It’s a new chapter at our columnist’s book launch


The Kilkenny Observer columnist and opinion writer Paul Hopkins pictured with his children Niamh and Paul at the launch of his book of writings culled from some three million words printed in numerous newspapers the past 20 years.

Entitled ‘Affairs Of The Heart ( And Other Writings)’, it is published by Monument Media and is available in selected bookstores and outlets and can also be ordered online at www.monumentmediapress.com at €14.99 plus postage.

The launch took place in The Snug in Skerries, north Co. Dublin where Hopkins lives and was attended by family, friends and members of the media.

From family life to far-flung travel, this treasure trove of stories and musings capture a story of a life well lived. Laughter, tears, hope and sadness — and love — all feature in this beautiful book of selected writings, that has something for everyone … bringing together the very essence of what it means to be human.

Hopkins is an Irish journalist of nearly 50 years standing, in a career working for many national titles including The Irish Press, The Irish Independent, the Sunday Tribune and the Belfast Telegraph. He has variously worked as reporter, copy editor, senior editor, and award-winning newspaper designer.

He has covered three conflict zones, namely the Rhodesia/Zimbabwe war of the 1970s, undercover to report on the IRA Three in Colombia in 2003, and the Kenyan civil war in 2008. His award-winning travel writing has taken him halfway around the world and he has also spent stints as music columnist and book critic.

His column, The Fact Of The Matter, appears every Friday in The Kilkenny Observer.

PHOTO: Willie Dillon

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