Former Laois prison officer to launch first book
Author Mick Morrissey pictured in Mountmellick Library. Photo: Stan Henderson
FORMER prison officer and editor of magazine Mick Morrissey found a love for creative writing during the pandemic and his first book will be launched at noon on Thursday 17 April in Mountmellick Library.
Originally from the Glen of Aherlow at the foot of the Galtee Mountains in Tipperary, Mick has lived in Laois for 50 years since he joined the Prison Service, from which he retired in 2006.
In his book , Mick charts his life’s journey while preserving his family’s legacy through wonderful stories, inspiring poetry and photographs.
Mick is delighted that his former LOETB creative writing tutor Ryan Dunne will launch the new book, when Mick will read from his work and sign copies, which will be available to buy.
After completing an LOETB level 6 creative writing course with distinction, Mick embarked on a six-week module with well-known author Eileen Casey.
Mick has been published in magazine and has made contributions to other publications, including two stories in the 2022 LOETB book which featured short stories by several new writers.
The talented wordsmith is also a regular at open-mic sessions, is well known at the Power of Words Festival in Abbeyleix and has read at the Laois Leaves Festival in the Dunamaise Arts Centre, as well as other literary events around the county.
In 2009, Mick began writing down snippets. Then, during the pandemic, his head was “full of stories and memories”. He said that he began writing but couldn’t structure the stories.
Mick said: “I wrote the book because lots of people said I should. When Covid was over, I found creative writing classes with the LOETB and with Laois Libraries in Mountmellick, Portarlington, Portlaoise, Stradbally and Abbeyleix and I started to attend them, so I was able to get my stories written properly.
“There’s a great network of creative writers around the county and we all bounce off of one another. They would be over 60 and have great life experiences. is about growing up … there’s a little bit of everything in it.
“One story is about my old school pal Tony Hayes, who sat beside me in class. One year, we came back after summer holidays and he was gone. When I asked, I was told not to be bothering. The ironic thing was that there were only four of us in the class and the other two died.
"I thought that I was the only one left alive from my class and, all my life and going through my career, I always wondered where Tony was. I only found him after the pandemic and I met him. The picked this story up.”
Everyone is welcome to attend the launch on Thursday 17 April in Mountmellick Library. Tea, coffee and treats will be available. The book will also be available in bookshops and newsagents around the county.
