This article is from page 79 of the 2009-12-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 79 JPG
recalls Brian O’Connell’s own troubled relationship with al- cohol as well as looking at Ireland’s
attitude towards alcohol. From hang- ing out with daytime drinkers in a bar in Tipperary, to spending time with the ‘Forgotten Irish’ in London, talking to governments across Eu- rope, and meeting A&E workers and teenagers, Brian casts a sober eye on Ireland’s love affair with alcohol and the damaging consequences that can result from it.
Also, some well-known personali- ties recount their own struggles with alcohol throughout the book, from Des Bishop to Mary Coughlan to Ni- all Toibin and singer Francis Black.
Brian, who recently signed copies of his book at Ennis Book Shop, was
delighted to have been included in the listener’s poll.
He said, “I was amazed to get so far in the Liveline Listeners Irish Book of the Year poll. It was a thrill just to be included in the list with so many distinguished authors.
‘To come fifth in the top 10 books of the year is a testament to all the hard work my publishers have put in and also to everyone who contributed to my book and made it the success that it has become.
‘The response so far has taken eve- ryone by surprise and I’m grateful to everyone who has bought the book since its release.”
The top 10 books of the year as voted by Liveline listeners is as fol- Oy