New Laois book is so good they launched it twice!
Author John Whelan with his proud grandchildren at the Preston House launch
A NEW book by a Laois author is so good they launched it twice.
Preston House in Abbeyleix and the Palace Bar in Dublin were both buzzing with banter and lilting with laughter, at the loquacious launches of poetry collection ‘Stoked’.
The debut collection by John Whelan, writing under his penname Johnny Renko, were only half the story in Abbeyleix, as he was joined by the Power of Words Open Mic family for what he describes as ‘a memorable evening of shared storytelling, poignant prose and powerful poems, with songs and tunes for good measure’.
Among those contributing in the wonderful setting of Preston House on 9 November were Arthur Broomfield, Paula Byrne, Mark Clancy, Mairéad Connell, Siobhán Hoy, Johnny Thompson, Noelle O’ Connell, Shea McCaughley, Mick Morrissey, John Purcell and Cathal Kelly.
Curating matters with typical aplomb and good humour was Amanda Kelly, founder and driving force behind the highly regarded Power of Words Events in Abbeyleix.
Setting the stage for the author’s alter ego Johnny Renko to take the floor, in the style of his mischievous poetic influences Paul Durcan and John Cooper Clarke, Amanda delivered high praise indeed.
She said: “It is hard to believe that this is John’s first venture into poetry, as it seems like he has arrived as a fully formed accomplished poet. To me, it feels like John is truly ‘in his element’ as a poet. The incredible image of Irish surfer Fergal Smith, taken by photographer Mickey Smith, used on the cover of ‘Stoked’ is so fitting, as each poem has us ride the wave of John’s imagination.
“Every page is filled with high-energy movement, fully alive characters and vivid imagery evoking laughter, tears and something to think deeply about. The playfulness of John’s writing is perfectly balanced with a depth of natural empathy and profound emotion.”
It was a rollercoaster reading, as John delved into an ode to the joys of surfing, a tribute to the back-breaking work of turf-cutting families, a love of the landscape, our relationship with man’s best friend, the loss of loved ones, the uplifting power of a smile and a diverse range of devilment around a broad range of other topics.
There was a big too for Cormac O’ Dúlacháin who translated two of the poems and delivered powerful and passionate versions as Gaeilge.
It was a similar lively affair in The Palace Bar on Fleet Street for a further reading and Dublin launch event on 13 November. This time, the audience was joined by enthusiastic tourists at the popular city tavern steeped in literary tradition.
‘Stoked’ is available from All Books in Lyster Square, Portlaoise and online from www.thelastbeekeeper.ie.
Other books under his creative pseudonym Johnny Renko are (2010), (2018) and (2021).
The next Power of Words Open Mic event will be held in Mooney’s Pub, Abbeyleix from 7pm on Friday 5 December.
