'Shelliky-Booky Land' exploring Clonmel in 1981 launched

Drama and singing enlivened Clonmel library at the launch of Newcastle author Louise Garcia's book ‘Shelliky-Booky Land’ recently.
Local performers Catherine McVicker, Paul Kelly and Bernadette Culhane assisted Louise in dramatising sections of the six stories in the book, each concerning a different child growing up in Clonmel in 1981. Jingles from RTÉ radio of that era brought back memories for many present.
Louise spoke of her long-standing love for Clonmel where she spent her school summer holidays staying with Tom and Maura Hannon in Connolly Park. Her teenage diaries gave her plenty of material to recreate an authentic sense of Clonmel as it was in 1981 in Shelliky-Booky Land.
Guests shared their own thoughts about how Clonmel and Irish childhood have changed in the past 35 years, while sampling red lemonade, Cidona, biscuits and sweets that typified treats for children in 1981.
Shelliky-Booky Land is currently available at The Bookmarket, The Late Late Store, Marian’s and Tall Tales, Clonmel, priced at €6.50.

Louise Garcia draws on games shared with childhood friend Colette Maunsell Cloona in the stories in 'Shelliky-Booky Land'.