Pair of long-lost books returned to Mayo library after 105 and 71 years

The copy of None Other Gods by Robert Hugh Benson was 105 years overdue. 

Mayo County Library was reeling in the years last week as two very late book returns came belatedly through its doors.

A Castlebar woman discovered a copy of The Quiet Man in her late parents’ home and diligently returned the Patrick Purcell novel. The book was 71 years overdue.

Meanwhile, a book originally borrowed from a library in Ballycastle more than a century ago found its way back to Mayo via the inter-library return system.

The copy of None Other Gods by Robert Hugh was borrowed from St Brigid’s Parish Library in Ballycastle in 1921. 

After 105 years away from home, the book came back to Mayo via Bundoran Library in Co Donegal.

“We had a few late book returns over the past few days - very late!” said Mayo County Library in a post on social media.

“The copy of The Quiet Man by Patrick Purcell was returned last week by Liz Murphy. The book, which she found in her late parents' house (Billy and Annette Murphy, Castlebar) was only 71 years overdue!

“The copy of None Other Gods by Robert Hugh Benson arrived through our inter-library delivery system, also last week, from Bundoran Library. 

“It was originally from St Brigid's Parish Library, Ballycastle, dated 1921. Just 105 years overdue this time,” said the library.

“Thank goodness for all concerned, libraries in Ireland have consigned late fines firmly to the past,” Mayo County Library added.