Launched in Style
True To Ireland is now a reality. It was officially launched at the Thistle Inn – Wellington's oldest pub and a watering hole for the Sons of Eire by Irelands Ambassador to New Zealand, Peter Ryan and Damien O'Connor the Minister of Agriculture.
About 120 people with Irish links and friends of the author attended the launch and craic. Many were the sons and daughters of the 155 Irishmen who faced deportation because they would not fight for Britain. It was a grand night – live music provided by Kevin Ikin, Pat Higgins and Kevin McLoughlin – good food and drink and a great atmosphere.
Book sales were excellent – just over 100 and Pete had a busy night signing books.
The next day 74 people attended a talk by Peter, Fr Eamon Aylward, Geraldene O'Reilly and Lynette on the making of the book at the National Library in Wellington. Again a huge crowd who were interested in the story. A further 30 later went on a walking tour with Peter to places in Wellington which were of special significance to the Sons of Eire.
