FFFffff . . . friends, family and folk from the film world and this newspaper turned out in force to enjoy the launch of two new books at Waterstones earlier this week. This was a celebration to mark the publication of Mary Morrissy's latest book, The Pretender and Philip Davison's fifth novel, McKenzie's Friend. Robin Robertson, publisher at Jonathan Cape, came over from London to introduce us to the two of them. Other Irish writers on his books include Anne Enright (who is present at the bash) and Brian Keenan, whose new novel is due out in October - Called Turlough, it's about Turlough O Carolan, the blind harper, says Robertson.
Laois Man of the Year for 1999 is here - Seamus Hosey, producer of RTE Radio1's Book On One series. Cathal Black, director of the Irish film Korea, stays to hear the authors read from their work. Morrissy is a journalist at The Irish Times, and a colleague, Angela Long (originally from Melbourne), has brought a bunch of orchids for her. Other colleagues who wait to congratulate her include Paddy Woodworth and Seamus Martin.
Eva Novak, visiting from Bekescsaba in Hungary, comes along with Dublin director, Ronan O'Leary. A slew of Davison's friends from Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology, where he lectures, are here: Taffina Flood, Paul Freaney, Linda King and Liam Regan. Della O'Clery, another friend is here also with her two daughters, Emer and Joan.