May Madness

Three books in three weeks is our motto for May, as we prepare for the release of the new edition of Brody Sweeney's highly successful Making Bread: The Real Way to Start Up and Stay Up in Business. The new edition features an audio cd, and business software, and along with updated text, the book has received a big thumbs up from Enterprise Boards, and Business courses across the country.

No sooner will Making Bread be on the shelves, then we will be heading down to Croke Park to promote the biography of the Irish soccer team's new manager Giovanni Trappatoni. Liberties controls the English language rights to Trappatoni: A Life in Football, and the book features an introduction by scudetto expert Paddy Agnew as well as extensive and rare images from the 'Maestro's' career. Lets hope the Irish Team proves as succesful as Trappatoni's career has to date.

Our third and final May book is the much anticipated Lights, Camera, Dynamite: The Adventures of a Special Effects Director, by Gerry Johnston - the first SFX director in Ireland. Already copies of the book have been purchased online, and no doubt, the launch in the Irish Film Institute on the 28 May will be packed with media, celebrities, fans and friends - for who can resist the lure of movie magic??

TTC Delivers to Home Crowd

The doors to Dubray Bookshop on Grafton Street remained open for longer than usual yesterday evening, as the launch of Fiona McPhillip's book TTC - Trying To Conceive: The Irish Couple's Guide was celebrated by a large and supportive crowd. It was a night for old reunions, and first meetings, as Fiona greeted family, and became acquainted with online friends she had made through blogging. Also present was Fiona's biggest fan - her son James, who was extremely excited at seeing his mother's book on display. It took a while for the crowd to come to a lull, so enthusiastic were they at the book's final production. Introduced by Sean O'Keeffe, Fiona acknowledged all those who had contributed to the book, from the smallest gestures like making her a cup of tea, to those who had offered her their own experiences as personal testimonies in the book. While babies were cooed over, older children became firm friends quickly, playing hide and seek amongst the legs of their parents. Eventually, the last of her supporters bade Fiona good luck and dispersed into the balmy evening, allowing the doors to finally close, much to the relief of the Dubray staff!

Liberties and Dubray combine to launch TTC

Tuesday 22 April is an exciting date for Liberties Press and author Fiona McPhillips as we launch our latest title TTC - Trying To Conceive: the Irish Couple's Guide in association with Dubray Books. Fiona's big night will take place in the Dublin Bookshop on Grafton Street at 6.30pm, and given the fanfares TTC has received in initial press reviews, the crowd who come to congratulate Fiona on her first book will be in great form.

Fiona has previously won awards for her blog The Waiting Game, and her website, Making Babies has proven invaluable to couples across the country.

The most powerful aspect of TTC is its combination of medical facts with personal testimony. Aside from her own story, Fiona sought out, and in this book, recounts the stories of other men and women who have suffered from infertility. The book makes a lonely subject a communal topic, offering support, advice and guidance to all those who are trying to conceive.

Liberties Readers to Gain and Give

Liberties Press is pleased to announce the timely publication of Stop Wasting Your Money by Conor Pope, a practical, easy-to-read and well-categorised guide which will save readers substantial sums of money every year - enough to pay for a holiday abroad.

We also are encouraging our readers and web visitors to submit their tips to us and Conor on the Liberties Press Stop Wasting Your Money page, or email their suggestions to moneytips@libertiespress.com. The best tips will be added to this special page and updated every fortnight. Hopefully we can all benefit a little from such shared information.

You can listen to Conor Pope every Monday on Today FM's Ray Darcy Show and read his Pricewatch column in Monday's Irish Times.

Liberties Press supporting Dublin Bookfest March 7th to 9th, 2008

Authors John Montague and Annie Ryan will both be appearing at this years Dublin Book Festival which runs in City Hall on Dublin's Dame St from Friday March 7th to Sunday March 9th. At 11am on the Saturday Annie - author of Liberties Press titles 'Witnesses - Inside the Easter Rising' and 'Comrades - Inside the War of Independence' will take part in the forum called Up For Discussion: Cute Hoors & Brown Envelopes - 86 years on from the Irish Republic, is this what we've become? and she will share the platform with journalists and authors Stephen Collins and Shane Coleman.

On the Sunday afternoon, John Montague, whose recent memoir The Pear is Ripe has been widely acclaimed, will be interviewed by the chairperson of the Arts Council Mary Cloake as part of the In Conversation series that runs through the festival. This is a free ticketed event with a maximum of two tickets per person. Details of all the events can be found on www.dublinbookfestival.com. We hope to see you there!

Fitter, Happier...

Its January and the evenings are beginning to get brighter, the resolutions are hopefully holding, while at Liberties Press we are busy preparing several new titles. On the more practical side our first two titles are by columnist Conor Pope and Irish Times magazine contributor Paul O'Doherty. In January, Paul's book kicks off our year. An Irishman's Diet is somewhat a mix between Bridget Jones Diary and You Are What You Eat - as Paul seeks to lose three stone and complete the Dublin Marathon. Stop Wasting Your Money...and pay for your holiday instead by Conor Pope pretty much sets out to save the reader enough money over one year to pay for a decent two week holiday away. Conor's weekly Pricewatch column is hugely popular and the book will cover areas such as insurance, phones and mobiles, entertainment, travel, financial services, cars and several other areas where our expenditure can be better managed.

The issue of fertility and the options open to couples having difficulty in their efforts to have a child are covered in TTC - Trying to Conceive: The Irish Couple's Guide by Fiona McPhillips (website: http://www.makingbabies.ie) which is the first book in this area specifically for the Irish market - it is out in March. The numerous concerns, pitfalls and unposed questions that arise once people think about inheritance and succession are covered in a unique book called The Good Inheritance Guide by solicitors John G Murphy and Jason Dunne which is due out in April.

To co-incide with the 50th anniversary of Ardmore studios we are publishing the memoirs of Ireland's first and longest standing Special Effects director Gerry Johnston - it has the provisional title of Lights, Camera, Dynamite - The Adventures of a Special Effects Director. Gerry's credits include global hits such as Ryan's Daughter, Excalibur, In The Name of the Father, My Left Foot and Saving Private Ryan and the book reveals the secrets and occasional mishaps behind the visual effects and stunts performed to create the illusion for the viewer. In many ways Gerry's journey is parallel to the development of the Irish industry which now is fully professional and competes on the global stage.

Cricket in December - Yeah Mon

It is a long way from the Caribbean - in terms of distance and in terms of temperature - to the Irish Writers' Centre on a December evening, but there was still a carnival atmosphere as a large crowd gathered to celebrate the publication of the final Liberties Press title in 2007: Ed Leahy's book Green Wickets - Ireland's Adventures at the 2007 Cricket World Cup. The title appropriately enough was formally launched by the team's coach at the tournament and mastermind of their success Adrian Birrell.

Amongst the large gathering of a hundred or so people were Ed's family and friends, as well as the Irish Cricket team captain Trent Johnston and his team-mates David Langford-Smith and Kenny Carroll. Several of the Leinster clubs were represented with guests from Civil Service and Leinster Cricket club amongst the well wishers seeking the signature of the author and team members.

Launching the title Adrian Birrell recalled how the ground-work for the teams success was laid when he took the team to his homeland around Port Elizabeth in South Africa. It was there he said the team learnt to live with one another and became like a large happy family. In praising the book and Ed's account of the events in the West Indies he mentioned these memories would be with the Irish team and himself for the rest of their lives - and the numerous photos by team member Paul Mooney and Inpho's Morgan Treacy would serve as a reminder of those wonderful days.

Author Ed Leahy, having confessed to almost fainting during Adrian's speech, rallied to thank one and all in particular his family and girlfriend Paula who had been so supportive during the writing of the book. Ed recalled how welcoming the Irish team had been to the members of the media and he said he would be hard pressed to find a better bunch of guys to spend six weeks in the Caribbean with. The assembled audience were probably thinking 'nice work if you can get it'.

Once the speeches were over, the crowd bustled together with conversation and wine flowing freely. The normally relaxed atmosphere of the Writers Centre soon buzzed with as colleagues and acquaintances enjoyed meeting each other under such informal circumstances. Eventually the gathering dispersed into the pre Christmas night, with some of the number retiring to Conway's bar to continue the recollections and celebration.

Con Houlihan's Harvest gathers generations together

Liberties Press is pleased to announce the release of it's most recent title A Harvest: New, rare and uncollected essays, by renowned sports journalist and essayist, Con Houlihan. This edition which features a foreword by novelist Dermot Bolger, which captures the warmth and respect which Con enjoys across the country; A Harvest cements Con's reputation as a man of letters as well as one of the countries favourite sports writers. The book gathers generations of artists, writers and the occasional sportsman in the way his pieces in the Evening Press and elsewhere gathered generations together in every household.

Including essays on Van Gogh, Whitman, Cezanne and Hopkins, the author explains literature in his own terms, using the events of daily life to reveal the enigmas of high art. Many of the essays are concerned with Irish luminaries such as Joyce, O'Casey, O'Conaire and Synge as well as pieces on travel and sport.

No Man's Land proves a popular spot

A huge crowd of media and political personalities gathered in the Oak Room of the Mansion House to celebrate the Liberties Press launch of RTE's Middle East correspondent Richard Crowley's new book No Man's Land: Dispatches from the Middle East. The book was formally launched by former Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dick Spring.

Amongst the large gathering of a hundred or so people were Richard's family and friends, as well as his many of his RTE colleagues including Aine Lalor, Tommy Gorman, George Lee and Richard Downes. Senator David Norris, himself a frequent visitor to the region, and former deputy Joe Higgins were among the politicians present. Also present was the newly appointed Press Ombudsman John Horgan was seen chatting with RTE Controller of Programmes Noel Curran.

Liberties Press author Antoinette Walker, who wrote Unstoppable Brilliance: Irish Geniuses and Aspergers Syndrome with Prof. Michael Fitzgerald, was seen chatting with editor Seán O'Keeffe who welcomed the guests and thanked journalists Kathleen MacMahon and Sara Burke who had encouraged Liberties to work with Richard on a book.

Launching the title Dick Spring praised Richard Crowley's hard work in the Middle East over the past six years, commending his integrity and in particular the book's focus on the real protagonists in the conflict at ground level and their honest reflections shared with Richard in the dispatches. Mr Spring who was the first Foreign Minister from a Western country to stay in Gaza, recalled the importance of that occasion despite its Spartan reality. He urged anyone with any interest in Middle Eastern affairs to read the book and hoped that those with any influence in the area would study the book and listen to the voices theirin. Richard spoke briefly, thanking all concerned particularly the people who had spoken to him so candidly and thoroughly. He signalled out his partner Aoife Kavanagh, herself a Morning Ireland presenter, for her encouragement, support and patience during the writing of the book. Richard is heading off to live in Barcelona next year but looked forward to returning to the region for a party in Palestine and Israel, when he said the Palestinian state's independence will also mean in real terms that Israel's independence too is fully secured.

Once the speeches were over, the crowd bustled together with conversation and wine flowing ever more quickly. The normally relaxed atmosphere of the Oak Room soon became a buzzing den as colleagues and acquaintances enjoyed meeting each other under such informal circumstances. Eventually the gathering dispersed into the winter night, although those in a particularly celebratory mood moved on to Keogh's Pub on Sth Anne St - no doubt to continue their efforts to solve the Middle East question, who knows they may even have done it by closing time.

Hordes Storm the Dáil

Trying to get the numbers in to a book launch, as opposed to turning them away is the norm - but such were the crowds in the Member's restaurant in Dáil Eireann for the launch of 'To The Limits of Endurance' by Jack Harte and Sandra Mara that unprecedently, the ushers had to hold the crowd back at the entrance.

The latest book to be published by Liberties Press, which was formally launched by entrepreneur and writer Bill Cullen, charts the heroic, humorous and occasionally horrific WWII experiences of Jack Harte - who later would spend 20 years in the Seanad as a Labour party senator.

Amongst the hundreds of guests were many notable figures from the various strands of Jack's life. Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, Labour deputy leader Joan Burton and former Minister for Arts and Liberties Press author Michael D Higgins, were just some of the public representatives present, along with the New Press Ombudsman, John Horgan and former Supreme Court and chairwoman of the Law Reform Commission Judge Catherine McGuinnness.

From his military days recorded in the book, many of his former comrades or their relatives were there. Submariner Fred Rich who was one of the only surviving members of the submarine Trooper had travelled from the UK and the captain of the Trooper was represented by his son who was only three when his father and crew perished when the submarine was sunk in the Med. A huge number of Jack's former Guinness colleagues were delighted to attend and he and Sandra Mara's family members also made trips from Italy, US and the UK to be there.

In his speech Bill Cullen praised Jack's immense courage and perseverance, while also acknowledging the book's humour and sense of camaraderie. He also confessed to being somewhat wary of what he said, given Jack's boxing career and several boxing buddies assembled stage left. In responding, Jack was clearly emotional in thanking the astonishing numbers of guests and also in remembering his former comrade in arms Walter Pancott who had passed away the night before. He paid particular tribute to two women in his life: his wife Myra and also his co-author Sandra Mara who had turned the 'bar-talk' into a book.

As the evening drew into night the crowds filtered away from the Houses of the Oireachtas, whose staff confessed they had never seen the like of such a gathering. Given the vast numbers present, it is not surprising that the books were completely sold out on the night.

John Montague and friends celebrate the launch of 'The Pear is Ripe'

A large crowd gathered at the Irish Writers' Centre to for the launch of John Montague's memoir 'The Pear is Ripe' which was formally launched by writer and Irish Times columnist Fintan O'Toole.

Amongst the hundred or so guests were notable figures from the arts, music and literature. Paddy Maloney of the legendary traditional group The Chieftains dropped along. It was John who gave the group its name and recorded them on the Claddagh label, which he co-founded with Garech Browne who enjoyed the evening immensely and seemed pleased with his photo's appearance as well as his mentions in the text itself. Nobel prize winning poet Seamus Heaney, a longtime friend of John Montague, was there as writer and poet Philip Casey.The artists Louis Le Brocquy and Anne Madden, and Kathy McGuinness wife of U2 manager Paul McGuinness also came along to support the launch of the second installment of John's memoirs.

In his speech Fintan O'Toole praised the delicate balance between 'tenderness and honesty' that John had managed in recalling events and people in a true way but without being malign towards any of the individuals. John spoke briefly, with a bronze bust of himself looking on from the mantlepiece, and thanked all concerned for their help and support - the only interruption coming from Stephen O'Connell the one and half year old son of Liberties Press director Peter who seemed to be excited too by the book.

The assembled crowd lingered long before moving I am told to La Cave restaurant for a snack and a nightcap or two...

Minister for Agriculture hails 'Strong Farmer'

A large crowd gathered at the Irish Writers' Centre to hear the Minister for Agriculture, Mary Coughlan, launch 'Strong Farmer: The Memoirs of Joe Ward'.

Minister Coughlan took time out of her busy schedule, despite reports of a fresh outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the UK, to explain to the assembled audience the way the book illustrates the ability of the farming community to adapt in the face of adversity. Strong Farmer tells the story of three generations of one family that were intimately involved with the Irish cattle trade through the tumultuous times of the 19th and early 20th Century. Minister Coughlan said that Ciaran Buckley and Chris Ward's book would command interest beyond the farming community and that it is also of interest to anyone with an interest in the history of the countryside and the history of Ireland.

The gathering included Matt Dempsey, editor of the Irish Farmers Journal, as well as novelist and poet Anne Haverty, who said that the book has "the readability and the effect of a creative piece."

Liberties Publishes some Tall Tales

Our office neighbours Tall Tales Theatre Company have in association with Liberties Press collaborated to produce TXTS - a book featuring the scripts for a festival of 3 new plays by Irish women. Liberties Press editorial director Seán O'Keeffe worked closely with Tall Tales artistic director Deirdre Kinahan and company manager Eileen Sheridan to produce the collection of plays published to mark the festival of 3 plays which opens on June 20th with Kinahan's play Hue & Cry followed by Fireworks by Iseult Golden on July 11th and Tic by Elisabeth Moniyhan on August 1st. The plays will be in Bewleys Cafe Theatre at 1pm daily. Further details can be found on www.talltales.ie.

The Pint Pulling Power of the Beer and Cider Book

A huge crowd gathered in The Porterhouse Bar in Dublin's Temple Bar for the Liberties Press launch of BEER AND CIDER IN IRELAND: The Complete Guide by Iowerth Griffith. The book which is the first survey of all the Irish brews and ciders was formally launched by the Minster for Food and Horticulture Trevor Sargent T.D

Amongst the many well wishers and friends were also several of the micro-brewing and craft cider makers fraternity. David Llewellyn of Double L cider was seen in coversation with counterpart Wilhelm Rost who travelled up from the West Coast to attend.

Oliver Hughes director and Peter Mosley Master Brewer of the Porterhouse mingled with Gerry Forrest of the Árainn Mhór Brewing Company (all the way up from Donegal) and Seamus O'Hara of the Carlow Brewing Company. Actor Seamus Cashman and Eileen Sheridan of Tall Tales Theatre company sampled a few of the Porterhouse brews and joined Liam Kelly of Bord Bia in their admiration of the books design and format by graphic designer Ros Murphy who was seen in conversation - or was in negotiation with editor and publisher Michael Freeman. The Minister of State for Food Trevor Sargent mentioned how valuable a resource the brewing industry was to the economy with exports of €1.39 billion in 2006.He stressed that products using local craft and skill and marketed with an understanding of what groups of consumers want, can really strengthen the local economy. Author Iorwerth Griffith in response encouraged one and all, producer and consumer alike, to push the variety and diversity of Irish brews and ciders before closing with a touching note of gratitude to his partner Alison and baby Annest who had arrived during the book's research and writing.

Former Taoiseach launches Kilmainham Jail Book

A huge crowd gathered in the Kilmainham Jail for the Liberties Press launch of Niamh O'Sullivan's book Every Dark Hour - A History of Kilmainham Jail. The book which draws on the colourful, entertaining and often gruesome history of the jail, demonstrates O'Sullivan's comprehensive knowledge of all the sources relating to the building, from the official records to the graffiti on the walls. Perhaps most strikingly, she presents her personal impressions of the jail and its colourful cast of residents over the years - as well as vivid accounts of the men and women who gave freely of their time and energies to restore the jail to its former grandeur when it was on the verge of being reclaimed by the elements. Dr Garret FitzGerald (another Liberties author) launched the title in the impressive and foreboding surroundings of the prison's East Wing, the setting for films such as In the Name of the Father and Michael Collins. Dr FitzGerald's father Desmond was imprisoned twice in the jail itself and before the launch he visited the actual cell where his father had been interned.

Kilmainham Jail is perhaps the most important building in modern Irish history. A place of incarceration since its construction in the late eighteenth century, it housed a succession of petty criminals, including those who, during the Famine, committed crimes with the sole aim of being imprisoned there: even the meager rations offered at the jail were better than what was available in other parts of the country. The jail was a powerful symbol of British rule on the island of Ireland ; its many residents over the years included Robert Emmet and Charles Parnell, and, of course, it was also the place where the 1916 rebels were taken and executed.

Double Celebration

A huge crowd gathered in the National Library earlier this week for the Liberties Press launch of Annie Ryan's new book COMRADES - Inside the War of Independence. The book which draws on the witness statements taken in the late 1940's follows on from the huge success of Witnesses - Inside the Easter Rising Prominent senator Martin Mansergh launched the title on the date that the Easter Rising had begun and also the author's birthday. The guests numbered people from the world of the politics, history and the media.Fergus Finlay director of Barnado's and former Labour Party adviser, historian and broadcaster Diarmaid Ferriter who contributed a foreword to the book. Commandant Victor Laing who is in charge of the Miltary Archives where the witness statements are housed was seen in conversatiion with local historian James Rediough who travelled from Mayo to attend the launch. Amongst the many friends,colleagues and former students of Annie were Brid Clarke CEO of Mental Health Commission, journalist Sara Burke and Annie's brother Fr Jim Harris Prior of the Dominican order in Waterford. Launching the book, Senator Martin Mansergh praised Annie for both her earlier book Witnesses as well as the current volume Comrades. Decribing the importance of the statements, he remarked 'what the statements convey is not so much history as shaped by leaders as history made and brought alive again by the participants'. Senator Mansergh alluded to the testimony of Seamus Robinson in patricular, the amusing anecdotes of Countess Markievicz's friend Alice Cashel as well as the darker episodes involving the Black and Tans. 'He encouraged the audience to try to find the opportunity to visit the archives and read the witness statements in their entirety and emphasised the huge significance of these primary sources. In closing he added 'this book deserves to be widely read and bought'.

Annie Ryan is available to discuss the themes and issues raised in 'Comrades'. Please contact Liberties Press on 01 415 1224 or info@libertiespress.com

Liberties Flags Health Book Reprint Already

Everyone at Liberties Press is delighted with the immediate success of Dr Harry Barry's book 'Flagging The Problem: A New Approach to Mental Health' which has sold out within days of its launch by Marie Murray at the Royal College of Physicians in Dublin.

The book which presents a unique overview of the body's mood system has been widely praised. Dr Muiris Houston, writing for the Irish Times, said of Dr Barry's book 'Have you ever come across a book that fundamentally changed your understanding of a subject? Flagging the Problem: A new approach to mental health is such a rarity. It is a superb book. It explains mood disturbances in a fresh and accessible way. I cannot recommend it highly enough, in particular to those travelling the lonely journey of mental illness, and their families'.

ThIn addition well known author Cathy Kelly and columnist and lecturer Professor Patricia Casey and Dr Michael Smurfit all have warmly endorsed the book's publication and its message of hope for the people and families of those troubled with mental health difficulties. Dr Harry Barry is a board member AWARE and has been particularly active in the area of mental health awareness and promotion.

Bowman Homes In on Dublin Nazi No.1

The eminent broadcaster John Bowman devoted a significant part of his Bowman Sunday Morning show this week to Gerry Mullins' biography of Adolf Mahr - former director of the National Museum of Ireland. The show features the reminiscences of the Mahr children in conversation with Gerry Mullins and contributions from the current director of the National Museum Dr.Patrick Wallace.

You can access the programme here. The segment on Mahr begins at 37mins.

Mahr book makes the national news

Liberties Press is delighted that the launch of Dublin Nazi No.1 - The Life of Adolf Mahr has been the focus of a piece on the RTE national TV news

The piece by David Davin Power features the author Gerry Mullins, the current director of the National Museum, and Hilde Mahr - the daughter of Adolf Mahr. Daughter Ute also travelled to Dublin specially for the launch. The book is available in paperback and hardback and is the second Liberties launch to make the national TV news - the first being Annie Ryan's Witnesses.

You can also listen to a recording of Gerry Mullins interview with Today FM.

Irish National Museum Director to Launch Liberties Title

Dr.Patrick Wallace, director of the National Museum of Ireland has kindly agreed to launch the forthcoming Liberties Press title 'Dublin Nazi No.1: The Life of Adolf Mahr' by Gerry Mullins. The launch appropriately enough will be held in the surroundings of the National Museum, where Mahr himself held the position of director in the 1930's.

Indeed Dr Wallace, who has been hugely supportive of the book's publication, is quoted in the book on Mahr's influence on the museum. He says "there was no worthwhile work done in the Museum during the 30 years before Mahr arrived. Mahr set out to change this and rescue Ireland from what Wallace describes as 'Indiana Jones style boom and blast archaeology', and introduce scientific excavation methods in its stead".

The book will be available in both hardback and paperback and features an extensive photographic plate section; it will be available from the beginning of March 2007.

'This is a book I have been waiting half my lifetime for'

Veteran broadcaster Cathal O'Shannon and presenter of two documentaries on Ireland's Nazis has kindly contributed the foreword to Gerry Mullins book Dublin Nazi.No1 - The Life of Adolf Mahr.

Cathal O'Shannon has a personal interest in Mahr's story and even goes as far as to say that he has been waiting half a lifetime this book.

O'Shannon joined the RAF to fight the Axis powers and in his Hidden History documentaries, Cathal suggests that the Irish state seemed to give a greater welcome to former Nazis and their collaborators than they did to returning war veterans. Gerry Mullins contributed to the series in connection with Helmut Clissman who also features in Dublin Nazi No.1.

As O'Shannon also notes the significant focus on Mahr's family in the book and singles out Hilde 'As in all good books, heroes – or heroines – emerge. In this case it is one of Mahr’s daughters, the feisty Hilde, who comes through a defeated Germany, a land in ruins, to safety'

The book will be launched on March 8th and will be available in large format paperback and hardback also.

Liberties Out For Six In Spring

Liberties Press continues to grow and heads into its fourth year with several notable titles in preparation for publication in 2007. First up is Dublin Nazi No.1 - The Life of Adolf Mahr by Gerry Mullins which is out in March and explores the complexities and contradictions of Adolf Mahr's career as curator of the National Museum, his role as the Nazi organiser in Ireland and the conflict between his ideological stance and often compassionate actions during the Second World War.

Flagging the Problem: A New Approach to Mental Health by Dr. Harry Barry presents a new way of viewing mental health issues and ways to foresee and alleviate various difficulties. The book was prompted by the suicide of the son of one of the doctor's friends.

Another title with a strong history theme is Comrades: Inside the War of Independence by Annie Ryan which will be published in May and follows on from the author's hugely successful book Witnesses: Inside the Easter Rising. The book draws on the witness statements of the protagonists which were recently released 50 years after they were first taken.

As we head for late spring/early summer we launch the first ever Guide to Beer and Cider in Ireland by Iorweth Griffiths who is as Welsh as he sounds but living in Ireland . The Guide covers all our indigenous brews plus a section on the growing number of foreign boutique beers that are gaining popularity.

This book will be followed by Every Dark Hour - A History of Kilmainham Jail, the building whose history is intricately entwined with the course of modern Irish history. Niamh O'Sullivan is the jail's former archivist and her knowledge and insight into its inmates, history and restoration make this first book on the building essential reading for anyone with an interest in Irish history.

LIBERTIES & UNSTOPPABLE BRILLIANCE NOMINATED IN IRISH BOOK AWARDS

The Irish Book Publishers Association CLE has just released it shortlist for the Irish Book Awards the winners to be announced on February 16th. Liberties Press has been nominated in the Best Publicity Campaign for its title Unstoppable Brilliance - Irish Geniuses and Asperger's Syndrome by Antoinette Walker and Michael Fitzgerald. Liberties was nominated in the same category last year for its title Witnesses - Inside the Easter Rising.

Unstoppable Brilliance received widespread coverage in the print media in the Irish Times, The Examiner and the Irish Independent, as well as on Ireland AM on TV3. But perhaps the most notable coverage came on national RTE Radio 1 with Tom McGurk and Michael Fitzgerald having a pretty full and frank exchange of views - with Antoinette doing her best to calm the waters before actor Barry McGovern entered the fray by phoning into the show.

Certainly the book's radical thesis - that many of our greatest historical figures may have exhibited traits which in today's term would see them diagnosed as Asperger's - has prompted quite a degree to debate and discussion which seems sure to continue as the book continues to prove a very popular non-fiction title.

Irish Times and Bacik Give Michael D a positive verdict

Michael D Higgins book Causes For Concern enjoyed very favourable coverage in a major review by Ivana Bacik, Reid Professor of Law at Trinity College in Dublin. Describing his writing as "always vivid, passionate and intellectually rigorous", Ms Bacik spoke of her own political development and how Michael D Higgins columns in Hot Press - some of which are featured in the book - were an influence on her. She particularly mentioned pieces about the "the brutal rule of General Pinochet in Chile; the hope-filled Sandinista revolution in Nicaragua (and its defeat); the horror of starvation in Somalia; the onset of the tragic Iraq war - all eloquently discussed here."

She continues later in her review to single out the book's opening section and writes:"by far the most original feature of the book is the tantalising glimpse it offers of Higgins's own personal development." Certainly several other commentators have similarly referred to this first section and the view it partially offers of Deputy Higgins upbringing.

In conclusion Ivana sums up the book as "e;a coherent, lively critique of Irish political orthodoxies, mounting a challenge to the right-of-centre image of contemporary Ireland."e;

Witnesses Is The Taoiseach's Book of the Year Twice

Annie Ryan's bestselling Witnesses - Inside the Easter Rising was picked by An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern as one of his two books of the year both in the Irish Independent on December 23rd and again on RTE One radio when he was interviewed by Joe Duffy on Grafton St on Christmas Eve.

Meanwhile Liberties other 1916 title Desmond's Rising - Memoirs 1913 to Easter 1916 by Desmond FitzGerald was one of the books selected in the Irish Times readers choices of books of the year on the Saturday before Christmas. The book has a connection to the position of Taoiseach as it features an introduction by former Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald - Desmond's son

Unstoppable Brilliance makes the Favourites list

In its year-end round-up of new books for 2006, the Sunday Tribune invited celebrities to choose their favourite books. Communications consultant, Terry Prone, chose Liberties book, Unstoppable Brilliance.

"Unstoppable Brilliance, written with Antoinette Walker, is controversial. Some would argue that [author] Fitzgerald casts the Asperger's net too wide. However, even read with scepticism regarding the diagnosis, this account of the life, correspondence and achievements of people like Beckett, Robert Boyle, Daisy Bates and Robert Emmet was one of the most fascinating books published in 2006."

Michael D Higgins Does the Double

Liberties Press will be launching its new title 'Causes by Concern - Irish Politics, Culture and Scoiety' by Michael D Higgins, T.D. not once but twice with an event in Kenny's Gallery in Galway followed by a launch in the National Library in Dublin on Tuesday November 28th.

The speaker at the Galway event will be author and philosopher John O'Donohue author of Anam Cara and Eternal Echoes. The launch in Dublin will be adressed by Declan Kiberd who has written the foreword to the book.

Michael D Higgins, will be interviewed by Marian Finucane on her RTE radio show this Saturday at 11am.

Taoiseach Irons Out Snag

The Irish Homebuyers Guide to Snagging, by John Boyle, is the first in the Liberties Practical series of guides and manuals. A huge crowd gathered in the Hogan Stand area of Croke Park recently for it's launch by an Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
Among the many guests were people from the world of the arts, entertainment, and media as well as professional colleagues in the field of architecture and construction. RTE security corrspondent Paul Williams was one of author John Boyle's many supporters. Marian McCarville of AIB's product management chatted with Walter Coakely of Sherry FitzGerald, while John's editorial colleague Michael Freeman was in conversation with Seán O'Keeffe and Peter O'Connell of Liberties Press. Launching the book, An Taoiseach noted how timely and important the guide was, particularly for those first-time buyers going through the stressful process of acquiring their first house. Read his full speech here. John himself was at pains to thank the many colleagues in construction, architecture and building as well as the graphic designer Simon Daniels who had a huge input on the book's impressive illustrated format.He concluded by paying particular tribute to his wife Patricia Malone herself hugely involved in the book's preparation, his collaberator Michael Freeman and his two sons for going to bed on time so Daddy could work on the book.

Glory Days to Hand

A large crowd gathered on the top floor of Dublin's landmark sporting bar Doheny and Nesbitt's to witness former Irish international manager launch the latest Liberties Press title 'Beating Them at Their Own Game - How the Irish Conquered English Soccer' by Patrick West. Among the many guests were people from the world of the arts, entertainment, and media as well as football people discussing the current woes of the international team and manager.

Mary Kenny and many members of the Kenny clan was there to support the event and her son the author Patrick West. Eileen Sheridan and Joe Richards of Tall Tales theatre company were also present. Eddie Cox of Bray Wanderers was chatting away to Irish Times soccer correspondent Emmet Malone. Liberties author, Phil Young and forthcoming author, John Boyle were both in attendance as was Stephen O'Connell, who at six months of age has already been at two launches to support his father, Liberties director, Peter O'Connell.

Launching the book Eoin Hand recalled fondly and humorously his own time as a young player, going over to Swindon, as well as reminding the audience that he held both the record for Ireland's heaviest defeat and victory. In particular, he praised the honesty and sportsmanship of Irish players playing in England and criticised the ever increasing trends of diving and faking in the modern game. Summing up he suggested that there was so much material that Patrick should embark on a second book, so much did the first book suggest and remind him of the contribution of Irish players north and south to the English leagues since the war. The launch party seemed reluctant to break up and several people adjourned to Patrick's Dublin accommodation to discuss in greater detail soccer greats and current challenges.

Audience Devours Cubs

A huge crowd gathered on the top floor of Dublin's fashionable new food emporium Fallon & Byrne early this week for the launch of the latest Liberties Press title 'Celtic Cubs - Inside the Mind of the Irish Teenager' by Orla McHugh. Among the many guests were people from the world of the arts, entertainment, and media as well as professional colleagues in the field of psychotherapy and counselling.
Keelan Shanley presenter of Primetime was one of the many supporters as was director/producer Dave Heffernan. TV chef and radio presenter Éamonn Ó'Catháin dropped in for a glass of vino and fellow Liberties author and O'Briens Sandwich Bars founder Brody Sweeney was also seen chatting to journalist Liam Mackey. Home from the US for a holiday, and taking a break from his magazine Hollywood Dogs was John Ryan. Launching the book, writer and columnist, John Waters praised Orla for her courage in presenting 'some unpalatable truths' and argued that book served not only as a manual for parents but as a springboard for a greater discussion in society about the way we engage with our young people. Orla's two teenage children Carl and Chloe and several of their teen friends seemed to nod in approval. Orla herself was at pains to thank the many colleagues and friends who had encouraged and advised on the book and stressed the need for co-parenting, with fathers very much included whatever the family circumstance, as the best way to secure our teens. Her voice quivering with emotion she concluded by paying particular tribute to her own father.
The launch party seemed reluctant to break up and several people adjourned to Fallon & Byrne's restaurant downstairs while the younger members perhaps slipped away to other venues.
Orla McHugh is available to discuss the themes and issues raised in her book. Please contact Liberties Press on 01 415 1224 or info@libertiespress.com

Liberties Magnificent Seven for Autumn

Liberties Press is delighted to announce a full and varied scedule of seven publications for this autumn. First out of the blocks is 'CELTIC CUBS - Inside The Mind of the Irish Teenager' by therapist Orla McHugh which will be out late August but with a launch in early September. Around the same time, to co-incide with a major four part RTE documentary series on Dr Garret FitzGerald's career, Liberties Press is issuing a paperback edition of the very succesful 'Ireland In The World - Further Reflections'. The month of September closes with the release of the light-hearted gift book 'The Little Book of Banana Skins' by Donough O'Brien which collects the episodes and slip ups of the great and not so great from history and recent events. October is extremely busy with the second in the Liberties Revival series appearing - the hugely significant book on the evolution of Ireland's capital city 'Dublin 1660 to 1860 - The Shaping Of A City' by Maurice Craig.Fast on its heels, comes a sporting title: BEATING THEM AT THEIR GAME - How the Irish Conquered English Soccer' It is followed by unique practical guide 'The Irish Home Buyers Guide To Snagging' by John Boyle which is a great gift for any new home buyer. Last but not least comes a major collection of essays and longer pieces on history, culture, politics and human rights by Michael D Higgins which is entitled 'Causes For Concern' and will be launched in November. For updates keep checking LibertiesPress.com!

A Great Deal for Fathers Day

A great 'three for two' deal for Fathers day from Liberties press. With the World Cup under way, A Sporting Eye, More than a Game and In Full Flood make a wonderful gift for sports-mad Dads. We've thrown in free delivery to make it an unbeatable offer.

Better Than Working - Catling memoir launched

Liberties Press is pleased to announce the publication of "Better Than Working" by writer, journalist and west Cork resident Patrick Skene Catling. As the Daily Telegraph wrote of the book, it is 'a debonair and delightful memoir, a book for hacks to delight in and others to wonder at, enviously perhaps'.

Irish Genius and Asperger's celebrated and linked

Over 130 people gathered in the New Common Room of Trinity College this past week, to mark the publication of 'UNSTOPPABLE BRILLIANCE - Irish Geniuses and Asperger's Syndrome' by County Clare native (and Professor of Child Psychiatry) Michael Fitzgerald and Antoinette Walker, which seems certain to raise much debate and perhaps contoversy.

MEP Kathy Sinnott - herself well-known for her advocacy work around autism and Asperger's - formally launched the book in front of the huge crowd and praised both authors for their facinating work which suggests nine major Irish figures including Patrick Pearse, Samuel Beckett and scientist Robert Boyle had Asperger's syndrome.

Prof. Fitzgerald explained that those people with Asperger's " tend to be loners with poor social relationships...they lack empathy, they tend to live in their head, have an odd tone of voice and very narrow interests, and because of those they focus on them to the exclusion of everything else".

In launching the title Kathy Sinnott spoke of the "moment to moment call of Asperger's to create, to explore, to break new ground".

Among the guests were documentary film-maker Stephen Ramsey, who was over filming for a documentary for Australian television; novelist and Rooney prize winner Keith Ridgway whose third novel Animals was recently published in London by Fourth Estate and UCD philosophy lecturer Dr Jack Ritchie

Liberties 4 Spring/Summer

In early 2006 Liberties has four great titles for publication:

On 13 March, we published "In Full Flood - A Memoir" by former managing director of Guinness, ex-chair of the Labour Court and current chairman of Shelbourne Football Club and the government's decentralisiation committee, Finbarr Flood. The book was launched by Gay Byrne.

In April we launched a fascinating book entitled "Unstoppable Brilliance -Irish Geniuses and Asperger's Syndrome" by Antoinette Walker and Prof. Michael FitzGerald which explores the possibilty that many well-known Irish historical figures may have been affected by Aspergers.

In April we also launch our new series "Liberties Revival" which brings back into print titles of historical importance and great critical acclaim. The first title is " Desmond's Rising - Memoirs 1913 to Easter 1916", the text of which was only discovered following Desmond FitzGerald's death by his son, and former Taoiseach, Garret FitzGerald. Dr FitzGerald contributes a new introduction to the book which will appear in time for the 90th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising.

In late spring/early summer we are looking forward to publishing a paperback edition of west Cork resident Patrick Skene Catling's memoir "Better Than Working" which charts his hugely varied career and the wonderful characters he encountered on the way.

Flood-gates open as Gaybo launches all- rounder memoir

Over 150 people gathered in the Mansion House in Dublin earlier this week, to mark the publication of 'IN FULL FLOOD' by Finbarr Flood ( ex MD of Guinness, ex-chair of the Labour Court, chairman of Shelbourne FC and chair of the government's Decentralisation committee).

Gay Byrne formally launched the book in front of the huge crowd and praised Finbarr's remarkable success in firstly rising from the mail room to be MD of Guinness before going on to chair the Labour Court and his beloved club Shelbourne FC. Two former directors of the brewery Paddy Galvin and Clive Brownley were among the guests as well as directors from Shelbourne. Finbarr's family across three generations were in attendance and his sister Kalleen flew in from France. Several well known figures from industry and unions alike were there - including Turlough O'Sullivan of IBEC and Kieran Mulvey of the Labour Relations Commission, reflecting the respect Finbarr won as chair of the Labour Court for more than seven years.

Finbarr grew up in the inner city, entered the James’s Gate brewery at fourteen and rose to become managing director in 1989 - a feat one person likened to Ian Paisley becoming Pope. Following his retirement from Guinness, he served for ten years on the Labour Court, becoming chairman of the court in 1998. Finbarr played professional football in Ireland,Wales and Scotland and is now chairman of Shelbourne FC. He is also chair of the Government Decentralisation Implementation board and overseeing the Fatima Mansions and St. Michael’s Estate regeneration plans.

Flood Rises To Top Charts with Witnesses

Liberties Press is delighted to learn that IN FULL FLOOD made number 1 in the Sports book chart in the Sunday Tribune and was number 3 out of all titles this past week in Hodges Figgis, Dublin's largest specialist bookstore. The book has already gone into its second impression and joins the best-selling Witnesses - Inside The Easter Rising which is now entering its 3rd impression'.Extracts from Witnesses can be viewed on the Witesses book page on this site

Former Taoiseach launches Reflections book

Dublin Castle was the prestigious venue for the launch of a new book by former Taoiseach, Dr Garret FitzGerald. Ireland in the World, Further Reflections is a new collection of essays and analytical pieces and was launched on 10 November by Finance Minister, Brian Cowen.

Lynch, Book View Ireland 'Book of the Month'

Patricia Lynch, Storyteller by Phil Young has been selected by BookView Ireland as its book of the month. This widely consulted on-line magazine with a huge Irish following overseas has chosen Phil Young's biography of the Cork born author to be this month's choice.

In addition RTE RADIO ONE'S flagship arts show RATTLEBAG presented by Myles Dungan will interview Phil Young on the show on Weds Oct 26th at 2.45 pm. You can listen on line at http://www.rte.ie/radio1/rattlebag/. The book also was the subject of favourable reviews in Village magazine and the forthcoming issue of Insight magazine.

Liberties Signs Flood

Former managing director of Guinness, ex chair of the Labour Court and chairman of Shelbourne Football club Finnbarr Flood is to publish a memoir with Liberties Press early in 2006.

The book provisionally entitled 'In Full Flood' covers four major areas of the writers life: his early years and career in football in Scotland and Wales, his rise from the mail room to managing directorship of Guinness Ireland, the time he acted as chair of the Labour Court and finally his involvement with Shelbourne FC and the Eircom league.

Frank, witty, insightful and occassionally critical, this memoir is sure to attract interest from the many sections of Irish society who hold Finnbarr in such high regard.

Liberties Launches Lynch

Over 120 people gathered in Cork Central Library last evening to mark the publication of the first full biography of the greatly underacknowledged Irish childrens writer Patricia Lynch - in many ways the JK Rowling of her day. Phil Young's book 'Patricia Lynch, Storyteller' was launched by poet and assistant director of CORK 2005 Tom McCarthy.

In launching the title Tom McCarthy talked of the private imagination of the childhood and how Patricia Lynch's birth as a writer began when she retired into that private imagination to create the remarkable stories of animals, travellers and the search for home. He also richly praised Phil Young's empathy as a writer for her subject and the hardback books beautiful production and illustrations.

Amongst the many guests were the Lord Mayor of Cork Coucillor Deirdre Clune (who remembered foundly being introduced to Patricia Lynch's stories at school), writers Patrick Skene Catlin and Paddy Galvin, Liberties Press directors Seán O'Keeffe and Peter O'Connell - as well as family and friends. Indeed Phil's son Brendan flew in from Canada to suprise his author mother.

Liberties Eye for Sport

Celebrating 50 years of great Irish and international sporting images by Fionnbar Callanan, Liberties Press is delighted announce the launch of his new collection 'A Sporting Eye' at McCann Fitzgerald's offices in the IFSC on Wednesday 23 November 2005. All royalties for the book go to the Irish Hospice Foundation

For half a century Fionnbar Callanan has viewed the sporting and wider world through the lens of a camera. His obsession with sporting events and sporting people has brought him both around the world and to the end of his street.

In the process Fionnbar has amassed a vast and wide ranging collection of unique photographs and stories from all around a very sporting world.

The book covers major events and players from the worlds of Athletics, Gaelic Football, Hurling, Soccer, Rugby, Golf, and Show-jumping amongst others.