The evening began with me trying push my way into the room the launch of Galway Bay Folk Tales was to take place in. By eight o'clock the room was bursting and more people were queuing up outside the Cottage Bar. When twenty five Canadians joined the queue Fionnuala Gallagher, compere of the event, decided enough was enough. After a quick chat with Liza behind the bar it was decided to move the event out to the beer garden. So off we all went with Marina and I pointing directions.

The rain and mist that had been hanging around all week cleared up. It was cool but beautiful summer evening. More men, women and children joined us but the beer garden was big enough for us all. Fionnuala Gallagher began the evening by giving a wonderful talk about being a witness to the frantic creation of the book and its illustrations

Having been awoken by my boys at 4 in the morning I was borderline deranged with sleep deprivation by the time it came for me to get up and entertain. But after a quick stimulant (in the form of an apple) up i went and performed a mixture of reading, telling and improvisation. I remembered to introduce Marina to the crowd and managed not to get too distracted by a smoke grey cat that walked along the overhang of the beer garden.


After the show Galway Festival Radio interviewed:
James the director of Colours Fringe Festival, who spoke about my writing; Fionnuala Gallagher who wrote the opening speech for the night; and myself.

It was a superb evening. Huge thanks to Fionnuala, the staff of the Cottage Bar, Colours Fringe Festival, Galway Festival Radio and to everybody who came along to support me and Marina.

These photos were taken by James Harrold, the Arts Officer of Galway City. If anybody else has pictures or video clips please send me a copy. I'm sure you will all enjoy the book. Remember to post up your reviews and to  tell all your friends

Cheers!

Rab