A NEW book launched this week tells the story of contemporary Finglas in a way that’s seldom told.
The Northside suburb has had much more than its share of bad press, but
‘Finglas – A People’s Portrait’ details life in the area through the eyes of those who live, or have lived, there.
The book includes candid interviews with many of Finglas’s famous sons and daughters including Bono, Ronnie Whelan and Dermot Bolger, who have made their mark on the world stage and made Finglas proud.
However, some of the more remarkable tales are told by less famous locals who have contributed in no small way to the area’s rich character and fascinating urban history.
A People’s Portrait is a joint labour of love by Northside People photographer, Darren Kinsella, and RTE journalist, Samantha Libreri, and their work has resulted in a remarkable book that will bring back memories for anybody with a connection to Finglas.
It also explains to the rest of the world how, against the odds and despite its reputation, Finglas managed to produce so many internationally renowned musicians, writers, entertainers, designers, sports and business people.
But Kinsella and Libreri also uncover the lesser-known stories like the up and coming female rapper making her name with hard-hitting lyrics, the tenor from the local chip shop with a voice like Pavarotti and the people who have worked tirelessly and silently to make their community a better place.
It all comes together superbly, and the book will no doubt find its way onto many local Christmas present lists. But thanks to Kinsella’s brilliant portrait photography and Libreri’s captivating writing style, this is a tome that will appeal way beyond the borders of Finglas.