Most outsiders would be unable or unwilling to write about Athlone, Co Westmeath, in the terms set out in a new history of the town written by one of its native sons, Dr Harman Murtagh.
Dr Murtagh's introduction to Athlone - History and Settlement to 1800, which has just been published, says that although Athlone has frequently attracted the attention of people of consequence, it has produced few prodigies.
"The thin population and deficient educational and social environment probably contributed to the paucity of talent," Dr Murtagh writes.
"Coupled with these factors may be the more nebulous but no less deadening influence of the still air, flat horizons and saucer-like sky of the `damp and dreary midlands'. "
The introduction goes on to say that historians depend on records for their raw material, and in the case of Athlone there is almost a total dearth of pre-19th-century local records: civil, ecclesiastical, commercial and family.
"No corporation papers or minutes now exist. Church of Ireland records date from shortly before the middle of the 18th century, but entries from the early years are few in number and sparse in detail." Despite these difficulties, Dr Murtagh, a senior lecturer in law and Irish studies at Athlone Institute of Technology, has produced a fine work which, he writes, is for the people of Athlone and their posterity. "To be a native or a resident of Athlone is to be a citizen of no mean city," he says.
Athlone, while producing few prodigies, had its fair share of high-profile visitors, including Vikings, Normans, Saxons and Dutch.
The strategic importance of the town on the Shannon was recognised early by invaders and natives alike. King Cathal Ua Conchobair of Connacht built one of the first causeways or bridges across the river in AD 1000. The bridge and the castle became the focus of habitation and war over the next 800 years.
According to Dr Murtagh, Athlone in 1691 was the scene of the heaviest artillery bombardment in Irish history when the Williamite forces under a Dutchman, Baron Ginkle, attempted to take the town. In 10 days from June 27th, 12,000 cannonballs, 600 bombs and a great many tons of stones fired from mortars were fired at the town. Extra money had been paid to the gunners, who were also supplied with a hogshead of beer to help in the work.
This is just one of the many interesting periods of history recorded faithfully in Dr Murtagh's book, which has been published by the Old Athlone Society with the support of the Heritage Council.
Athlone - History and Settlement to 1800 by Dr Harman Murtagh, ISBN 9503 4285 8