Legendary RTÉ broadcaster Anne Doyle pays tribute to Wexford author Maria Nolan at her book launch

'The Shadow of the Pike' follows an ensemble of characters who survive the horror of the Wexford summer of 1798, only to find that they cannot escape their destiny as it repeatedly catches up with them thousands of miles from their homeland on distant shores.

"The pike, a symbol of the struggle against oppression and injustice, casts a long shadow from the battlefields of the 1798 United Irishmen Rebellion in Wexford all the way to the grasslands of Texas and the ill-fated, isolated garrison of The Alamo," said Ms Nolan on the day.

The event was hosted by local actor Fintan Kelly, who described Ms Nolan as a pillar of the arts community in Enniscorthy and Wexford.

"I have known Maria all my entire life. Maria is not only a champion for the arts in Enniscorthy, but she is a champion of Enniscorthy. When it comes to promoting her town, the list really does go on and on," he said.

"But I do feel that her involvement in the arts and historical societies in our community has brought us to this point here today. Maria's knowledge of events make for compelling reading and comparisons of the battles of Vinegar Hill and the Alamo are both breathtaking and heartbreaking," he added.

As well as having Minister James Browne, Deputy Paul Kehoe and Cllr John O'Rourke in attendance, the crowd was treated to a tribute video from RTÉ newsreader Anne Doyle, who congratulated Ms Nolan on her most recent achievement.

"You know that I am your number one fan and that you are a wonder woman. I am very much looking forward to reading 'The Shadow of the Pike. Congratulations," she gushed.

This is the fourth book published by the local author, joining the ranks of her previous publications 'The Shadow of the Hill,' 'The Shadow of Freedom' and 'From the Slaney to the Yukon.' The short film adaptation of 'The Shadow of Freedom' has been receiving worldwide recognition and awards in many international film festivals this year, with Ms Nolan travelling all the way to Texas most recently.

Ms Nolan also launched the short film of her story 'Forbidden Bonds' as part of the new annual Enniscorthy Arts and Culture Festival. The film, filmed by the Wexford Film Workshop and Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactors, follows the young headstrong Lady Maud de Prendergast in the castle in 1240, and her love story with the son of a blacksmith. It is a clash between her Irish blood and her Norman lineage and illustrates the lack of choice given to young girls at that time in history.