Rialto Youth Project’s first collection of creative writing ‘Lines from Rialto’ was launched on Tuesday, 6th December in St. Andrew’s Community Centre. It was a great night with over 60 people present and author Frankie Gaffney attended to officially launch the book. ‘Lines from Rialto’ includes poems, short stories, song lyrics, a rap, play and illustrations. Framed illustrations were on display and drew high praise from the guests.
Lydia Lynam and Seán O’Grady were MCs for the night and introduced some of our writers who read their work to the packed room. Nathan Brophy read his short story ‘Big School’, followed by Dylan Redmond who read a story, ‘The Burger Man’. This story was collectively written by Nathan Brophy, Ryan Cooney, Adam Cox, Luke Hudson, Aaron McNeill, Dylan Redmond, Kelsey Redmond and Shannon Redmond, and Dylan concluded the story with his own ending.
Kelsey Redmond shared her thoughts on ‘Growing Up in Dolphin’ before Shannon Redmond amused the audience with her limericks about ‘Gerry’ and ‘A Woman from Bray’. Seán recited his poem ‘Forgive and Regret’ and Lydia read her poem dedicated to her Aunty Mary before inviting Frankie Gaffney to say a few words.
Frankie, whose debut novel, ‘Dublin Seven’ was number 1 in the Hodges Figgis best seller list, spoke about how important reading had been in his life. His mother read to him from an early age and this helped his literacy skills and enabled him, when he made the choice, to access further education. He stressed the importance of reading and writing for any career and encouraged the writers to continue reading and writing. He was very impressed with the writing in the book and said that he wouldn’t have been able to write like that at such a young age. Frankie praised the young people’s work and especially their ability to write in their own vernacular.
We are very proud of our young writers and artists who contributed to ‘Lines from Rialto’ and, like Frankie, we hope they will continue to read, write and draw. And perhaps contribute to ‘Lines from Rialto’ Volume 2…
‘Lines from Rialto’ is for sale from the Youth Project for €5. Please drop into the Centre or contact us to order your copy.
