DECEMBER 2007
Derry Memories by Phil Cunningham Book Launch
Guildhall Press are pleased to announce the launch of Derry Memories
by Derry’s favourite story-teller, Phil Cunningham, Ráth
Mór Shopping Centre 1.00pm Tuesday 4 December 2007 The launch
will be open to everyone. Phil will be signing copies of his book
and there will be refreshments available so why not come along!
Derry Memories is Phil’s fourth book, quite an achievement
for a man who openly admits he can journey to Dublin and back free
on public transport! This latest memoir contains a collection of
wide-ranging anecdotes, yarns and tall tales of Phil’s beloved
home town. Phil entertains, enlightens and enriches us with his
own personal take on the many quirky characters and hilarious happenings
he has encountered on his travels down the decades.
Riotous stories such as The Acrobat, A Burnt Bottom and The Deadly
Sin sit comfortably beside factual accounts of The Long Tower, Derry
Bars and Wake Traditions. And interspersed throughout the fun and
facts are dozens of fascinating unique photographs capturing the
city’s streets and buildings, sports people and musicians,
workers and protestors. Topics covered include the BSR, Arntz Belting,
Monarch Electric, Creggan Hut, Derry Dockers’ football team,
Long Tower area, St Columb’s Stone, Swilly Rovers FC, Christian
Brothers’ Choir and many others.
So if you are looking for a nostalgic dander through Derry’s
past, with a well-told yarn as company, then settle down and browse
through Phil’s Derry Memories. Like coming home to a warm house
after a long journey, it will put a big smile on your face and a
glow in your heart!
Derry Memories by Phil Cunningham is published by Guildhall Press
and priced at £8.95. For information contact: Paul Hippsley,
Guildhall Press, Tel: 7136 4413; E: info
@ghpress.com.
About the Author
Phil Cunningham was born in 1938 and reared, variously, in the Back
of Derry’s Walls, Creggan, Bishop Street, Mary Street and Pennyburn.
He has worked in a variety of local businesses including WG O’Doherty
& Co and Arntz Belting Company. When work was scarce in Derry,
he joined the “Suitcase Brigade” to England along with
countless other young Derrymen. But his heart always lay at home
and he returned to the town he loves so well, eventually to marry
Rosita in 1960.
After early retirement from the world of work, he wrote his first
book, Derry Down the Days, in 2002, closely followed by Echoes of
Derry (2003) and Reflections of Derry (2004). Published by Guildhall
Press, these highly personal accounts of growing up in Derry and
collections of local yarns, myths, poems and traditions have proved
very popular, especially the many photographs of local people, places
and events that Phil has managed to find and include.
Phil is also an accomplished artist and has painted many colourful
pieces which he generously donates to friends and family and as
fundraisers for local charities. His retirement consists of enjoying
his extended family, DIY and writing.
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