Weather Fails to Dampen Launch
Pádraic Breathnach, Gráinne Kelehan, and Áine Mulkerrins at the launch of 'The Moycullen Ponymen', with Maidhc Éinniú and Pádhraig Ó Griallais in the background.
Despite the freezing temperatures, there was a warm glow in the converted old school in Moycullen, Áras Uilinn, on Saturday evening, when Pádraic Breathnach – author and lecturer – launched ‘The Moycullen Ponymen’. A packed audience listened to Pádraic’s affectionate and enthusiastic presentation. The mulled wine, delicious food, congenial atmosphere, and huge support for the project, made it a night to remember.
Many of the older Moycullen breeders were present to relive old days and remember great ponies. They included John and Padraig Keeler, Tom Clancy, Joe Connor, Bríd Keady, and Malachy Hanley.
The book contains 220 pages, which include 15 chapters, each illustrated with photographs – many of which have never been published before. Though it concentrates on telling the story of the Moycullen ponymen, at work and at play, it also serves as a history of the breed. Tom interviewed all the old breeders and ponymen in the area, and his use of primary sources brings the book to life.
The book retails at €20, and is available from various outlets (including the village bookshop in Moycullen); directly via mail from ourselves (+€4 p & p nationally – internationally according to destination); and from the CPBS office in Clifden.
A Big Congratulations to you, Tom, on such a great achievement. But knowing you, anything is possible. I wish I could have been there to celebrate, I am sure it was a special night. Again, big guy, congrats!
Thank you Robbie, I strongly second every word you have written in your comment :-))
Wish we were there!! Happy Chistmas to all of you. It’s frantic here..
Congratulations Tom – it is fantastic to have a person like You in a society. A man who can and will do a lot to promote the breed – even trough a book, where we can learn Connemara history from a special place in Ireland. Thanks a lot.
I will look forward to buy it, when I comes to Ireland in 2011.
Happy New Year.
A huge Congratulations Tom. I wish I could have been there for the launch and I look forward to reading your book. The Society and the Connemara ponies are lucky to have someone with your knowledge and background!!
Cheers
Sue