Fr Moore weathers a storm of admirers as he launches book

IF you ever wondered how deep the chord Fr Pat Moore’s blog about his journey with cancer struck in recent years you need only have looked to the turn out for the launch of the whole story at the Listowel Arms Hotel on Friday.

Up to a thousand thronged the ballroom to renew their personal connections to the much-loved Asdee-native cleric and to get their hands on a copy of his new book Weathering a Storm.

Fr Moore’s dear friend, film director Gerard Barrett (of Pilgrim Hill fame), spoke of the influence the cleric has had on his career, in launching the book.

Barrett told of how Fr Moore continuously encouraged him to follow his dream during their time spent working together in Radio Kerry, ultimately helping his young friend to realise his vision of producing his very own feature films and to exceed his wildest dreams of achieving Hollywood recognition.

‘Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí’ was the seanfhocal wisdom embodied by the priest so wisely.

Fr Moore himself acknowledged the kindness and support directed at him from so many, paying special homage to the great kindness extended by one particular nurse during his time in hospital - all of it playing a major role in his recovery from oesphageal cancer.

Special mention was given Tina Fallon for typing the book; Fr Moore told of how she found it so hard to read his writing she feared Weathering a Storm would end up being her version of events, rather than that of the author. It was one warm note among hundreds that made Friday such a special night.

Weathering a Storm is available now from a large number of stores in Listowel and surrounding areas in an inspiring read perfect for Christmas.

Photo by Domnick Walsh It seemed as if half of North Kerry was present in the Listowel Arms Hotel on Friday for the launch of Fr Pat Moore’s memoirs Weathering a Storm on Friday night. It was estimated that up to a thousand turned out for the special event in a mark of how...

Photo by Domnick Walsh Fr Pat Moore in fine fettle signing copies at the Arms on Friday, this time for Kathleen O’Rourke.

Photo by Domnick Walsh Alice Lyons, Joan Barker and Elaine Lyons from Duagh looking forward to a great read in the Arms.

Susan Hitching and Caroline Blunden at the launch of Fr Moore’s Weathering a Storm.