Dublin launch for Tipp author

Over 100 hundred guests attended the recent launch of Toomevara writer Brendan Lynch’s comprehensive guide to Dublin’s Latin Quarter of writers and artists. History Ireland editor Tommy Graham, who launched the book at the Dublin United Arts Club said: “This is the fifth of Brendan’s books on the city’s writers and artists. I would encourage anyone interested in Ireland’s rich cultural history to read it.”

Among those featured in the book are Tipperary nationalist editor John O’Leary and Fethard sculptor, Lilla Vanston. Also, Kilfeacle’s John Ryan, magazine editor and son of Senator Seamus Ryan, who helped both Brendan Behan, Patrick Kavanagh and many writers of the 1950s.

Guide to the area

With 250 pages and 100 photographs, Dublin’s Latin Quarter - A History and Guidebook is a guide to the area which is based in south Georgian Dublin and encompasses Merrion Row to Pembroke Road. Also, Merrion and Fitzwilliam Squares and the Herbert Street residences of such diverse characters as Brendan Behan and leading Victorian composer Villiers Stanford.

The new book features 80 brief biographies and details of the homes and haunts of Ireland’s most famous writers, artists and musicians. From Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde to Maura Laverty, Maeve Binchy and Mary Lavin. Artists Jack B Yeats, Francis Bacon and Paul Henry to the pioneering May Guinness and Mainie Jellett.

The book pays overdue tribute to the women artists who travelled to study in Paris in the early 1900s. Also, to the revolutionary 1950s pocket theatres and to Westland Row’s Irish Academy of Music’s contribution to international classical and pop music with such artistes as Joan Trimble and harpist Tara MacNeill.

Author of 11 books, the Toomevara author reminded the audience: “Ireland enjoys a rare distinction, it is the only country in the world to have a musical instrument as its national symbol, the harp. Dublin’s Latin Quarter marks the end of my Dublin writing saga. It may be my last book. At 87. I am now considering early retirement!”

Dedicated to north Nenagh CBS teacher Rodney Bent and Toomevara's Tom MacDonald, further information may be found on website: dublinslatinquarter.ie.