Athlone launch told Tim McCarthy's memoir will 'strike a chord' with readers
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Timmy McCarthy signs a copy of his memoir for Martina Colton.. Photos: Paul Molloy. Paul Molloy 2026Image 2 of 6
Timmy McCarthy and Ann McCarthy. Paul Molloy 2026Image 3 of 6
Michael Silke with Timmy McCarthy at the book launch on Thursday last. Photos: Paul Molloy. Paul Molloy 2026Image 4 of 6
Veronica Byrne, Margaret Byrne and Martina Colton with Timmy McCarthy at the launch of his memoir, Boom Shakalaka in Athlone Bookshop. Photo Paul Molloy. Paul Molloy 2026Image 5 of 6
Majella MacNeice, Phil Kenny and Susan Carty at the launch of Timmy McCarthy’s memoir, Boom Shakalaka in Athlone Bookshop. Photos: Paul Molloy. Paul Molloy 2026Image 6 of 6
Padraig Kenny, John Mee and Paddy Kenny at the launch of Timmy McCarthy’s memoir, Boom Shakalaka in Athlone Bookshop. Photo Paul Molloy. Paul Molloy 2026Kiltoom resident Tim McCarthy launched his memoir on Thursday last at Athlone Bookshop, telling the large audience that his was not a sport book, or a business book, but a human-interest story.
It was the third launch of the week of the book, 'Boomshakalaka: Winning Against The Odds", following similar events in Dublin and Cork in the preceding days.
Speaking at the Athlone launch, he paid tribute to the support of his wife, Ann, without whom he said he would not have achieved what he had throughout his life.
Encouraging people to read the book, he said many of those at the launch who were friends or colleagues would learn details they never knew.
Performing the official launch, Westmeath Independent editor Tadhg Carey said the book was notable in that it was entirely written by Tim McCarthy, without a ghost writer, which he said allowed the reader to gain a deeper understanding of the author and his experiences.
He said the amazing diversity of life experiences of the author were highlighted in the book, from his working-class upbringing on the northside of Cork to a trophy-laden sports career, a successful business life, and a prominent media profile.
It also told the story of Tim's cancer journey in frank and personal detail. Tadhg said the author’s pride at the family unit which he and his wife had nurtured was evident in the book.
He also highlighted the message of resilience that shone through.
Describing the book as “eminently readable”, he said he believed it would strike a chord with readers.
Michael Brennan of publishers, Red Stripe Press, spoke of the company’s pride in the book and said their job now was to ensure it was read by as many people as possible, while opening proceedings, the host, Stephen Reynolds, of Athlone Bookshop, welcomed all in attendance and said he had benefited from business mentoring from Tim prior to the opening of the shop.
'Boomshakalaka: Winning Against The Odds' is available at Athlone Bookshops and all good bookshops.