New book to feature contributions from famous Athlone natives

A new book with an impressive 89 contributors, edited by actor Cillian Murphy, will feature contributions from two well-known Athlonians.

RTÉ Radio 1 presenter Cathal Murray and CEO of Foróige and member of the National Children and Young People’s Advisory Council Seán Campbell have written short pieces for Ionbhá, which is a collection of personal reflections, memoir, poems and essays.

The book will also include contributions from Michael D. Higgins, The Edge, Hozier, Blindboy Boatclub, Tolü Makay, Rachael Blackmore, Mary Coughlan, Imelda May, Brendan O’Connor and Louise O’Neill, who will outline their thoughts on the things that really matter in life.

This book aims to show that no matter how big or small, empathetic actions have a massive impact. Although we rarely appreciate how these actions affect people and their communities, they often reverberate long after we act.

The proceeds from the book will go directly to delivering the Activating Social Empathy education programme in Irish schools and youth work organisations.