Author of 'A Magdalene Rose' reflects upon his Irish Book Launches

Frank Brehany recently embarked on a series of book launches in the Republic of Ireland.

His tour, which he called 'The Journey Home', brought the story to life of 4 remarkable people affected by Ireland's cruel Magdalen system. Through his readings and Q&As, he was able to reveal themes of love, betrayal, survival and the journey towards justice.

His book tour initially brought him to Portumna in Co. Galway where the journey for a Magdalene Rose began, with attendant consequences for both his grandmother and grandfather.

Frank Brehany speaking at his Portumna Book Launch - Photo by kind permission of Kerry Kissane © 2025

Frank was featured within the program for the Shorelines Arts Festival in the newly renovated Courthouse. This location had strong resonance to the story of Patrick Cleary because, 94 years later, his grandson, Frank, was able to bring Patrick's story to life, so bringing Patrick out of the shadows and making him visible once again. He was also able to demonstrate the last moments of a grandmother's final departure from her home, taken away in the beautiful Breheny trap which has been restored to its former glory. This location presented by far, the largest attendance of people wanting to witness the arrival of Frank's book

The next stop on the tour was Glenamaddy in Co. Galway and the famous Irish Country pub known as 'Jim-Petes'. Frank's book launch was aided by the owner of the pub,, Jim Keaveney, leading to an event that was packed to the rafters! Those attending this event heard the story of Frank's mom and dad and how they met and fell in love in this pub. The audience heard about Frank's father's harrowing life in the Tuam Mother and Baby Home. Happily his journey to a better life in Glenamaddy was revealed, along with passages from Frank's book about people who had once known his father. His readings revealed the generosity found at the heart of Irish country life.

The final stop in the tour was in Dublin at the Club na Múinteoirí. Readings spoke to the journey of our Magdalene Rose, to a city she did not choose. Life at the moment of the great Scaradh or separation was captured along with her life in one of Ireland's most infamous Magdalen Laundries. The audience was able to hear of how decades of incarceration impacted on his grandmother. But, as Frank revealed, her death in the High Park Magdalen Laundry delivered an insight into the shocking way in which events after her death has delivered an insult to her very name. Because of late arrivals, the event delivered two book launches in one, and provided lively Q&As in each, leaving those attending shocked and moved about the lives of 4 Irish people.

On this tour Frank met with other authors and artists, notably Eithne Ring (Does my son take sugar? An Irish Mother's Memoir), J P Rodgers (For the Love of my Mother) & John Donlon (Award-winning Actor, Director - Glenamaddy Players). Frank was greatly moved by their attendance and support along with their kind words of advice.

Frank states:

"'A Magdalene Rose' could not have wished for a better start to her journey across Ireland. I felt greatly humbled by the reception my book received during my recent visit to Ireland. There are so many people to thank but I do so with great warmth and much love to everyone, including all who attended these events. I hope in the future to return to other locations to do readings, but my book stands as a testament to 4 remarkable people and will act as an introduction to the religious orders and the Irish state, on my journey towards a complete truth and justice".

You can buy your copy now via: https://www.frankbrehany.shop/category/all-products