Local author’s book given 5 star rating on world bookselling site

‘Cookstown From Lough Neagh to the Sperrins’, written by local author Eddie McCartney, was awarded the rating on online book site Amazon - the highest rating available.

Illustrated by Cookstown artist John Haggan, the book brings to life the fascinating history and rich diversity of the Cookstown area, from the shores of Lough Neagh to the Sperrins.

Mr McCartney, an award winning poet who has written a number of musicals, is also celebrating the inclusion of the popular book in one of the country’s oldest and most esteemed libraries.

Cottage Publishing, publishers of ‘Cookstown From Lough Neagh to the Sperrins’, presented a copy to the Linen Hall Library in Belfast at a special function. It will now appear in the library’s reference section.

Speaking about the news, the 75 year-old Cookstown man told the MAIL: “I am absolutely delighted that this has happened.”

“This is a remarkable achievement as it is one of the highest accolades that Amazon can give. You could say that the book has literally placed Cookstown on the world map.”

Mr McCartney, a former headmaster, has written a total of three musicals, two books and a number of award winning poems.

The father of two penned ‘Jimmy Kennedy - Songwriter Supreme’ which was published in 2002. It tells the story of one of Ireland’s greatest songwriter’s who hailed from Coagh and was behind some of the world’s most famous songs including The Teddy Bear’s Picnic, South Of The Border, Did Your Mother Come From Ireland? and Harbour Lights.

‘Cookstown From Lough Neagh to the Sperrins’ can be found in the usual local outlets including Sheehy’s and The Burnavon.