An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 9 REPORT & PHOTOS BY SGT WAYNE FITZGERALD F irst time author, James Langton, officially launched his first in a trilogy of books on the Irish Civil War, The For- gotten Fallen: The fallen of the Irish Civil War (volume 1), in Cathal Brugha Bks, Dublin, on 29th November 2019. The first volume covers National Army soldiers who died in the Irish Civil War. The book's publisher, Mícheál Ó Doibhilín, himself an ac- complished author, historian, and MD of Kilmainham Tales Teo, took to the podium to introduce the book and its author. Mícheál started by explaining the ideals behind Kilmainham Tales Teo, which is now in its 11th year: "We wanted to publish low-cost, pocket-sized books - of which we've published 25 so far. We also wanted to publish new authors, and stories that would break new ground." These new authors include Liz Gillis and Las Fallon, both of whom were present to support their friends and colleagues. "This book ticks a few of those boxes I've just mentioned," Mícheál continued, "however it isn't pocket sized, and it's not low cost, at €30, but we do have a new author in James Langton, and the book breaks new ground. It's a great book that you can dip into and read different sections, it increases our information and knowledge on the Civil War, and we were delighted to publish it." James Langton took to the podium to thank all those in attendance and those who were supporting him in the ac- complishment of publishing his first book. "It was a dream to write a book and get it published," he told the audience before going on to explain how the idea for the book came to him a number of years ago while studying the dead in Glasnevin Cemetery with his friend Ray Bateson. The idea was shelved for a time until he spoke with other published historians Liz Gillis and Las Fallon who both encouraged him to finish, and publish his book. He also thanked Mícheál and Kilmainham Tales for making his dream come true. As James had spent a lot of time in Military Archives researching his book - as do a lot of authors - Comdt Daniel Ayiotis, OiC Military Archives, was invited to say a few words and officially launch the book. Also on the night, members of the Collins 22 Society, of which James is a member, presented a beautiful pencil portrait of Gen- eral Michael Collins to the Michael Collins Club. The Forgotten Fallen: The fallen of the Irish Civil War (vol- ume 1), was reviewed in our December 2019/January 2020 issue. It is available to order from bookstores and online at www.kilmainhamtales.ie. This month we feature a history article from James Langton on the subject of his book. Author James Langton signing copies of his book. Comdt Daniel Ayiotis, OiC Military Archives, author James Langton and Mícheál Ó Doibhilín, MD of Kilmainham Tales Teo. Members of the Collins 22 Society present a beautiful pencil portrait of General Michael Collins to the Michael Collins Club.

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