‘Memories and Make-Believe’ is the title of a book just published by Mallow man, Gerard O’Callaghan. Gerard is no stranger to the writing game, having had his work published in many magazines and newspapers including The Avondhu.

‘Memories and Make-Believe’ allows you to pick up this book and peruse one of the many short pieces, all of them interesting in their own way. Much of Gerad himself is in this book. He tells of the characters he has come in contact, the stars he has met and interviewed and lovers, musicians, rogues and storytellers combine to make this a wonderful read.

You will read of stars he met along the way such as Liam Clancy and Tommy Makem, Christy Moore, John B Keane and others. There are stories about the town’s Pilgim Players, his beloved Thomas Davis Pipe Band (Gerard himself is an able piper who is often asked to perform on special occasions) and on Canon Sheehan in this, his centenary year. While Gerard is a keen Gaelgoir, he does not foist the language on us in this book. His great love of all kinds of music comes across strongly in this compilation of short stories.

As Alice Taylor states in the foreword: “He views his townspeople through quizzical lenses and a deep love for his own people seeps through his entertaining stories.” Make sure to pick up your copy today!