Book Launch
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Saturday 6th December at 8:30pm will see the launch of Better late than never, the memoirs of Father Gerard McAteer, at the new pavilion, Kickhams GAC Creggan.
Father Gerry's entering of the priesthood was a late vocation. Prior to taking up his spiritual calling, he was a man of many talents. He spent a period as a carpenter before running a successful oil business in his native Creggan outside Randalstown.
A keen sportsman he represented Antrim in football and hurling in the 1940's and was on the Antrim hurling team beaten by Cork in the All Ireland Senior Final of 1943.
Another of Father Gerry's interests was the Irish Language and he spent many years at Ros Goill Adult Irish College firstly as a student and afterwards as President.
After becoming a priest, he served for periods in Ballymartin, County Down and on Rathlin Island.
The book which is a light hearted account of his life and times as a layman and a priest was published in Irish two years ago under the title: Is fearr go mall ná go brách.
Proceeds from the sale of the book will go to Trócaire and the Irish Language. It will be on sale at £8 at the following outlets:
Bonnes Supermarket, Randalstown
Spar, Toome
Bethlehem Abbey Bookshop, Portglenone
An Carn, Maghera
Cultúrlann Mac Adam Ó Fiaich, Falls Rd, Belfast