Author to launch book of short stories in Moore

Ballinasloe-born Xandra Kilduff, historian, playwright, poet and short story writer who resides in Moore, Roscommon, not only launches her new book, “A Treasury of Short Stories” on Saturday, October 19, at 8.30pm in Moore Community Hall but begins the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Moore News and the formation of Moore Community Council.

Xandra is the author of the History of St Nathy’s College, co-author of the trilogy of volumes on the history of Moore and Creagh with her husband Padraic as well as a number of plays including the historic Mather’s of Falty.

Her new book began when she was invited to write a short story for the Moore News in 1988. Now 36 stories later her work has become part of the Christmas tradition in the Moore News. This treasury of short stories contains many of those memorable stories as well as new work.

As a cancer survivor in 1998 Xandra decided to donate the first edition of this work to the East Galway and Midlands Cancer Support in Ballinasloe.

The launch will host a night of readings and music featuring award winning Tom Costello among others.

The book will be available from Salmon’s Department Store in Ballinasloe and other outlets and will be an ideal Christmas gift for those from far and near.

Xandra’s next project is a book on local Medieval saint, Caireach Dergain foundress of a nunnery in Clonburren, Moore.