Patrick’s Story Sells Like Hot Cakes!

The Life And Times Of Patrick Kearney

He’s been waiting 18 months to get the word out but its all been worth while for Patrick Kearney, native of Corofin and a well known character in the Brothers of Charity Services in Clare. While many people might feel there’s a book in them, Patrick has gone that step further and proved it with a volume of his early memories and present day reflections written with social historian Kelley Johnson and published by Copper Read of Limerick.

His often amusing and disarmingly forthright observations of life growing up in rural Clare, helping his mum on the old West Clare railway station at Corofin as assistant gate keeper, his struggle for respect and acceptance amongst family and friends, the stories of long ago learnt at his grandma’s knee, all make for a compelling read and certainly captured the imagination of Copper Read’s managing director Gary Mac Mahon “Patrick has single handedly recovered the spirit and honesty that inspires good book publication.”

“raising the bar”

These sentiments were echoed at the recent Open University Social History Conference in Milton Keynes, U.K. where founder member of the 12 year old “Social History” series of conferences, Dorothy Atkinson, spoke highly not only of the book’s content and the impact Patrick made through his presentation there, but also of the production values, the book’s beautiful colour and sepia photos and double fold cover. which she said “raised the bar” for books which capture the spirit of the often hidden histories of people with a learning disability.

The book buying public seem to agree with a surge of interest in the publication following Dan Danagher’s feature article in the Clare Champion back in July. Patrick will be presenting his book in West Clare at what was the old Taylor’s Bar (now Garrihy’s) nearby the old railway’s much loved “Moyasta Junction” on September 3rd prior to its official launch later in the month at a date to be announced. Copies are available directly from Brothers of Charity Clare H.Q. (065 6849400) and at local booksellers in Ennis and Corofin.

For further information contact robhopkins@clare.brothersofcharity.ie