Book Review 1

‘Me and Barry went in two different directions: I wanted desperately to win an All-Ireland and Barry wanted desperately to free it’ – Peter Canavan

IRREPRESIBLE republican raconteur and wit Barry McElduff will be coming to a venue near you soon to launch his new book under the title of his famous catchphrase ‘Keep ‘Er Lit’.

During the 2011 Assembly elections, Tyrone MLA Barry ended a very worthy political interview on BBC TV by cheerily urging host Noel Thompson to ‘Keep ‘er lit’. People have taken to using it more and it’s always heard during the regular appearances by ‘Wee Barry’ on Stephen Nolan’s top-rated Radio Ulster morning show and with Hector Ó hEochagáin on RTÉ Radio.

Now Barry (an ex-columnist with An Phoblacht) has produced a handy book of 92 short stories and anecdotes from his experiences of republicanism, GAA and community activism and titled Keep ‘Er Lit.

In his introduction to Wee Barry’s wee book, Tyrone GAA All-Ireland winner Peter Canavan says:

“Me and Barry went in two different directions: I wanted desperately to win an All-Ireland and Barry wanted desperately to free it.”

Peter describes the collection as “Barry’s unique take” on Tyrone, Ireland and life in general.

Priced at £10 or €13.99 and published by Nova Print, it can be ordered online at www.mcelduffsbook.com or from bookshops, including the Sinn Féin Bookshop.

Look out in your local media or on the An Phoblacht website for Barry’s book being launched in Omagh, Carrickmore, Coalisland, Strabane, Newry, Mullaghbawn, Dungiven, Listowel and more cultural capitals.