By Dan Walsh in Wexford
A large gathering in Red Books in St. Peter’s Square, Wexford, last night honoured active mental health campaigner Mattie White at the launch of his second book of poetry entitled View From The Fields.
A farmer from Bannow, Mattie has initiated conversations on mental health issues in a bid to break down the stigma surrounding it.
Consequently, Mattie has turned to the inky path and converted his inner thoughts and emotions into creativity and his latest publication has 23 newly composed poems. His previous work was called Through A Farmers Eyes published in November 2021.
Mattie has the support of Independent TD for Wexford, Deputy Verona Murphy, who expressed her admiration for the Bannow man, congratulated him on the new publication and read one of his poems.
“Mattie and I hit it off because we both have a very serious passion about reforming mental health in Ireland and particularly making sure we have the services in Wexford,” stated Deputy Murphy.
Tributes too from Cllr Jim Codd. “I am delighted to be part of Mattie’s launch. He is very much one of our own. A man from a farming background who writes with such passion and with such beauty. He has many strings to his bow. He is not just a poet and a voice for rural Ireland, but a fearless defender of the farmer and rural dwellers,” stated Cllr Codd, who also read his personal choice from Mattie’s poems.
Mattie’s parents-in-law, Jim and Doris Hynes did readings as did his wife, Jacqueline White, who also acted as master of ceremonies and thanked all in attendance, and especially Wally O’Neill from the publisher Red Books.
Views From The Fields by Mattie White, 23 original poems, is published and available at Red Books, St. Peter’s Square, Wexford and Rafter St., Gorey. All proceeds from the sales are going to Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland (YSPI) in Cork.
NB; A detailed report on Mattie White’s book launch can be heard on Mid Week Voices with Dan Walsh on South East Radio (95.6 96.4 FM) at 8pm on Wednesday, March 22nd.
WexfordLocal.com 