There were characters, conversations about corners and plenty of cameras at the launch. They all wanted to capture photographer Bill Doyle. His book, Images of Dublin, A Time Remembered, published by Lilliput Press, was toasted by one and all. Guests could remember Dublin in the rare auld times.
"My mother's milk shop, the Horse Drawn Dairy, in North King Street, is there," said May Doyle, pointing to one image. She has known Bill Doyle for over 50 years, although they are not related. His daughter, Leslie Doyle, a Belfast-based photographer, was there too.
Tom Smith, of Grogan's Pub, was there, as was Ben Kiely, the writer and broadcaster. Frank Feely, the former city manager, there launched the book
"Move up in the bed and make room for the lodger," laughed Bill Doyle, as he pushed over to make space on the bench for Hayley French, a camera operator, who wanted an autograph. The queue for Doyle's signature stretched down the room at the Dublin Civic Trust at 4 Castle Street. John ╙ Cuil∅nn, a photographer, whose wife, MβirΘad N∅ Chuil∅nn, originally came from Inis Oirr, was there too, taking shots.
Cork woman Sarah O'Donnell chatted to Charles Duggan, education officer at the Dublin Civic Trust.
Meanwhile, another part of the city was being memorialised through a play, Nightmare on Essex Street by Gerard Stembridge, which opened in The Space Upstairs at Project.
Many actors came to enjoy the production, which explores an actor's worst nightmares. Amelia Crowley, Donal O'Kelly and Conor Mullen were there, as was Marcella Plunkett, who played Alison in Bachelors Walk. The play, part of the Barabbas festival of productions, runs until next Saturday.