Castle times

Heaven is mentioned several times. So is Shang-ri-la

Heaven is mentioned several times. So is Shang-ri-la. The New Yorkers are especially enthusiastic about Ashford Castle - Through the Centuries. The book by Olda Fitzgerald, which is launched at a simply delicious soiree at Iveagh House during the week, maps the history of the castle from its early days in 1228 to today.

Financier Kevin Crowe, chairman of the board of Ashford Castle, has flown over from the Big Apple for the occasion. New Yorker, Sheila O'Malley, a director on the castle's board, is also here - dressed in jade green. Food expert Darina Allen is here too, in evening black.

Talk is of the luxury hotel on the shores of Lough Corrib where all manner of famous guests - think Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne - have stayed over the years. Val Gunning, former chief executive of Calor Gas, and his wife, Sheila Gunning, are regulars, they say.

Another regular at the castle is writer J.P. Dunleavy, who has travelled up from Mullingar for the launch. He's just finished his latest book, A Letter Marked Personal.

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The Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Dr Jim McDaid, launches the coffee-table book. Oh, for a cottage in the west, or a castle.