WANDERING BACK AND FORTH IS LAUNCHED   You are in · RoscreaOnline · Community · Features

John Browne’s second book ’Wandering Back and Forth’ was officially launched by Nora Butler to a full to capacity Damer Court Hotel last week.

John Browne's second book 'Wandering Back and Forth' was officially launched by Nora Butler to a full to capacity Damer Court Hotel last week.  After an introduction by master of ceremonies on the night Pat Flanagan, John recited the poem which inspired the title of the book, 'The Road not Taken' by Robert Frost.  Roscrea Comhaltas followed with two sets of tunes, and then William Cullagh, a featured artist in the book performed some Classical and contemporary music with Gary Doherty.  Indeed this was a different genre for many of the attendees.  Teresa Ryan-Feehan, a member of Roscrea Speakers Club recited a poem by John entitled 'The Golden Snow of Autumn' and later she recited 'I am the Cloud'.

Launching the Book L/R: Tim Maher (Chairman RoscreaComhaltas), Nora Butler, John Browne and Pat Loughman (Chairman TipperaryCounty
Board CCÉ) 

Edel Carey and Jimmy Quinlan sang some uplifting songs which got the audience singing away, also Jimmy played 'The Mason Apron' on Mandolin to rapturous applause.  A much talked about poem 'Counting Sheep' was recited by Adrian Hewson which had the audience laughing non-stop.  Dunkerrin native Eimear Teehan took time out of her studies and enthralled the audience with two beautiful O'Carolan pieces on the harp.  Michael Costigan, of Clonakenny, entertained those present with two hilarious stories which kept all enthused.  Another Clonakenny native, Michael Ryan whistled 'in and out' to the tune or a reel and slow air.  Camillus Boland, a visiting artist from Tullamore, sang two songs and recited a monologue, both of which he composed himself.  Camillus will be releasing a new CD shortly and we look forward to that.  Seán Dwan, another member of Roscrea Speaker's Club recited two of John's favourite pieces from the book, one he penned himself entitled 'Death the Equalizer' a serious poem from his collection and an inspiring piece by Frank Canning the Dromakeenan poet entitled 'My Day's Outing', which describes a journey from Portumna to Killaloe via Nenagh, Moneygall, Dunkerrin, Mountheaton and surrounding areas.

The production team for John’s Book L/R: JoeMoloughney, Kathryn, John and Kay Browne and Dick Conroy.

John and his daughter Kathryn acted the story 'The Fairy Wedding' and displayed their great belief in Folklore and Fairy lore.  Kathryn was joined by Daniel Coonan and Darragh Carey–Kennedy who together provided wonderful accompaniment to dancers Kelly Feehan and Isobelle Coonan.  Isobelle and Kelly are both members of the Anne Callanan School of Irish Dance and took to the stage like professionals.  Darragh Carey-Kennedy remained on the stage to provide some wonderful and skilled entertainment on the banjo.  The audience were thrilled with his super display of talent.
After Darragh's wonderful banjo playing the time had come for the guest of honour, Nora Butler to take the stage and officially launch the book. 

John too said some brief words and thanked those who had allowed him into their homes and entrusted him with their photos and artefacts.  Chairperson of Tipperary Co. Board of Comhaltas, Pat Loughman spoke briefly about the significance of having the book launch as part of the Tipperary Fleadh; likewise Fleadh Chairman and Roscrea branch Chairman, Tim Maher spoke of John's long association with the branch.

Following this Helen Deane, from Cloughjordan, sang 'The Wood of Knocknacree' a song written by John which Helen will be releasing on CD shortly.  Helen was accompanied by Tadhg Maher who later sang two songs also written by John, entitled 'Lovely Bunnow' and 'My Own Roscrea Rose'.  Both were hugely liked by the audience.  Donal Bowe, another singer sang 'Ireland Will Bloom Like a Rose' which was also written by John.  Eddie Guest, the final member of Roscrea Speaker's Club to recite a poem on the night recited the poem 'The Spreading Walnut Tree' a poem written by Yvonne O'Connor, a Clonlisk native and an inspiration to John in his writing.  Lucy McCarthy and Seán Gleeson performed the beautiful and one of John's favourite pieces the Marino Waltz.  The night ended with Tadhg Maher and Nora Butler singing together and John signed copies of the book into the early hours of the morning. 

The remaining few copies of the book are still available and are on sale in Byrne's Shop, Dunkerrin and Super Valu, Roscrea, or contact John on 0505 47215 / 087 9185705 to make sure of your copy of the book or a DVD of the launch.