Lenihan book royalties go to Irish Cancer Society

THE authors of a collection of essays on the life and work of the late Brian Lenihan have presented a cheque for €19,010 from the book’s first year royalties to the Irish Cancer Society.

‘Brian Lenihan In Calm and Crisis’ was published by Merrion Press in November 2014 and appeared at the time in the best sellers list. The book included extended essays from those directly involved with the former Dublin West TD at all stages of his professional life, including his time as Minister for Finance.

Contributors included Christine Lagarde, Mary McAleese, Ray MacSharry and Patrick Honohan. Brian Lenihan died of pancreatic cancer on 10th June 2011.

Former Government minister, Mary O’Rourke, an aunt of Brian Lenihan’s who contributed to the book, expressed her gratitude to all involved in its publication.

“We are delighted that so many people took the opportunity to buy and enjoy the book,” she said.

“We are particularly happy that such a fine sum has been raised for the Irish Cancer Society, a very appropriate charity which does such fine work throughout the country.”

At the presentation Kathleen O’Meara, Head of Advocacy and Communications with the Irish Cancer Society said: “We greatly appreciate the support of the authors in donating the proceeds from this book on the life and work of the late Brian Lenihan to the Irish Cancer Society.

“Over 35,000 people in Ireland are diagnosed with cancer each year with cancer incidence set to increase. As the national cancer charity, the Society provides free cancer services to cancer patients nationwide as well as funding vital research to find better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer.”

The book is still available in bookshops and any further royalties will also go to Irish Cancer Society. The book is edited by historian Dr Brian Murphy, Mary O’Rourke and political analyst, Noel Whelan.