Launch of ‘The Hand and the Free Range Eggs’

Brid Meehan with her family at the launch night.

Five years ago, Bríd Meehan, broke her hand on the way to collect free range eggs from her neighbour, when their little black dog attempted to bite her. Bríd was always searching for something to do in memory of her beautiful sister Peg who died by suicide in 1997. Bríd firmly believes everything happens for a reason, hence the storybook of The Hand and the Free Range Eggs.
The book in memory of Peg, will be sold in Rathkeale in Ó Gairbhí’s, Eurospar and Giltenane’s Pharmacy, in Adare at Revas’s Salon and in Croom and Shanagolden just to mention a few. Proceeds from the sale of these books will go to Pieta House.
Bríd’s nephew Paul Moloney from Newcastle West, sadly died by suicide the same year and copies of the book in his memory, will be sold in Newcastle West. Proceeds from the sale of these books will go to Limerick Marine Search and Rescue.
The main reason for this book is to raise awareness, of the need to help the marvellous organisations such as Pieta House and Limerick Marine Search and Rescue. Bríd raised the money to publish the book, so that all the money raised would go directly to both organisations.
Living and life are precious. It is important that we all help to let those who find themselves troubled in their minds and hearts, know that there are countless supports available to them, espe-cially when they don’t want to talk to their nearest and dearest.
The book launch took place in the Arts Centre, Carnegie Library in Rathkeale on Wednesday 30th November. The turnout and support blew Bríd away. People came from Rathkeale, Shana-golden, Nenagh, Holy Cross, Newcastle West, Kilfinny, Adare, Croom, Kilmallock, Ardagh and Donoman, relations, friends, even friends from 40 years ago and principal and staff of Coláiste na Trócaire.  The support given to Bríd made this book launch and the reason for it even more special for her.
The Dunworth family from Croom, relations of Bríd, entertained everyone as they entered the Arts Centre. Seamus sang “She Moved Through the Fair”, which was a favourite song of Tom Begley, Bríd’s dad. Sharon Neville-Madigan was the MC for the event. Dan Neville spoke about his experience as co-founder and President of The Irish Association of Suicideology and member of the International Association of Suicide Prevention. This was followed by Coláiste na Trócaire’s Choir. They performed two beautiful songs under the watchful eye of the talented Jean O’Brien. Rachel Nix read a poem, called “Peg”, which Bríd wrote 18 years ago expressing her feelings on the traumatic death of her sister.
Bríd then spoke to the crowd, explaining the origin of the story and the reason for its publication. Stephen Keary said a few words and this was followed by another poem penned by Bríd, dedicated to all Nana’s on Mother’s Day. A framed copy of this was presented to Collette Nix, a great-grandmother to Emma, Áine and little James Nix. Everyone was given a copy of this to take with them.
The launch was an overwhelming success and Bríd would like to say a huge thank you to those who attended and rang up and wished her well; Theresa McMahon, Norma Prendeville, Johnny Dinnage, Joan O’Toole, Ann Brennan and the Arts Committee, who kindly provided the venue – promised to Bríd five years ago when the idea first came to mind; Jean O’Brien with the school choir and the Dunworth family for the lovely music; The following sponsors for kindly supporting her tribute to her sister Peg and her nephew Paul – Tadhg O’Connor, Brian Geary, Tom Neville TD, ABP, Martin Dillon, AIB Rathkeale, Rathkeale House Hotel, Rathkeale Credit Union, Limerick County Council, Seán Hennessy, Assumpta O’Connell and Domhnaill Ó’ Gairbhí; A huge thank you to Mary Meehan for doing amazing photo-graphy all night, and last but not least thank you to Joe Healy and Eoghan Madigan for managing the book sales on the night.
On a personal note, Bríd would like to thank the O’Shaughnessy family from Morenane, the O’Connell family from Ballynorth, the Shires from Donoman, the Meehan family, Sister Lillian-Kelly and her dearest friend Ellen.
Thank you to everyone who purchased the book at the launch. It is a fantastic, true story and is suitable for children up to 6th class. It would make a great present for Christmas, not only do the children get a great story book which they can also colour in, but it will be helping two fantastic organisations in continuing their very important work.
Anyone who has a little free time, or an outlet where they could help Bríd to sell the books, can email her at bridmeehan1@yahoo.co.uk. Any help would be greatly appre-ciated.
Merry Christmas to everyone!
Bríd Meehan.
PS A big thank you to Brid’s neighbour’s dog…without him the story would never have been written!