Then it was on to the Conversation Room in the newly-opened Messrs Maguire microbrewery on Burgh Quay for the publication of Shenanigans. This is an anthology of stories by 19 young(ish) Irish writers. "The new generation showcased here don't wallow in slums or moan about emigration," promise editors, Sarah Champion, who travelled from London for the launch, and DJ Donal Scannell.
The stories in the book take their beat from club culture. Several are written from the hinterland of drug-induced perspectives, and the titles give clues to what you can expect: Bridget O'Connor's The Alien Invasion; Lana Citron's The Craic Run; and Joe Ambrose's I Hate You and I Hate Your Jesus.
The Conversation Room was so packed with writers, fans, curious liggers, and folk who drifted up from downstairs that there wasn't enough room for the many egos jostling for space underfoot. Among the contributors to the book present who were reading were Colin Murphy, Julian Gough, who had travelled from Galway, and Olaf Tyaransen. "I'm flying to New York on Sunday for Shenanigans's launch in Solas Bar in Manhattan on Monday," reported Olaf. Also expected in New York next week for the shindig there will be some of the writers absent from the Dublin launch: Emer Martin, Helena Mulkerns, Imelda O'Reilly, and Colum McCann.
Donal Scannell's old pal, comedian Patrick Kielty, who was there with his girlfriend Amanda Byram, said a few words of introduction. Donal explained why his schoolfriend Tommy Tiernan was absent: "He'd be here except for domestic commitments - there's a second baby on the way."
Film-maker Cathal Black was also there. "I've just finished a film called Love and Rage," he said. "It's a dark story that happens on Achill Island in the late 18th century. We shot it on Achill and the Isle of Man." Due to be released later this year, the film stars Greta Scacchi.
RTE producer, Seamus Hosey, was deep in conversation with literary agent Faith O'Grady. Model Patricia Devine arrived as the readings were under way. She was with Boyzone's manager, Louis Walsh, and she listened to the readings with her head resting most companionably on his shoulder. Afterwards, the crowd danced until closing time.
