The publication yesterday of From Here to the Horizon, the Laois Anthology 1999, marks the end of Rita Kelly's term of office as writer in residence for Co Laois.
The anthology is a remarkable collection of work by the people of Laois, adopted Laois people and some, indeed, who might prefer not to be in Laois at all.
This minority is the prisoners who were included by Galway-born Rita because they "too form part of the Laois community".
"I really enjoyed putting this together and I think it represents what is going on in the literary world in Co Laois," she said.
"There are over 70 different works from a very wide variety of people going from a very young age to people in their 80s who are writing their own stories.
"The sheer variety of the writing makes this a very important book, but above all, I have been most impressed by the young voices contained in it.
"The young people who have written for the anthology speak with great clarity and with a great sense of their own place.
"Their voices make me very hopeful for the future because I like what they are saying and the way they say it," she said.
She was also very pleased with the contributions made in Irish.
"It is good to see that the language is alive and cherished in the midlands and it can properly hold its place in an anthology like this," she said.
Pat Dwyer, Tipperary born but who claims Laois citizenship, writes a poem in Spanish called Un Cubalibre.
There is a poem also from Martin Nevin, a member of the Travelling community, living in Portlaoise. It's a very moving poem about a friend who committed suicide.
The third Laois Anthology was officially launched by Kathleen Watkins in the Dunamaise Theatre and Centre for the Arts, Portlaoise, last night. It can be obtained from the Arts Office, Laois County Council or by calling 0502-22044.