Book Launch for “36 Views of Croagh Patrick”.

Minister-of-State for Tourism Michael Ring TD came and gave us a great blast. Matt Molloy’s Yard Bar was full to capacity with a wonderfully supportive gang, mostly unfamiliar faces which was amazing. Lots of people bought the book, and the crowd seemed to enjoy the few poems I read out. Certainly, you couldn’t have asked for a better launch. Mega thanks to Liamy MacNally, my publisher, who did the organising, including roping in the Minister.

Another launch is due in Louisburgh, thanks to Ger Silver, on Saturday the 29th of November. The West View Hotel at 5.00pm.

Today my book, “36 Views of Croagh Patrick, Pictures and Poems” was published by CPR Publications , in Westport, Co.Mayo.

The book is a small format (8″ x 8″) paperback, 111 pages with three-line poems on one page, facing an image of Croagh Patrick opposite. The pictures were originally made in high temperature ash-glazed stoneware for an exhibition at the Sea, Sky, Shore Gallery in the Westport Arts Festival a few years ago.

The work, inspired by Japanese artist Hokusai’s famous “36 Views of Mount Fuji”, brings together my homage to Hokusai and my veneration for Croagh Patrick, the Reek, and its place in my life since earliest childhood. The Reek is simply the most beautiful mountain in the world. It is also one of Ireland’s oldest places of pilgrimage, since before Christian times.

There are 50 images altogether, the second section of the book being a meditation on the Pilgrim’s Path up the Reek, a journey I have taken many times.

The book is now for sale, and can be ordered through this website for euro 12.99 + postage.

My short documentary about the wonderful traditional women potters of Nigeria is being shown at Ceramic Art London, The Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, this coming Sunday at 3.00pm.