William Ritchie a native of Newbliss in Co Monaghan has written a book recounting stories from his life growing up in the Parish of Aghabog. The 85-year old is launching his book at 8pm tonight in the Acorn Centre in Newbliss.
The book covers life during William's formative years in school, farming practices in days gone by, community, and the social traditions of the time. It's a small A5 size publication and William was assisted by local Monaghan author and historian, Brian McDonald in bringing the book to fruition.
William told Northern Sound that as he told stories over the years, his family encouraged him to record them. "There was great country life then. The neighbours would come in at night a ceilie; they would come around 7:30pm and stay until 12am.
"My mother would make them tea, twice, and we would have a great night. The ol' boys would sit and smoke their pipes. Myself and my brother used to laugh at the smoke from the pipes curling up to the ceiling," added William.
