By Dan Walsh at Red Books, Wexford
Described by his closest friends as their favourite Wexford poet, John Cooney was the guest of honour at a pleasant reception held in Red Books, St. Peter’s Square, Wexford, on Friday night for the launch of his latest publication, One More Bell to Ring.
John was humbled by all the praise and support that he received, but he acknowledged it all in a spirit of appreciation and goodwill towards his latest work which comprises of 65 new and original poems. He celebrated the occasion by reading five of his poems, including the title poem One More Bell to Ring which won him a warm round of applause from the fine attendance.
The collection was launched by fellow poet, Ronán P. Berry, who acknowledged his appreciation of John’s work and commended his poetic use of language and phrase and the high standard that his work has aspired to.
There were readings from John’s work from Ronán P. Berry and Alannah Hammel, who contributed to the blurb on the back cover and warmly referred to editing John’s work and admiring his style and presentation.
The master of ceremonies was Deirdre McGarry who praised John for his latest publication and honoured him with a reading of her favourite poem from the book.
John Cooney describes himself as a writer, poet and part time historian, who came to prominence when his poem ‘Letterfrack Graveyard’ was a commended work in the 2021 Francis Ledwidge International Poetry Competition and ‘He was an Odd Little Man’ was published in the 2022 edition of the ‘Wexford Bohemian’, edited by Alannah Hammel and published by Red Books Press.
Rurally based in the Courtnacuddy countryside in the foothills of the Blackstairs Mountain, a place that he shares with his family and the origins of immense inspiration for his creative writings.
One More Bell to Ring by John Cooney, and copies of his other works, The Well of Souls and Three L’s in the Alphabet are available through Red Books at St. Peter’s Square, Wexford, and Rafter Street, Gorey.
A detailed report with interviews from the launch will be broadcast on Mid Week Voices (8pm, Wednesday) on South East Radio.
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