THE Kerins O’Rahillys Clubhouse was the appropriate venue on Thursday for the launch of a book by a local journalist.

Stephen Fernane of The Kerryman wrote ‘The Life and Times of Bernard Dillon: The Narie that Won the Derby’ telling the story of Dillon who, in 1901, at the age of 13, left home with dreams of becoming a jockey in England. Within three years he would be the most popular sporting personality in Britain and Ireland.

There was a good turnout for the launch which was performed by Mayor of Tralee Terry O’Brien in front of Stephen’s family, friends and history lovers, while a quintet of classical musicians from Ukraine also played for those assembled.

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The book captures the astonishing true story of Dillon (who was born in Caherina, a stone’s throw from the Strand Road clubhouse),  his rise to success as a jockey  and later his fall from grace due to heavy drinking.

Stephen thanked all for attending and a presentation of a framed photograph of Bernard Dillon was also made to the Kerins O’Rahilly’s GAA Club on the night. The book priced at €15 and available to buy at Polymath Bookshop or at www.buythebook.ie/bernarddillon Scroll down for photos…

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