Simon Harris TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) today (19 May 2015) visited Newgrange to launch a book entitled "First Light: The Origins of Newgrange" by Robert Hensey.

Speaking at Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre Minister Harris said: "I am delighted to be here this afternoon to launch a new book on this inspiring monument. Newgrange is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and is in the care of my office, the OPW. Robert's book goes for the big question – why were these Neolithic monuments built at all? Newgrange easily transcends age, culture, language in the same way that all truly great and ageless works of art do. That is why visitor numbers reached almost 250,000 last year alone and over 4 million since this visitor centre opened 18 years ago. I am proud to say that the author of this wonderful book Dr. Robert Hensey, has worked in OPW for many years".

"First Light: The Origins of Newgrange" by Robert Hensey uncovers an untold history at Newgrange of a society who left behind a rich, enigmatic and patterned legacy. Challenging both orthodox archaeological opinions and popular conjecture, this is an important book for readers interested in Neolithic archaeology.

The Minister added: "My office continues to maintain the monument at Newgrange and one of the annual highlights is the Winter Solstice which occurs every December when the sun shines directly over the tropic of Capricorn. I was honoured to be present at this unique event in 2014 and would like to thank all in the OPW who work tirelessly to look after this World Heritage Site. I have no doubt that this book will add new layers of insight into this wonderful complex and will be enjoyed by all”.

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For further information or if you wish to interview Minister Harris please contact Colette Davis, OPW Press Officer – mobile 087 947 5552 or email colette.davis@opw.ie

Notes to Editors:

Access to Newgrange is through Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, Donore, Co. Meath. Further information available on www.heritageireland.ie

Publication titled: "First Light: The Origins of Newgrange" Oxbow 'Insights in Archaeology' Series, Oxbow Books, Oxford. Author: Robert Hensey Ph.D, Lives in Co. Sligo and works in OPW.