Unique achievement for Dr Jim O'Shea as two books are launched on the same evening

Thurles man Dr Jim O'Shea had a very special evening at The Source Library this week when he launched, not just one, but two books.
A fine gathering attended a very informal sociable evening as Professor Willie Nolan, who hails from the same Gortnahoe Glengoole parish as the author, launched the books and gave an insightful commentary on the novel “I'll Meet you at the Roundy O” - an autobiographical account of childhood for the author, although the names and places mentioned have been changed. Still, the characters, events and locations featured in the book are instantly recognisable to those in the know and provide a humorous trip down memory lane for all those in 'the gang'.
Dr Jim's second book - “Understanding and Healing the Hurts of Childhood” stems from his work as a counsellor – a profession embarked upon having retired as Principal of Our Lady's Secondary School in Templemore. The book looks at how childhood largely dictates how our adulthood will be and examines the important question of attachment between a child and their caregiver. The book suggests that if the bond is broken, for whatever reason, the negative consequences will be seen in adulthood. But, the publication also discusses how to heal the associated distresses.
Dr Jim was surrounded by his family and many friends in the lovely setting of The Source Library where host Mary Guinan was on hand to offer a welcome. She spoke of the relationship Dr Jim has with the library going back over 30 years and said that whatever he sets out to do, he gives it his everything.
Dr Jim, a former teacher in the CBS Secondary School in Thurles, told of how this first foray into self publishing allowed him to have greater control of the content of his books – he has a number of other books to his name also. He was especially pleased to see his family, neighbours, counselling colleagues, and set dancing friends in attendance as well as many former classmates and, former teaching colleagues and pupils. He had a special welcome for Mr Christy Shortt, who taught Jim in 5th and 6th class, and his wife Marie. Christy, he said, gave him a great love of Irish and he modelled his own teaching methods on those of Christy – the best compliment he could possibly give him, he said.
Professor Willie Nolan spoke at length about the parish of Gortnahoe and Glengoole and suggested that Jim O'Shea is up there with the best of Slieveardagh writers including Charles J Kickham and de Vere Hunt.“I'll Meet You at the Roundy O” is a compellingly accurate account, he said, and is rather akin to looking at a faded photograph of yourself. The book is an unusual one, he added, but a very well crafted and presented story which is well worth a read.
Dr Jim explained that he had wanted to write an account of his youthful days, and did so many years ago. However, he had been unhappy with it and left it in the attic of his home for many years, before revisiting and eventually burning it. He then sat down and began to write it again and from the pages jumped “I'll Meet You at the Roundy O” - a book he is very happy with and delighted to be bringing to fruition.
The books are available locally and are well worth a read.
Congratulations to Dr Jim on a unique achievement – two books launched in one evening.