The role of your typical Irish construction worker in the London of the 1960s and '70s was one of hard graft for an honest day's pay.

On the surface, Mick Meaney was no different - in many ways, he personified the honest, rugged and God fearing Irish man who 'built England'.

However, on a number of levels, Mick Meaney was radically different from his fellow country men. Not content with ordinary living, Mick dedicated much of his life to being remarkable - and a penchant for daring stunts was the avenue into what would now be described as 'celebrity'.

There is no definitive account of the extraordinary life and times of Mick Meaney. However, following the efforts of his daughter Mary, we now have an insight into this dreamer and visionary, a man before his time and in the end, a legend.

Members of the Meaney family, along with relatives, neighbours, friends and acquaintances were out in force for last Friday night's launch of the Mick Meaney story, 'You Can't East Roses Mary!' which took place in The Firgrove Hotel, Mitchelstown.

Accepting this isn't the entire story of a man who led a complex life, Mary is searingly honest about an upbringing with a larger than life figure, who rose from modest beginnings to mingle with royalty and movie stars. There were also contributions on the night from Bunty Flynn, Sheila Casey, Ollie Stack and Mick Walsh, a close personal friend of the irrepressible Mick.

The picture that emerged was one of a man who was neither saint nor sinner, but whose physical and mental strength could never be questioned. In today's era of health and safety, Mick's exploits couldn't even be contemplated, let alone acted out in the full glare of the media.

The emotional strain of spending 61 days entombed underground is most people's understanding of nightmarish, but Mick seemed to revel in it and even beyond his prime, he still harboured ambitions of returning to his claustrophobic underground world.

In her remarks, Mary made special reference to her aunt, Kathleen O'Dwyer from Ballyporeen. Honourable mention also was made to Mick Tracey for his musical contribution; members of Mitchelstown's Writers' Group and Galtee Toastmasters were thanked for their input. Mary went on to acknowledge family and friends for their support and good wishes.

Still a massive influence in her life, this insightful, revealing and enjoyable publication is a fitting tribute to the extraordinary life of Mick Meaney.

blog comments powered by Disqus