. Books can also be bought from any of the members or by telephoning 0044 2841738849 and through the website.

SUCCESSFUL BOOK LAUNCH FRIDAY 4TH DECEMBER 2009

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