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“There are little gems around us that can hold glimmers of inspiration”. So said American writer Richelle Mead. The Book and Coffee shop on William Street being a case in point. Apart from selling books, tea, coffee and some lovely nibbles, the shop also regularly hosts readings, music gigs and open mic’ nights. And it was there recently that Willie Egan read excerpts from his novel 125 West Street. He was joined in the reading by one of the owners of the store Stephen Buck and two of Willie’s grandchildren, Lisa and Will O’Dwyer. It all happened, thanks to a new Arts project funded by County Hall.
Kilkenny County Council recently launched Café Lates, an initiative to encourage local cafes in Kilkenny City to extend their opening hours, offering cultural events after 6pm.
The initiative, part of the Night Time Economy Action Plan, aims to support local businesses by providing them with the opportunity to showcase a night-time experience. One such cafe to participate in the scheme was the Book and Coffee shop on William Street, who in conjunction with Kilkenny based writer Willie Egan, presented a reading of the author’s novel 125 West Street. Speaking to The Kilkenny Observer, one of the owners Stephen Buck said “The Cafe Lates, and other Night Time Economy projects, are proving an excellent means to incentivise businesses, big and small, to contribute to the artistic and cultural life of Kilkenny and its surrounds.”
Speaking about the readings from 125 West Street, Mr Buck continued “It was a pleasure for The Book and Coffee Shop to host the playwright/novelist Will Egan and musician Mick Hanly on the same ‘stage’ at our most recent Cafe Lates event. These evenings and other similar events can only be positive for the city as they supplement an already thriving centre of culture for local people and many visitors. With so many talented artists seeking venues to promote their work, it is anticipated that the number of events will continue to grow and the night time economy will continue to thrive.”
The night was greatly enhanced by special guest Mick Hanly who performed three songs during the course of the evening. Mick is well known on the Irish music scene as both a singer and composer and is a good friend of the author. In the 1970s he formed several folk music duos, first with Mícheál O’Domhnaill, then with Andy Irvine and, more recently, with Donal Lunny. Hanly is known for composing ‘Past the Point of Rescue’ which was recorded to great acclaim by American artist Hal Ketchum. On the night, Mick performed ‘I Feel I Should be Calling You’ and ‘The Crusader’ (both composed by Mick) and ‘Just Another Town’ composed by the late Johnny Duhan.
Willie Egan has had five of his plays produced at the Watergate theatre to great acclaim. And from the conversations at the Book and Coffee shop, his novel is heading for similar praise. Willie Egan is a writer who dares to challenge himself, who alone and unaided walks unchartered byways and with unswerving determination and belief bares his soul in the public domain. With his latest work 125 West Street, Willie has voyaged to previously unexplored horizons. By publicly divesting himself of another dream that dares to become reality. Following the reading, a question and answer session took place where the author answered some questions from an appreciative gathering.
Concluding the evening, Mr Egan thanked the owners of the cafe Stephen and Marian, and special guest Mick Hanly. Willie said it was lovely to have so many turn up for the reading and that it was extra special to have his daughter Lisa and his two grandchildren; Will and Alanah, in attendance.
