Maire is '˜Walking on Water' with launch of new book of poems

Maire had returned from the United States to be with her North Antrim family for the launch - and a great old get together it was!

Maire has considerable connections in the area and this was evident from the audience. She has dedicated her collection of poems to her mother, Nellie Hunter, who was reared above the family’s licenced premises overlooking the Diamond.

Nellie’s sister, Mary, married Frank McCarry from Colliers’ Hall where Maire spent much of her childhood.

It was through these experiences that she developed her love of the area, especially Ballycastle and Carey.

This love shone through the poems she chose to read.

They dealt with local subjects such as Murlough Bay, turf cutting and blackberry picking.

The audience

frequently smiled and nodded in recognition as scenes and experiences from a shared past were evoked.

Among the audience was Maire’s son, Robert, who kindly provided a number of masterful illustrations for the book. Robert who lives in New York, is a highly

regarded artist with an international reputation.

The Art Renewal Center selected Rob as a ‘Living Master’ and he is an honorary member of the American China Oil Painting Artists League.

Accompanying Rob was his wife, Lina Liberace, and their two daughters.

Lina is an illustrator and fine artist well known in herown right for her whimsical illustrations of children’s books.

The evening opened with some traditional Irish music kindly provided by the well known and talented traditional musicians and music teachers, Michael and

Catherine Sands and young members of the Ballycastle Comhaltas.

The venue, the Harbour Gallery in Ballycastle proved to be an ideal location for the occasion, the staff proving to be very helpful, friendly and informal.

The book itself was published by the local publisher, Clachan Publishing, run by Seán O’Halloran.

Clachan specialises in local and family histories, and has published nearly fifty books many of which are to be found in Dan McLister, Newsagent and Toy Shop, Ballycastle.

PHOTOGRAPH BY McAULEY MULTIMEDIA PHOTOGRAPHY more online www.ballymoneytimes.co.uk