New book looks at the history of Newry's famous Sugar Island

For a short time it became the centre of attention as business owners fought to save their merchandise - and their commercial futures. Previously overshadowed by the celebrity status and pulling power of the shopping centres at the other end of town, it now briefly held the attention of the city's inhabitants and the wider social media audience.

Inevitably, the TV reporters and commentators were drawn towards the next big issue and the clear up began. Thankfully, most of the businesses have survived to continue to serve the needs of the local population, chastened no doubt and fearful of a possible reoccurrence of the earlier catastrophe.

But Sugar Island has been a resilient centre of commerce, ever since its emergence in the 1700s right up to present times. Literally hundreds of businesses have operated in this discreet and intimate part of Newry.

Initially driven by the arrival of the canal, it became a thriving hub of activity and entrepreneurship, spawning a whole plethora of wholesale and retail enterprises.

The nature and scale of the trade carried out in the 21st century may differ from that of the early years of the Island, but the endeavour and determination of its inhabitants remains undiminished.

In his new book, "Historic Newry - Sugar Island" Hugh McShane revisits this unique and much loved part of Newry, telling its story from the 1700s to the 2000s and hopefully rekindling warm memories of the people and businesses that made it the jewel it remains.