The International Hotel provided the perfect venue for the launch of a book by local man Noel Grimes on Friday.

The book, entitled 'An Gorta Mór 1845 - 1850 and its effects in the Killarney area', is the result of many years of research by Noel into how this famine impacted the people of Killarney.

His interest began when he was asked to lead a group of schoolchildren on a tour of famine related sites in the town.

By studying local newspapers from the 1840s and minutes of workhouse Board of Guardians meetings, he saw just how the poor struggled to survive.

The research did not end with the tour but continued for many years resulting in this book. From exploring the origins of the Killarney Workhouse, now St Columbanus's Home, to the desperate conditions in the town's laneways, 'An Gorta Mór' tells the story of the ordinary people of Killarney.

At the launch, a delighted Noel said he hoped his book would "provide a window into the hardships experienced by those living in the town at that time".

Limited copies of the book are available from Quill's Menswear in Killarney. Inquiries to gortamor@hotmail.com.