They came from all over the county – but particularly from Portlaoise and Ratheniska – as Pat Critchley launched his new book Bruno, dedicated to his late friend and neighbour, Will ‘Bruno’ McEvoy, in the Killeshin Hotel on Thursday night.
The book is a collection of short stories, yarns and poetry, all told in Pat’s own unique and inimitable style.
And the launch, as you’d expect, was a typical good-humoured affair with Pat, MC Connie Conroy, Seamus ‘Cheddar’ Plunkett, Shay Flannery and Paul Marron – AKA Fr Trendy – all making contributions.
Coming 11 years after the launch of his much-acclaimed autobiography Hungry Hill this latest publication tells the stories of the many characters that may not have made the cut the last time.
There was a book in those stories on its own.
After Shay Flannery read the poem The Kettle Flynn Connie Conroy and Cheddar Plunkett – two great friends of Pat’s – chatted on stage before Pat himself was introduced to the crowd.
And it was story after story after story from there, with Pat brilliantly recalling the likes of Paddy Dea and his uncles Jack ‘The Barbender’ and Tom Keating.
Our photographer Julie Anne Miller was in attendance where she captured a selection of great images.
You can check them out in full below.
Bruno is available to buy in bookshops in Portlaoise.
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