Fr Darcy’s Book Launch

Fr Brian Darcy Book Launch – St Kents Manchester

 

CELEB FRIENDS TRAVEL ON MY UK ‘JOURNEY’

I AM getting confused with the various books I have on sale at the moment.

 

 

The memoirs I wrote two years ago – called A Different Journey – have sold more than 45,000 copies in Ireland alone. As a result there is great interest in the book Britain.

So Sliabh Ban Publications decided, for the first time in their history, to launch the book in Britain in response to requests from the distributors there. On September 24 we went to London where my good friend Sir Terry Wogan did the honours by launching A Different Journey on an unsuspecting market.

We were joined by a host of people from the Press and TV, but most especially Eamonn Holmes, Barry Mc Guigan and indeed John Mc Carthy, the man who spent so many years imprisoned with Brian Keenan.

It meant that we had a wonderful launch. I realised, not for the first time, how many good people there are in the world. Barry, whom I know since he was a child, spoke about the friendship and added: “I began this book intending to read a chapter here and there. Late into the night I discovered that I simply couldn’t put it down.

Pleasant

 

“This is a real book about a real man searching for a real God. Fr Brian’s greatest gift is his absolute honesty. The God he explains in the most nonpreachy way imaginable, is a God who is both credible and accessible.”

 

Eamonn Holmes was his usual pleasant, funny self. He joked that he told his mother he was coming to help launch the book and that Terry Wogan was actually doing the launch.

His mother apparently said: “I wonder does Fr Brian know that Terry Wogan man doesn’t believe in God?” Nobody laughed more heartily than Terry. Eamonn became more serious about the book: “This book is compulsive reading. It takes you on a journey which is supposed to be the life of Brian. In fact most of us recognise that a great part of it is our own life.” Terry Wogan was the true friend and gentleman that he is.

Of course I explained that since I know Terry for over 40 years, I can testify that he lives out his belief in God better than anyone I know. He may not believe in the God he was force-fed at school. And which of us does? But he certainly believes in God as goodness and love. I would like to be behind Terry as he approaches the gates of heaven.

I might get in on his slipstream. Much of what he said I wouldn’t want to repeat here because I don’t deserve it. But he did say this: “A Different Journey deserves to be read by everyone searching for a God who cares. Brian D’Arcy is different. Not only has he a compassion, an understanding, for those of us who struggle, but he also has the common touch.

He works tirelessly for the good of humanity. He is a superb communicator, as the BBC recognises both in Britain and in Northern Ireland where he runs his own successful Radio shows. “A Different Journey is a memoir of the significant parts of his life but it is much more than that. It is entertaining, searching, brutally honest and full of hope. It has been number one in Ireland and deserves the same success here in Britain.” Next day we went to Manchester.

There a young man from Co Fermanagh, Kevin Fitzpatrick, had organised a Mass and celebration in St Kentigern’s Social Club in Fallowfield in Manchester.

Wonderful

 

 

 

With Fr Tom Connolly, they were a most welcoming community. The church was full for a Mass of healing which we celebrated with them and then everyone went to the comfortable Social Club beside the church.

They had tea, sandwiches, music and most of all an opportunity to buy the book. So many bought it that I was signing for over two hours. It was a treat to meet so many wonderful Irish people and my thanks to Kevin, Fr Tom and all at St Kentigern’s for a fabulous night.

It was fantastic to see such a good community spirit working and supporting one another. I will be forever grateful to them. Since all the proceeds from the book go to charity, I hope A Different Journey will be available in shops throughout Britain now.

The message of hope for the believing people will be spread. If you have any friends or relations in England let them know. If you have any difficulty getting the book they should contact Gardners at custcare@gardners. com or Bertrams at www.bertram.com I am almost embarrassed to say that I have another book available here in Ireland.

I’ll tell you more about that in the coming weeks. But it is available in all good bookshops now. It consists of a reflection for every day of the year. It’s called Through The Year with Brian D’Arcy and you can buy that one in Ireland only.

Watch the video below…