Jack getting set for his Greville book launch

Tomorrow Thursday sees the launch take place of Mullingar man Jack Kiernan's book looking at the conviction of Joseph Heffernan for the canal-bank murder of post office worker Mary Walker in Mullingar 103 years ago.Is It Me: The Strange Case of Joseph Heffernan and Murder in Mullingar, has been a labour of love for Jack, who first became fascinated by the story after reading an account of Mary Walker's death in the Westmeath Examiner some years ago.His researches took him into the state archives, looking at original statements and documents relating to the case and the trial.Miss Walker, who was a native of Carlow, worked as a telegraphist, and lived in lodgings at 3 Fair View Terrace. On January 9 1909, she left the house to go for a walk along the canal, heading out in the direction of the old Newbrook racecourse.Sadly, along the way, she was attacked, and her throat was slit - a horrendous act that horrified the town.Police quickly identified Joseph Heffernan as being a possible culprit for the murder, and he was hanged for the death some months later.But was Joseph in fact the killer? That's the question that Jack examines in depth in his book.Those interested in attending the launch are all welcome along. Jack will speak on the night, and will sign copies of his book, which also contains several fascinating photographs of characters involved in the story, and places mentioned in the tale.• Is It Me is to be formally launched at the Greville Arms Hotel on Thursday February 23 at 8pm, an event that is open to everybody.