Category: Book Launches

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Book Launch | Only When I’m Dancing by Wayne Power … by Wayne Power

Front cover of Only When I'm Dancing Can I Feel This Free by Wayne Power

Back to News >

Only When I’m Dancing Can I Feel This Free

– Wayne Power’s forthcoming collection of poetry –

St Patrick’s Gateway Centre is the place to be if you happen to find yourself in Waterford tomorrow, Thursday 26 October, when Waterford Writers Weekend gets underway. The venue will see the launch of author, poet and spoken-word artist, Wayne Power’s latest volume of poetry, Only When I’m Dancing Can I Feel This Free.

In this, his third publishing outing, Wayne Power is truly an author who is well into his groove at this stage in his career. With more than a nod and a wink to the Queen of Pop (and a debt of gratitude, perhaps), Wayne says of his latest offering:

“The lyrics from which this book is named after, I feel are fitting. They encapsulate joy and freedom: something I have struggled and fought for, for a long time and feel I have achieved through poetry and spoken word. I have found my voice and freedom through this beautiful art form that has ultimately changed my life.”

Wayne Power is a writer who “speaks for and to a lot of his generation” in the words of playwright, Jim Nolan. His third collection is, arguably, the strongest to date, which is no mean feat, coming on the back of Everyone’s a Star after Midnight, published in 2020 and Neon Hearts and the Angry Mob that followed in 2022), both of which were well received by audiences and critics alike.

Only When I’m Dancing Can I Feel This Free by Wayne Power is published under the imprint of The Manuscript Publisher. It will be formally launched by Tony Kelly, whose film The Hurler is currently showing in Irish cinemas. The launch takes place on Thursday, 26 October at St Patrick’s Gateway Centre, Waterford City starting 7pm.

Copies of the book can also be ordered online, along with previous volumes of poetry by Wayne Power.

Wayne Power is a writer, poet and spoken-word artist based in Waterford City. His work has come to prominence in recent years, both locally and nationally, through his performance art, three collections of poetry and some plays that he has written.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

On This Day: Melodies at Eventide by Rex Lee is published in 2016

Front cover of Melodies at Eventide by Rex Lee

Back to News >

Melodies at Eventide by Rex Lee

– a story of overcoming disability and independent living –

Melodies at Eventide by Rex Lee was published on this day in 2016. The book was formally unveiled at a well-attended book launch held at Kells Library, in the author’s home town of Kells, Co. Meath. Family and friends of the author, from all walks of his varied and interesting life, came out to show support.

Rex Lee’s story is one of somebody who overcame disability, never allowing it to limit his outlook or narrow his horizons. Motivated and guided by a philosophy of mental and physical compensation, he seized every opportunity that was offered to lead an active, fulfilling and independent life.

His story is contained within Ireland’s story, as a country striving to assert itself on the world stage, overcoming barriers and obstacles that history had put in the way. His account spans much of period since the Second World War – or The Emergency, as it is sometimes referred to in Ireland. Through his own involvement and activism, he both witnessed and played a part in the making and shaping of the Irish society that has been handed down to us today.

Melodies at Eventide by Rex Lee is published under the imprint of The Manuscript Publisher and available to buy online, in print and e-book editions.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Book Launch: The Joys of a Second Rattle at Life by William Tiernan

Back to News >

The Joys of a Second Rattle at Life by William Tiernan

– the author’s third collection of poetry to be launched on Saturday, 8 October –

The Father Flanagan Community Centre in Ballymoe, Co. Galway is the venue for the launch, this Saturday, of local author, William Tiernan’s third collection of poetry, The Joys of a Second Rattle at Life, arguably his most ambitious to date.

Whether addressing himself to issues such as pandemics or the war in Ukraine, to more universal themes of redemption and rebirth, battles of the body and the bullying of the mind, Tiernan’s observations go straight to the human heart, breaking down the distance between what is right from what is wrong, conveying it all in his unique and inimitable lyrical style.

William Tiernan is a poet and author who resides in rural Galway, close to the Roscommon border. His writings reflect his personal experiences and convictions as well as strong ties to the community in which he lives, his identification with the place where he grew up. These impressions are particularly reflected in his first two volumes of his poetry: Greetings from Guilka, Ballymoe (2016) and Bluesy Ballymoe (2018). In 2014, he was National Winner in the poetry category at the Hanna Greally International Literary Awards, organised as part of the annual SiarScéal Festival in Co. Roscommon.

The Joys of a Second Rattle at Life by William Tiernan is published under the imprint of The Manuscript Publisher and available to buy online, along with other books by the author. Signed copies will also be on sale at the book’s launch, to take place on Saturday, 8 October at the Father Flanagan Community Centre, Ballymoe, Co. Galway starting 8pm.

Important Announcement

The launch, due to take place today (Saturday, 8 October) of William Tiernan’s book, The Joys of a Second Rattle at Life, has had to be postponed due to a bereavement. A new date, not too far into the future, will be set however, with details posted here as soon as we have them to hand.