Local historian Michael Hurley (portrait, far right) has just published his latest book “Baldoyle, Portmarnock, Sutton; a Local History”.  The book is a “comprehensive view of the locality from the Earliest Times to Modern Day” and indeed The Coast features within it’s pages, including a lovely photo of the steel horses sculpture on page 249.

At the launch in Grainger’s pub, Michael extended a warm welcome to all newcomers to the locality now living in Myrtle and Red Arches.

Ever wondered why our area has names such as “Red Arches”, “Sweetman”, "Stapolin", “Morrow”, “Parker”, “Talavera” or “Boyd”?  Or why Baldoyle is Baldoyle?  Well, Michael has all the answers…

Betty Parker’s riding stables were on the land at the Myrtle side of the development, and her family lived in a house named “Talavera” which was demolished in 1970.  A previous tenant of the house was a Mr. Boyd in 1912.  “Myrtle Cottage” was the home of Maggie Thunder, beside the racecourse.  And as for the others, well, you’ll have to read Michael’s book!

It’s a fascinating read, filled with wonderful photos, and would make an ideal Christmas gift.  The book is available locally at Flintstones Newsagents (Racecourse Shopping Centre), Londis (Willie Nolan road), Grange Builders’ Providers (Baldoyle Industrial Estate), Grainger’s shop (Main Street, Baldoyle), Keoghs (Sutton Cross) and at Expert Hardware on Brookstone Road,  priced at just €10.00.

Michael can be contacted by email at mjhurley48@eircom.net

Many congratulations to Micheal on his illuminating and comprehensive work.

 

 

Also check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldoyle for a Description of Baldoyle and the surrounding area.