Irish Times journalist, Brian O’Connell launched his book “Wasted – A Sober Journey through Drunken Ireland”, on Firday the 23rd of October at the Kingsley Hotel in Cork. The book, published by Gill and Macmillan has been described as an honest,unflinching account of life as a problem drinker, tracing both Brian’s personal relationship with alcohol and Ireland’s relationship with alcohol.
The book also contains interviews with personalities who have dealt with their own alcohol issues, from ex-hurler John Leahy, who attended the launch; to comedian Des Bishop. Actor Niall Tobin, who also features in the book, was also present at the launch.
Brian was supported by his family, friends and partner Sophie Johnston. Brian’s colleagues also attended the launch, including Irish Times Features Editor, Shane Hegarty, who encouraged Brian to write on the subject, and who spoke at the launch. Miriam Donohoe, Brian’s colleague from the Irish Times, and her husband RTE’s, John Murray also attended the launch, along with RTE’S John Creedon and Aidan Stanley, producer of RTE’s “The Book on One”.
Fergal Tobin, Publishing Director of Gill & Macmillan spoke at the launch saying: “Wasted is the most honest, thorough and acute analysis of an Irish social problem that we simultaneously acknowledge and deny. It does not preach. It tells.”
This was followed by a reading of the book by Brian who chose an extract that described his college years and life as a J1 student in America. Brian said:
“I would like to thank my family who travelled from Clare, friends and colleagues for attending this launch. It’s not easy asking people on the famous Jazz weekend in Cork to attend a launch about a book on Ireland’s problematic relationship with alcohol! I really appreciate the tremendous response and support I have received while writing this book and the positive wishes people have sent me.”
“Wasted – A Sober Journey Through Drunken Ireland” by Brian O’Connell is published by Gill and Macmillan, and is available in bookshops now.