PICTURES: Tipperary man launches new book in front of capacity crowd

Last Friday evening, Cahir House Ballroom was at full capacity, with a crowd of over 350 gathered for the launch of Noel O’Donnell’s novella, ‘The McCarthys of Ballyhenry’.

People travelled from far and near, keen to support the popular Cahir business man with many queuing outside the ballroom hoping to gain access.

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Ably hosted by Hughie O’Donnell, the evening featured on-stage interviews with Noel and the book’s illustrator, Ronan Dedenys of Cahir Arts, while Noel’s three daughters, Jennifer, Emma and Shauna read extracts from the book interspersed with beautiful music and song by the talented Richie Delahunty and Mia Rose O’Sullivan.

Cahir native and well-known poet, Margaret Galvin, travelled from her home in Wexford to take part in the community celebrations, congratulating Noel for realising a long-held dream and vision.

She paid tribute to his work, saying, “The story of the McCarthy’s, their suffering, courage, love and resilience is indeed a story that deserves to be told. Noel traces an arc of redemption, presenting a clear and relatable story that engages us emotionally with telling detail and credible characters. Above all else, this is a story that reminds us of our duty of care to one another, especially to children.”

Margaret saluted the loyalty of the close-knit Cahir community for coming out in such large numbers to support one of their own. Noel was overcome by the warm reception and thanked everyone for attending.

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He paid tribute to all who had supported him on his writing journey, especially his wife Mary and children; Annette Condon, who helped Noel edit the book and plan the launch event as well as Kailee Burke, Aine Reidy and Mia Rose O’Sullivan who promoted the event on social media and managed book sales on the night.

It’s not too late to lend your support! All profits from the book sales will be donated to two worthy causes: The Cari Foundation and The Dillon Quirke Foundation.

Noel’s book is available for sale at €14.99 at Woodview Texaco Station; Cahir Post Office; Cahir Arts, SuperValu and select bookstores around Tipperary.

The McCarthys of Ballyhenry may also be purchased as an Ebook at €8.99 from lettertecbookstore.com.

Pictured above are Noel and Mary O’Donnell (centre) with their children, daughters Shauna, Emma and Jennifer, sons Alan and Ryan, and grandchildren.