This month saw the paperback publication of an exciting new book by Longford writer and Newsfour contributor Audrey Healy.

In ‘The Singer and the Song’, Audrey speaks to a number of Irish musicians about the inspiration and stories behind some of the nation’s favourite songs.

Sixty musicians explain the inspiration behind a favourite song they have composed or performed, giving us an insight into how classics such as Pete St John’s ‘The Fields of Athenry’ and Phil Coulter’s ‘The Town I Loved So Well’ were written.

This is Audrey’s fourth book, but this is the one of which she is most proud. “It came together in six months and it turned out bigger and better than I had imagined it would,” said Audrey.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book will go to Brainwave, The Irish Epilepsy Association and as someone with epilepsy, Audrey is only too aware of the stigma attached to the condition and has made it a personal goal to raise people’s awareness about the condition.
The idea for the book came about around the time Audrey interviewed Charlie McGettigan. As well as being a talented journalist, Audrey also writes poetry and on this occasion, Charlie happened to read some.

He was so impressed that he has now recorded five of them into songs, two of which were released on his most recent album ‘Stolen Moments’.

‘The Singer and the Song’ features contributions from Brian Kennedy, Paul Brady, Christy Moore, Phil Coulter, Joe Dolan, Christie Hennessy, Charlie McGettigan, Paddy Cole, Liam Clancy, Mary Coughlan, Gemma Hayes, Eleanor McEvoy, Don Baker, Declan O’Rourke, John Spillane, as well as the Saw Doctors and Pat Shortt.

For lighter reading, Audrey included Pat Shortt who chose to explain the origins of his recent hit, ‘Jumbo Breakfast Roll’. The all-important song lyrics of ‘Jumbo Breakfast Roll’ are also included in the collection. All the lyrics of all the songs featured are included.

‘The Singer and the Song’ is on sale in Easons, Books on the Green and all good bookshops, price €8.99.