AUTHOR David Keys will share “a little known piece of local history” when he releases his new book on 1st Fermanagh Ulster Volunteer Force in Lack this weekend.
The book will examine the very many personalities involved and the opposition to Home Rule in the Ballinamallard, Killadeas, Irvinestown, Lack, Kesh, Tubrid, Pettigo, Belleek and Garrison areas leading to the formation of the Ulster Volunteers in 1913.
Mr. Keys, who has written a number of informative books about the local area, spent several years researching World War One casualties in North Fermanagh. It was during this search that he came across some people who had involvement with the Fermanagh Ulster volunteers in 1913 and 1914.
“I decided this was a piece of little known history at local level that deserved to be researched so in around 2014 after the anniversary of the start of the Great War I decided to do just that. In March 2015 three information gathering events were organised in Irvinestown, Kesh and Garrison and many of those who attended had a wealth of knowledge and documentation relating to the response to the Home bill being introduced in 1914,” he said. 
As a result of the information sessions, Mr. Keys was able to view certificates, lists of those who received proficiency certificates, military hardware, lapel badges, armbands and photographs.
“These items are now highly prized heirlooms. All of the information received and viewed has been used to compile this publication on the 1st Battalion of the Fermanagh UVF. This historical factual event has been overlooked and intentionally forgotten in many quarters. While many families today will be aware that their ancestor was a member of the UVF some will be surprised to discover their ancestor was a member. But one thing is certain: this short lived civilian militia, which never fired a shot in anger, has had a lasting impact on the course of Irish history equal if not greater to any other participant of the time and later.
“It must also be clearly understood the UVF of 1913 to 1919 has no connection whatsoever with later groups who used that name. The publication of this book is intended to raise awareness and keep alive the memory of those who volunteered at this critical time in Irish and European history,” Mr. Keys told The Impartial Reporter.
The book will be launched this Saturday (October 1) at 3pm at Colaghty Parish Hall in Lack, with a special appearance of Fermanagh Somme Association, display of Ulster Volunteer Memorabilia and Fife and drum music, songs and poetry from the era, all introduced by Gary Wilson. 
“The book launch is not a political event rather some record of the response of a community to the imposition of Home Rule 100 years ago,” concluded Mr. Keys.