PICTURES: Huge turnout for launch of Peter Byrne's new book

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Peter with his wife Joan after signing over 150 copies of his book at the very successful launch in Clonmore. Photo: PJ Wright

“I am absolutely blown away by the huge crowd that I see here before me today and I thank you all so much for your wonderful support”, were the opening words of Peter Byrne as he welcomed everyone to the launch of his book ‘Rambling Houses – an important part of our Irish culture’.

Fitzpatrick’s Lounge in Clonmore was packed to capacity for this very special occasion and Peter wanted everyone to know how much he appreciated their support. Particularly since all proceeds from the sale of the book are going to two very worthwhile local charities – Age Friendly Roscrea and the Tipperary Branch of Parkinson's Association.

Peter explained he had very good reasons for selecting those two wonderful charities. He is a board member of Age Friendly Roscrea and also on their finance committee, so he knows first hand the wonderful work they do and how much additional funding is needed to support all their activity.

He also explained that his late brother Ned (RIP) suffered for many years from Parkinson's and the Tipperary Branch of this National Organisation do such great work to support people suffering from Parkinson's and their families, so he knows the funds will be put to good use.

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Securing finance to cover the cost of producing the book was a key factor in making the maximum funding available for the two charities. Peter explained he had approached local councillor Michael Smith before he mentioned the book idea to anyone else and Michael immediately offered to seek grant aid and very soon came back with a positive response.

Tipperary Co Council, at Michael’s request, provided €4,000 to cover all printing costs, which made the whole project possible. Councillor John Carroll, Caithaorileach of Tipperary County Council was present and congratulated Peter on his great achievement and said the Council should be doing more to support projects like this.

Launching the book, Cllr. Smith congratulated Peter on his initiative in producing such an important book. Cllr. Smithj Michael announced that not only was the cost of printing the book covered by grant aid, but he was now committing a further €2,000 to the fund which means an extra €1,000 to each charity on top of whatever the proceeds of the book come to.

Peter explained that the motivation behind producing this book is to acknowledge the great contribution so many talented singers, musicians and storytellers have made to our lives over many, many years.

Unfortunately, so many people who Peter can recall at Rambling Houses and Singing Circles have now passed to their eternal reward. He wanted to remember those people and include their names and photos along with all the current singers, musicians and storytellers who are keeping this wonderful tradition alive.

Over 50 people have contributed articles to the book telling their own stories and recalling their memories of the Rambling House and Singing Circle tradition going back to their youth. In addition, there are some 200 photos included from several different Rambling Houses and Singing Circles across counties Tipperary, Offaly, and Carlow.

Peter expressed his sincere thanks to all those who helped in any way with the production of the book. who had contributed articles and photos, as well as acknowledging all the people who provide their premises for the holding of Rambling House and Singing Circle sessions.

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He especially thanked John Fitzpatrick for providing facilities for the local session on the third Monday of every month and for hosting the launch. He thanked his wife Joan for all her support with every project he has ever undertaken, without her help he could not do it. Joan did an excellent job in organising the refreshments for the launch with the help
of all their family.

Finally, Peter thanked Dimma Print for their great work, advice and professionalism in printing the book. He thanked PJ Wright for his work as photographer and Tommy Ferns who provided the amplification for the launch. Following the official launch, everyone enjoyed a great session of music, singing and storytelling until late into the evening.

Copies of the book are available for €20 from Peter who can be contacted at (086) 2569790.