On Friday night there comes the launch of yet another Strabane history publication when William Roulston's latest book, Restoration Strabane 1660 –1714, will be formally unveiled at the Alley Theatre at 7.00 pm. This launch is in conjunction with the series of events organised to commemorate the Flight of the Earls and is jointly sponsored by the Strabane History Society and Strabane District Council. The book tells of the development of Strabane in the half century following the Cromwellian Wars and examines the story of those who tried to establish a prosperous town in an era of conflict and changing fortunes. Chapter headings include the role of the Abercorns in the development, the people who made up the leadership in the growing town, the state of the economy and the impact of the churches and religious controversy. The event is open to anyone and the book will be on sale at the launch.

On Friday afternoon the tour of pre and Plantation castle sites in the Strabane area will start from the Library at Railway Rd at 2.30pm and prior booking with Martin Bradley at Strabane District Council (phone 71382204) is essential as spaces are very limited. The tour will touch on those sites that played a role in the O'Neill Wars and look at how some of the early castles were adapted by the British in the latter stages of the War and in the following Plantation settlement.