Castleblayney Library has introduced a new monthly publication titled History with a Wink, offering readers a fresh and engaging look at the town’s past. Blending fond remembrance with light-hearted storytelling, the newspaper aims to bring local history to life in a way that is both accessible and entertaining.

The initiative draws on archival materials, including vintage photographs, old newspaper clippings, and personal letters, to highlight everyday experiences from decades gone by. Rather than focusing solely on major historical events, History with a Wink shines a spotlight on the social fabric of the time—capturing humour, quirks, and the voices of ordinary people.

One recent feature includes a 1962 “Letter to the Editor” from The Monaghan Argus, in which a disgruntled dancehall attendee humorously laments being refused multiple dances at the Embassy Ballroom in Castleblayney. The letter offers a glimpse into social customs of the era, as well as the lively cross-border dance culture that once defined weekend life in border towns.

Castleblayney Library Facebook Page for more information: www.facebook.com/castleblayneylibrary