Tullamore book launch for “Hold That Thought”

Invitation to the Launch of ‘Hold That Thought’ by Ronan Scully and Andrew Downes

Mary Cowen to Launch‘Hold That Thought’by Ronan Scully and Andrew Downes in The Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore Co. Offaly on Monday the 15th of November at 7.30pm

Innovative collaboration of words and pictures combine to great effect in new publication ‘Hold That Thought’ published by Blackwater Press.

A new book combining reflective stories from GOAL fundraiser Ronan Scully with accompanying images from Galway photographer Andrew Downes and published by Blackwater Press will be launched on Monday 15th November by Mrs. Mary Cowen in The Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore, Co. Offaly at 7.30pm and everyone is invited.

The book provides the author with the scope to further develop many of the themes and messages he touched upon in a series of weekly articles he wrote for a variety of newspapers.  With 52 stories in total, one for each week of the year, Scully’s themes range from forgiveness to hope, grief to compassion, kindness to relationships and runs the gamut of life’s experiences.  His meditative, reflective style draws the reader in and reinforces the essence of his messages with commonplace examples that readers can easily relate to.  Challenging the reader to examine their own behaviour and take the necessary steps to improve not only their own lives, but those of others, Scully gives gentle encouragement and concrete suggestions at the end of each piece.

Many of the pieces in the book came from ideas that came to me  during periods of quiet reflection and I would jot them down. It has grown from there and I’m delighted to see them combined with Andrew’s photographs in the book which I hope people will find thought-provoking.” says Scully.

Interspersed throughout the book are photographs that sympathetically reflect the themes and ideas contained in each story.  Having worked as a freelance photographer in Galway for over 10 years, Andrew Downes has had his work featured in countless publications and newspapers on a daily basis but this book is the first time he has collaborated so closely with a writer to produce a series of images for one specific publication.   “When Ronan approached me about the book I was intrigued and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge to create images that would compliment and enhance the written text.  It has been a great experience for me and I hope people enjoy the end result.” says Downes.

With both Ronan and Andrew being well known for their fundraising work for a variety of charities it is unsuprising that the royalties from this book will go to four charities: GOAL, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, The Alan Kerins Projects and Dóchas Offaly Cancer Support Group.

Hold That Thought is available from book stores nationwide at a bargain price of €15 and  it will make an ideal reading gift for any occasion and a great Christmas stocking filler and an ideal present to friends abroad.

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