Delving into Cootehill’s past to support its future

Gemma Good

A new book charting the history of Cootehill’s Market Street has gone on sale to raise much-needed funds for Drumlin House.

‘A Romp Around the Town’ was authored by local historian Hugh O’Brien and all proceeds will go to the organisation close to Hugh’s heart.

Drumlin House in Cootehill provides training for people with special needs.

Drumlin House have “fantastic facilities” all over the town including a print shop, a garden centre, an arts and crafts centre and a space for trainees to learn how to do housework.

Drumlin House has wonderful facilities, but Hugh explained that due to the Covid 19 pandemic, not all of the students could be brought into the venue.

“We’re looking for extra space in the town and that means rents,” explained Hugh.

“The funds raised by this [the book] will go a small way towards paying the rents for these new buildings.”

The cover and layout of the book were completed by manager of the Drumlin House print workshop, Gerald Kearns.

“This man is a fantastic person,” Hugh emphasised, adding that without Gerald and the members of Drumlin House, he “wouldn’t have the book”.

As one of the founding members of Drumlin House, Hugh is now Honorary President of the organisation.

“It means I have a title but no work,” Hugh joked.

Hugh is very proud of how the organisation is progressing.

“We started off with four trainees and now we have 92,” Hugh said.

He visits the members regularly and looks forward to a time when they can all meet together again.

“They’re fantastic, they really are fantastic,” he said. “They are just beautiful people.”

He encouraged the people to show their support for Drumlin House by purchasing ‘A Romp Around the Town’ or donating to the work they do.

A Romp Around The Town’ cost €8 and is available at: Drumlin House, D Hemp Shop, Pricewise Cycles and Toys, Hannigans Grocery and Hidden Treasures Cootehill.

See next week’s print edition for a feature-length interview with Hugh O’Brien.