Pádraig's book celebration
Children's charity to benefit from event
The playful portrait of Shane MacGowan depicted on the cover of the pictorial book ‘Songsmith’ by Pádraig Ó Flannabhra, will be on display at a celebratory function to be held at Nenagh’s Abbey Court Hotel in mid-October, in aid of United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
It is just over a year ago since the book, picturing the Pogue was launched at Nenagh Arts Centre, by Siobhán MacGowan, sister of the late front man and founding member of the Celtic punk band, The Pogues. The hardback book with a foreword by band member, Spider Stacy, shows pictures from the Pogues only concert held at Kennedy's Lounge, in his local village of Pocán on Little Christmas/Nollaig na mBan 1986 and a centre piece of twelve black and white portraits - The Twelve Shanes of Christmas - from the photographer's studio in Silver Street, Nenagh from 2003.
The third and final section shows a touching tribute of Shane's funeral, at St Mary of the Rosary Church, Nenagh in 2023.
Page three of the book shows a letter from UNICEF stating: “We wish to thank readers and Photographer Pádraig Ó Flannabhra for supporting UNICEF in its work in helping Palestinian Children in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in their purchase of this book. To children who are battling with hunger every waking minute, your generosity is a lifeline .”
Since the book’s well-attended launch of last year, its success has continued, necessitating a second printing in order to meet orders from at home and abroad.
A reception in celebration of the book ‘Songsmith’ in support of UNICEF will be held at Nenagh's Abbey Court Hotel on Tuesday, October 14, at 7.30pm, when all proceeds from the ongoing book sales will be presented to special guest, Peter Power (CEO) UNICEF Ireland. Guests will include writer Siobhán MacGowan; former Galway hurling star, and UNICEF Ambassador, Joe Canning.
Other surprise guests will also be present on the night, and as no celebration would be complete without a little night music, renowned Irish fiddle player and composer, Eileen O'Brien, who teaches and lectures at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick, will be accompanied by skilled pianist and flautist Deirdre McSherry, known for her accompaniment skills; adding a lively sparkle to melodic instruments. Young harpist, Ruby Walsh, will entertain guests with a tune she has prepared specially for the evening. A classical music piece will be rendered on violin by artist and costume designer Genevieve Keane. In addition, a short specially commissioned video piece on the book will be screened.