Entertaining read on estate at centre of Solheim Cup

A book aimed at providing an accessible and entertaining read for visitors unfamiliar with Killeen Castle, as well as to revive some memories for local people who have fond recollections of the estate, was launched at the Solheim Cup venue on Friday night. Cllr Eoin Holmes, cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, launched the book by local resident and journalist, John Donohoe. 'The Killeen Castle Story' is a illustrated book tracing the story of the estate from the building of the castle by the Normans in 1180 to its current incarnation as a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. Speaking at the launch, John Donohoe said his aim was to tell the story in a way that would interest both the stranger and the long-time Killeen neighbour, and that there had been some great material to take inspiration from. "'Seventy Years Young', the memoirs of Elizabeth Fingall, is an absolute treasure trove of tales of life in the castle in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Mary Rose Carty's 'History of Killeen Castle' tells us all we need to know about the Plunkett family. And Christine Baker's work as a result of the archaeological excavations for the golf development reveals a lot of new information," he said. Cllr Holmes said that everybody in the Dunsany area is delighted that the Killeen estate has been given a new lease of life. "The castle will be centre stage when the Solheim Cup takes over this week. Indeed, Killeen will be on the world stage, and rightly so. This book is part of the local effort to ensure all visitors to the 2011 Solheim Cup have an enjoyable experience here and leave with good impressions and memories." The book is dedicated to the late Jim Dungan from Dunsany, who died suddenly in September 2001, and was printed by A&J Print, Skryne. Recommended retail price is €10.