Here’s the write-up of September’s Irish Heritage Group meeting, this time by Sean. The next meeting is their Annual General Meeting at 7pm on Weds 7th Oct – all are welcome.
Shirley Thompson’s Literary Presentation
Mrs Thompson enlightened the Birmingham Irish Group with seven readings from two publications at their meeting at the Irish Centre, Deritend on 2nd September 2009. The first three readings were from the autobiography of Seamus Dunleavy ’Finally meeting Princess Maud’. Dealing with his poor mother’s childbearing of Seamus in Barrack St Charlestown, Mayo in 1934. A delightful World War Two trip to the Sligo seaside, followed by his arrival in Birmingham in the 1950’s. Shirley mentioned the late Actor/Wrestler Pat Roach who together with Seamus Dunleavy and the colourful Eddie Fewtrell who she had assisted with their autobiographies.
However it was her four readings from her new novel Paradise that enthralled her audience. First reading concerned the tragic death of the heroine’s husband in Solihull due to a heart attack. The second saw her consoling herself with two different gentlemen on the idyllic Greek Island of Skiathos. The third saw her driving with the new man she chose through Victoria, British Columbia to his Canadian mansion, and the last saw her walking with an old friend on a Vancouver Island Beach.
Shirley’s husband sailed in 1965 from Liverpool to Montreal, Quebec via Newfoundland down the St Lawrence River stopping at the Irish Famine Memorials on Anticosti Island and Grosse Isle. This had helped with the Quebec Part of her book, and their intimate knowledge of Skiathos, Vancouver Island and Solihull had helped shape her story.
After her seven readings she answered many intriguing questions in a frank manner, after which the usual Complimentary Refreshments were served. Birmingham Irish Heritage Group meets First Wednesday of each Month upstairs in The Irish Centre- Connaught Bar, High Street, Deritend, Birmingham from 7pm. Admission and beverages Free. The Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 7th of October to which the general public are invited. AGM business will be followed by information on origins, background, interpretation and playing of a number of CD’s of Irish Ballads followed by free refreshments.
Sean Mac An T-Saor
