Commissioner to launch Paddy Smith's book in virtual event

Two are former colleagues on Farming Independent

EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness will formally launch Paddy Smith’s book, 'Cocooner: A Lockdown Diary', in a virtual event this Thursday at 7pm.

Ms McGuinness, from Mentrim, Drumconrath, and Paddy, from Trim, are former colleagues from the Farming Independent when Mairead was the editor of that weekly supplement to the Irish Independent.

The launch is being organised and co-ordinated by Antonia Daly of Antonia’s Bookstore, Navan Gate, Trim, where the book is for sale (price €10).

Cocooner is one of Creative Ireland’s 25 creative projects for older people and is produced in collaboration with Meath County Council, with support from Age Friendly Ireland and Healthy Ireland.

“We’re launching it on Zoom,” said Antonia, “so everyone is welcome to look in, and even participate if they want to put questions to Paddy. Now’s your chance!”

There is no charge for the event but people must book their free “ticket” through Eventbrite in order to obtain their link to the launch: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/launch-of-paddy-smiths-cocooner-a-lockdown-diary-tickets-130261165653.

Tickets are limited to 80 people.

“This book has been selling very well,” said Antonia, “not just because Paddy is a Meath man and a Trim man but because it’s very funny and, at the same time, very touching. A great present for Christmas.”

The Creativity in Older Age Programme has been designed to counteract the social side effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Antonia’s Bookstore (046) 9437532