Writer and linguist Charles Duff was commemorated by the unveiling of a Blue Plaque at Forthill Street in Enniskillen last week.

The unveiling was performed by his great nephew Sir Anthony Hart.

Once the forgotten son of Enniskillen, the plaque will serve to reignite interest in the life and work of the former Portora student who was born in Enniskillen in 1894, whose ashes were scatted near Portora Castle.

Fluent in seven languages, the largely self taught author spent time in the Merchant navy, the army, served as a barrister and worked in the press office of the Foreign Office.

Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Councillor Stephen McCann explained at the unveiling: “As an author, his best known book, “A Handbook on Hanging” was a powerful pleas against capital punishment, and is widely regarded and as a classic piece of satire much admired by such literary luminaries as Bertholt Brecht and Dylan Thomas.

"Duff’s contention was that whatever capital punishment was, be it justice, vengeance or a deterrent it was most definitely killing. First published in 1928 it has gone on to enjoy several edition and reprints across the world.”

“Charles Duff joins an illustrious list of individuals who have been awarded a Blue Plaque in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area by the Ulster History Circle.

“He is joining such luminaries as artists Kathleen Bridle and William Scott, champions of the written word such as Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde, WF Marshall and Alice Milligan, composer and musician, Joan Trimble and First World War Veteran Eric Bell VC,” he added.

Mr. Frank McHugh, Secretary of Fermanagh Genealogy, said: “An Ulster History Circle plaque is a fitting way to remember the achievements of Charles Duff and to celebrate a really interesting and varied life. Doing the research for an Ulster History Circle plaque fits very neatly into the role of Fermanagh Genealogy. We regularly help visitors with their genealogy enquiries at Enniskillen Castle.

“I’d like to thank the Fermanagh Genealogy trustees for supporting the idea of raising funding for an Ulster History Circle plaque. I’d like to thank Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Fermanagh Trust for providing the necessary funding. I’d like to thank the Ulster History Circle for supporting our application, as well as Frankie Roofe for completing the initial research.

“I’d also like to thank Gordon Brand and Derek Davis for their initial perseverance in bringing Charles Duff to the attention of Fermanagh Genealogy.”