Frank McNally Celebrates Life at His Book Launch Event

Frank McNally experienced a unique celebration of his life at the launch of his latest book, titled Not Making Hay – The Life and Deadlines of a ‘Diary’ Farmer, held last week in Dublin. The event drew an extensive gathering of friends, family, and colleagues who came together to pay tribute to the author while reminiscing about cherished memories.

Arriving at Books Upstairs on D’Olier Street, McNally felt a poignant sense of nostalgia. Moments before the launch, his iPhone randomly displayed a photo from a decade ago of his beloved black cat, Pete Briquette, who had disappeared four years earlier. The surprise appearance of the photo evoked memories of the past, leading McNally to contemplate both the joyful and somber aspects of life.

The atmosphere at the book launch resembled that of an Irish wake – filled with warmth and laughter. Familiar faces from every chapter of his life filled the venue, including family, friends, and colleagues. Politicians were also in attendance; among them was Heather Humphreys, a family friend and presidential candidate, who delivered a heartfelt speech. Her deep understanding of McNally’s life, including anecdotes he had forgotten to mention, added a personal touch to the occasion.

McNally noted the interesting connections his family has to the community. He recalled a recent column discussing a skip filled with books in Drumcondra, which turned out to be next door to the home of one of his maternal cousins. This revelation underscored the interconnectedness of their histories and brought a sense of familial warmth to the event.

One notable difference between a book launch and a wake is the expectation for the honouree to deliver a speech. McNally took the opportunity to reflect on his past, including his first Irishman’s Diary published in the summer of 1993. He shared insights about the village of Drum, which had four Protestant churches and one pub with very limited opening hours. Despite the changing times, McNally expressed pride in the peaceful coexistence of traditions from his upbringing.

As the evening progressed, McNally participated in a modern twist on the traditional ceremonial bottle smashing to wish good luck to his literary work. While posing for photographs with his children, an unexpected mishap occurred when he accidentally knocked a glass of wine into the air, causing it to shatter and sprinkle Cabernet Sauvignon across the floor. Though unintentional, he humorously hoped this would bring good fortune to the book and all who read it.

The event served not only as a celebration of McNally’s literary achievements but also as a reminder of the bonds formed throughout his life. In an environment filled with joy and reflection, attendees left feeling connected to both the author and the stories that shaped his journey.