Random Rhymes for Reasons by Peter Byrne, a former Aer Lingus executive and officer in the Defence Forces, was launched with much aplomb in Peter’s hometown of Rush, Co Dublin. Printed in luxury hardback, the book is a delightful trove of love poems, satire and fleeting observations on everything from Christmas to air-sea rescue.
Random Rhymes for Reasons is also a beautiful poetic tribute to the author’s loved ones, and one person in particular, his lifetime partner and best friend, Maree. While displaying careful attention to rhythm and stanza structure, Peter’s poems are personal and heartfelt in a way that leaves the reader in no doubt as to the sincerity of his affections.
Irish readers may already have heard Peter as a poet, humorist and wordsmith on famous Irish radio shows. ‘Getting Shirty’, Peter’s impish satire of former Taoiseach Charlie Haughey, was a first prize winner on the radio show of the late RTE titan Marian Finucane. He has also engaged listeners with his trademark wit on shows such as Joe Duffy’s Funny Friday and Mooney Goes Wild on One, hosted by Derek Mooney.
Peter’s festive and emollient launch in Rush Golf Club also had an RTE connection in the form of much loved newsreader Ray Kennedy, who did the ceremonial ‘launching’ of Random Rhymes-; Ray’s father, Ray Kennedy senior, was a colleague of Peter’s in Ireland’s national airline, Aer Lingus, and their work together on advertising copy and promotional graphic art was one of Peter’s inspirations in the writing of Random Rhymes-.
We were delighted to work with our partners at Lettertec in the production of Peter’s collection, and feel fortunate that such craft print production exists in Ireland. Working with Frank, Brian, Jennifer and all the team at Lettertec is always a pleasure, and we learn so much from their insights into book production and publishing!
In his address at the book launch, Jeremy thanked the JM Agency team for helping him bring Peter’s book to life. This includes JM Agency’s senior designer Parvathi, who designed both the interior and cover of Random Rhymes for Reasons, a task that demanded considerable design ingenuity, owing to the complexity and the client’s signature vision; Joanne, for undertaking an extensive and professional edit of Peter’s manuscript; and talented design student and artist Aoife Copland, for working closely with Peter on the creation of a series of illustrations to embellish the book.
Random Rhymes for Reasons is available in select retail outlets and online at buythebook.ie.
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