AMID the St Patrick’s Day celebrations last week, local author Joe Shevlin launched his new book A Brief History of The Basingstoke Irish Society at the town’s Irish Community Centre.

As a member of charity Basingstoke Irish Society, Mr Shevlin has always understood the value and importance of the role it plays within the community.

Born out of discussions, whilst the centre’s future was in doubt last year, he decided to take on the massive challenge of documenting and scrutinising its existence in the town.

Mr Shevlin said: “I felt that it was time to have a written record of the society’s history so that those who put their talents, efforts and energy towards its development through the ages are acknowledged and appraised.

“It was then I decided to take on the task of writing and publishing its history.”

He added: “When listening to some people it was obvious that the Irish Society had a big influence on their lives and meant a lot to them.

“They had such a story to tell that Maureen Kelly agreed to record them and write them up as their personal stories.

“Each is unique in style and content, but also in the way the Basingstoke Irish Society has shaped their lives.”

The book takes the reader, “whether you have Irish roots, connections or just an interest in the Irish Society”, from the society’s beginnings back in 1970. It looks at the special hurling match that was held at the Memorial Park in Basingstoke which proved to be the catalyst for the society’s start in the borough up until the battle it had to save its status within the town and what the future has in store for the society.

What is perhaps most insightful about the book are the personal recollections from those who have lived throughout the society’s existence.

Mr Shevlin told The Gazette at the book launch, which saw an array of dancers, speakers and entertainment enjoyed throughout an evening of Irish festivities, he was elated with the final book.

“It was a hard process, there were many people I had to talk to to really get to the bottom of the society,” he said. “It’s something that is so important to me and the society that we document this so it’s great to see the finished product.”

You can buy the book from the Irish Community Centre, in Council Road for £4.