On the Town: Gerry Adams was hidden behind a knot of cameras. Other authors, including Ulick O'Connor, Evelyn Conlon and Pádraig Meehan, stood nearby, chatting with friends, while the leader of Sinn Féin dealt with important questions regarding the IRA killers of Det Garda Jerry McCabe.
When the news reporters left, Máire Ní Dhálaigh, from Brandon Books, called us to order. Those gathered at the Royal Irish Academy to mark the latest publications from the Dingle-based company grew quiet and listened.
"Tá mé lán-sásta a bheith ag an lainseáil seo. Tá mé saghas brodúil as a bheith ag scríobh le breis agus fiche bliain do Brandon," said Adams, explaining that he has been writing for 20 years for Brandon. His autobiography, Hope and History, is newly out in paperback.
Ulick O'Connor was invited to speak about his book, The Joyce We Knew, which was intended to reveal the Joyce who remains hidden "underneath the mask".
Pádraig Meehan explained that his book, Karaoke No More, was meant to "to fill in the gaps" in the early years of Westlife.
Evelyn Conlon, editor of Later On: The Monaghan Bombing Memorial Anthology, published to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the tragedy on Monday, said the combined writings give "an overall picture" .