PICTURES: Peter Byrne’s book raises funds for two Tipperary groups

Peter Byrne’s book about the rebirth of the Rambling House tradition locally has raised an impressive sum for two local groups.

“I want to thank everyone who contributed in anyway to the success of this project where the sales of the book “Rambling Houses – An important part of our Irish Culture” has generated an amazing €13,500 for our two chosen charities,” is how Peter Byrne addressed the very large attendance at the presentation in Fitzpatrick’s Lounge Clonmore for the presentation of the funds.

“Over 500 copies of the book were sold and all proceeds including €2,000 donated by Councillor Michael Smith and a very generous anonymous donation of €500, means that both Age Friendly Roscrea and Tipperary branch of Parkinson’s Ireland will receive €6,750 each here today”, said Peter who had come up with the idea of compiling a book on the importance of Rambling Houses and Singing Circles.

He thanked all the 51 people who contributed articles to the book plus those who supplied over 200 photos making the book a very popular and entertaining read.

Peter also thanked everyone who had sold copies of the book including those shops who had been most helpful by selling the book over the counter.

Peter welcomed everyone to the event which would incorporate an evening of entertainment typical of the regular Rambling House session held on the third Monday of each month in Clonmore and typical of so many other similar sessions and Singing Circles held at many other venues.

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He welcomed Councillor Michael Smith whom he thanked again for securing funding from Tipperary Co Council to cover the cost of printing the book as well as his very generous donation already mentioned.

It was a great privilege to have the newly elected Chairman of Thurles Municipal District Sean Ryan present to make the presentations.

Sean addressed the attendance and congratulated all involved in such a successful project and stressed the wonderful work being done by both charities.

He said Tipperary County Council were delighted to be associated with and to support this venture. Both his fellow councillors Michael Smith and Willie Kennedy were also very supportive in ensuring the funding was made available.

Mary Carey accepted the cheque for €6,750 on behalf of Tipperary branch of Parkinson’s Ireland. She thanked Peter and everyone involved and stressed how much this money will mean to the association here Tipperary.

Anne Keevey accepted the cheque for €6,750 on behalf of Age Friendly Roscrea and outlined some of the great work which Age Friendly had completed since it was formed in Roscrea 10 years ago.

She thanked Peter Byrne for his initiative in undertaking this excellent project and told the audience how important such fundraisers are to charities like Age Friendly.

Peter thanked John Fitzpatrick for making his premises available not just for today’s event, but for their regular Rambling House sessions.

He thanked all the people who helped with refreshments for the day including his wife joan who has been such a support throughout this entire project.

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He also thanked his niece Bernadette for stepping in to take photos in the unavoidable absence of PJ Wright who has been so helpful during the project.

Tommy Ferns was present to provide the amplification and make sure all our singers and musicians could be heard.

Finally, Peter announced that because the book had sold out in only nine weeks since it was launched, Joan and he had decided to get a second print run and again proceeds will go to the same two charities.

The new stock of books will be available in various bookshops and from Age Friendly offices in Roscrea as well as directly from Peter.

Peter can be contacted by email at [email protected] or by phone at (086) 2569790.