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Tuesday 31st October 2017: 
Galway author, Ken O’Sullivan, launched his book, Pieces of Mind: The Collection last Sunday in the Clybaun Hotel in support of Galway Simon Community. The book was launched at the event by Ken’s long-time friend and publisher, Liam Ó Broin, and over 250 people enjoyed presentations from Ken and his daughter Julie. More than €4,000 was raised for Galway Simon services on the day thanks donations made by guests, who in exchange were offered a copy of the book as a gift.
Pieces of Mind: The Collection is the third edition of its kind and is full of complete items and extracts form Ken’s stories, essays, reflections, letters, novels, poems and more. The book is a distillation of nearly thirty years’ work, or, as Ken prefers to put it, “thirty years of a labour of love”. There are 1,370 items in the near-700 pages, and you will find almost everything from the sacred to the silly, and from the philosophical to the (slightly!) profane; in other words something for everybody. You can dip in anywhere, so it is a great personal companion in those moments when you are not in the mood for a longer read. Equally it is a lovely gift.
Liam Silke, Town Crier and Professional Tour Guide, a long-time fan of Ken’s writing, says it’s a book that brings out many emotions. “I have read and enjoyed the First and Second Editions of Pieces of Mind, and still keep one on my bedside table. The Third Edition, Pieces of Mind: The Collection, is nearly four times as long as the previous one, and is full of little gems, short stories and much more. You will find yourself in this book, and it will surely bring you smiles, tears and lasting memories. I intend to use it as my Christmas gift for family and friends,” he said.
Another reader wrote, “I am loving your book and get great inspiration from it. It is one of those books I don’t want to finish.”
If you missed the event, you can still pick up your copy of Pieces Of Mind: The Collection in any one of the following stores: Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop, Galway Simon’s charity shop on Sea Road and Go West Pharmacy, near Aldi in Westside. The entire cost of the project including the production of the book and launch event have been sponsored and rather than selling the book, copies are being offered in exchange for a donation made to Galway Simon services. A donation of €20 is suggested but you are kindly requested to be as be as generous as you can. Every cent donated will go directly to Galway Simon Community who works with those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.