Large turnout for launch of Twelve Sheep book in Longford library

The popularity of Longford author John Connell was more than apparent last Friday (April 5) when it was standing room only at Longford Library for the launch of his latest book.

Twelve Sheep: Life Lessons from a Lambing Season follows on from The Cow Book and The Running Book with the same eclectic blend of history, philosophy and nature with which the author has struck a chord with readers across the globe.
Formally launched by Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív those in attendance were introduced to a book aimed at evoking an “appreciation of how beautiful life can be”.

Addressing the gathering John Connell welcomed the large turnout: “This reminds me of the lunch of The Cow Book which Éamon launched in 2018,” the author said of the evening, “We have all been on a journey in those years, we had the pandemic, changes in our lives and lost some people along the way. But we are here in celebration.”
He described the importance of the diversity at the library gathering for our future: “This is a rural celebration, and that's an important thing,” Mr Connell said, “The survival of rural communities like our own is pivotal to the future of Ireland. We need thriving communities. We need all the people with the different skills we have here tonight, and I see doctors, farmers, accountants and solicitors, to make rural Ireland the best it can be.”

He spoke of the “a full circle moment” that saw him return home: “To write a book is to take a gamble on life. You set yourself against the empty page and hope that sometime good will emerge. This is my 10 years anniversary in Longford. I saw the world and I have come to live in Longford, as so many of you do.”
John spoke of the support of his wife, Vivian, and the positive impact his young son has had on their lives. He thanked his Booktown collaborators, particularly Ronan O'Toole, and all who helped bring Twelve Sheep: Life Lessons from a Lambing Season to the public.

The author addressed the origins of his latest work: “This book emerged from a period of soul tiredness,” he said, “I had been travelling the world with The Cow Book and I was tired. I needed to re-root and the idea of these 12 sheep came to me. I wanted to be invested in something greater than myself.”

John mentioned the numeric significance of his stock: “I set out four years ago to slow down and write about becoming a shepherd in my own right. I was no rancher, but 12 was the right number for me. As Éamon said it's the same number as the disciples, the same number as the month in the year and the same number as the signs of the zodiac, which has a sheep as part of it. In the majesty or number it was the right digits.”

He said it was the shortest book by word count, but the longest writing experience. The author got a rousing reception from the packed out audience at the Longford Library.
Twelve Sheep: Life Lessons from a Lambing Season is available to buy in all good bookstores.