‘I’m glad to see he has at last produced his homework’ Tipperary poet launches his first book
Can you imagine one of your former teachers helping you launch your first book?
Me neither, but that is exactly what happened at the event for Aspects of a Life by Nenagh poet Gerry Coffey.
Scotus Press co-founder, one of Gerry’s former school teachers and life-long friend, Jack Harte said:
“Gerry and I go back a long way.
“He was my pupil in Clondalkin. I’m glad to see at last, he has produced his homework.”
The book was launched at Nenagh Library on Saturday November 25, to a small group of friends, family and poetry lovers.
The book was designed by Scotus Press’s Pat Pidgeon, who is also a long good friend of the author.
He was also the driver behind the books inception. He told those gathered that he loved Gerry’s poetry contributions on Facebook and his commentary on social and political issues.
The group were together in Dublin a year ago when the idea of Aspects of a Life came about.
This, he said, was nothing new as he regaled the audience with tales of local social movements in 1970s.
The pair hail from Clondalkin and are damn proud of it.
“We were all socially active, we wanted to change the world and save our community,” said Mr Pidgeon.
He told stories of demonstrations, a homemade magazine and a drive to include all from the margins of the community.
Gerry told his own tales of course, but through the recitation his newly book-bound poetry.
A couple were inspired by people Gerry knew who have now passed on.
Others about stories told to him and that reflect Ireland’s history, culture and life in the country’s capital.
One poem was inspired by the current housing crisis and all the people who are affected by it.
Another, a reply to President Michael D Higgins speech at the opening of the community garden in Nenagh in 2012.
His poetry addresses the marginalised and the elite. And Gerry’s poetry does not discriminate.
He is a ‘true believer’ in a better world and has surrounded himself with like-minded souls.
But though Gerry has made his home in Nenagh, Clondalkin will always be his heart.
He concluded with a thought for his family.
“If me mother and father could see me now, they’d say well would you look at him.”
Mr Harte said though Gerry is now older and wiser, “he hasn’t changed a day since he was 14.”
Aspects of a Life is available to purchase from local shops in Nenagh including, The Nenagh Bookshop, JKCs, Easons and the Pantry Cafe. Sheelagh Na Gig in Cloughjordan also have copies.