Friday 11 June 2010

It WAS All Right on the Night... Frickin' Brilliant, Actually

I'm a little bit strapped for time today, and slightly hungover, so this is going to be a pretty short report. But I feel like I should let you all know how the launch for Requiems for the Departed went last night.

Frickin' brilliant, as the title suggests.

The shop was packed, six of the contributors came along to read, copies were sold and signed, and I got to have a few sociable pints with a group of great people.

It was a pleasure to meet John McAllister and Arlene Hunt for the first time, and Arlene's hubby, Andrew. And it was great to see Brian McGilloway, Stuart Neville, Tony Bailie and Tammy Moore again (and congrats to Stuart and his lovely fiancee, Jo, who he introduced us to last night). Unfortunately, Garbhan Downey didn't make it, but I think he was there in spirit alongside Peter Rozovsky and Sean Patrick Reardon.

Adrian McKinty didn't make it either, citing the pitiful excuse that he lives in Melbourne... BUT I was delighted to see Adrian's mum and sister there. Two absolute angels.

I met Wayne Simmons for the first time too. Look out for this guy. He's brought Zombies to Belfast!

Old and new friends showed up and I think I managed to get a couple of minutes with each of them. If I missed anybody, I apologise.

Oh, and there was beer.

By the way, if you're into pub quizzes, you want to get Stuart and Jo on your side. We won a £10 voucher! Go team No Alibis.

11 comments:

Michael Stone said...

Awesome stuff, Gerard!! I didn't doubt for one minute the night wouldn't go with a bang, but it's good to hear there were no hiccups. Hope Dave Torrans' till was ringing, too! ;)

Matt Craig said...

Sounds like a great night. Sorry I missed it. Picked up a copy of the book this morning. Looking forward to dipping into it.

adrian mckinty said...

Ah but did you go to Abrakebabra afterwards?

Sean Patrick Reardon said...

Gerard \ Mike \ Authors,

Sounds like a great time. Thanks for the recap Gerard. Can't wait to get me a copy. Hopefully, some of you guys can make it to the Boston area in the future. I know it's high on my list to get to Ireland.

marco said...

Oh, and there was beer.

That's the spirit!
Though you probably went for Carlsberg again :((

...
Belfast Zombies? Do they eat ulster fried brains?

Ciao

Stuart Neville said...

It was indeed a good night, especially seeing as I ended it with that £10 voucher in my pocket.

Peter Rozovsky said...

My spirit was low on cash, but I'd have bought you a Carlsberg and Stuart a Newcastle Brown Ale had I been there. ==========================
Detectives Beyond Borders
"Because Murder Is More Fun Away From Home"
http://www.detectivesbeyondborders.blogspot.com/

seana graham said...

Congratulations, one and all!

Anonymous said...

I thought you said there were bears.

Photographe à Dublin said...

Congratulations.

It will be interesting to read the reviews.

Allen McKay said...

Congratulations.
Sorry i couldn't be there.
Sounds like a great night.
I just picked up a copy in No Alibis today, delighted to get a signed copy.
Looking forward to reading.