St. Andrews Resource Centre has joined in a literary collaboration with the History Department of Trinity College, where Mary Muldowney has recorded some twenty four interviews with local people who live and work within the vicinity of the College.

Her book ‘Trinity and its Neighbours’ was launched in St. Andrews Resource Centre by Betty Ashe of the centre, John Hegarty, the Provost of the College and Senator David Norris, who gave an entertaining speech about his student days at the University.

David Norris said “It is wonderful to be at this centre on an occasion that involved the launch of a book that studied the ‘people resource’ that reflects the honest nature of the locals.”

He also raised in his address the issue of sectarian prejudices said to exist in Trinity. “Remember Archbishop Croke, from around the 1790s, who gave his name to the park, was a Trinity graduate,” he said. He added that if the British had not tried to ram the Reformation down our throats that we would probably be the most Protestant people in Europe because we’re so rebellious.

Mary Muldowney had the help of Betty Ashe in sourcing people to interview for the book and also a DVD that makes an interesting accompiament. There is another volume to come out in April and more planned down the line. Dr Muldowney thanked everyone who had participated before signing copies of the book for well wishers.

Currently ‘Trinity and its Neighbours’ is available from the History Department in the Arts Building in Trinity College for €12.95. It will also be available in the Trinity book shop in due course.