One of the biggest-selling Irish books of 2022 was officially launched in America last week by two Enniskillen men.

'Quinn', by Trevor Birney, is already an Irish bestseller, topping non-fiction charts following its release last December.

The author, a former journalist with this newspaper, is a documentary maker, and his three-part series, ‘Quinn Country’, gripped audiences upon its broadcast late last year, attracting enormous public and media attention.

The bestselling book serves as an in-depth work that further explores issues raised in the TV documentary series about the rise from humble roots and subsequent fall of the former billionaire.

The hit publication was officially launched in America on February 23 at Rosie O'Grady's Bar in Manhattan, New York, where Trevor was joined for the special launch by fellow Enniskillen native, actor Adrian Dunbar.

The upstairs room in Rosie O’Grady’s was packed on the night, with people drawn from across the Irish diaspora, but many of those present were from Fermanagh and Border counties, some of whom had been living in New York for many years.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter, Trevor said: "It was an honour to have Adrian with me in New York. I’ve admired him and his work for so many years, so it was great fun to finally get the chance to spend time with him.

"His words at the launch were clearly coming from a very deep knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the Sean Quinn story, and the impact the man had on Fermanagh and the Border counties."

Reflecting on the night's launch, Trevor said: "To be surrounded by so many old friends we’ve known in New York for so long, and to meet new ones, made the evening very special.

"It was great to hear strong Fermanagh accents speaking with passion about the story.”

Explaining part of the significance of the book for those who attended the New York launch, Trevor said: “So many there on the night had worked at Quinn's [businesses] themselves, or had family who were employees over the years.

"They knew the story and its every twist and turn, and had obviously watched the RTÉ documentary series and followed the local papers.”

He added: “The launch was a great night, only made possible by the kind support of the owner of Rosie O’Grady’s, Mike Carty, and his team. They were wonderful hosts and I want to thank them for their hospitality.”

Impartial Reporter:

Also speaking to this paper about the launch, actor Adrian Dunbar said: “I was delighted to support Trevor in the launch of his excellent, insightful and fair account of the tragedy surrounding the great Sean Quinn.

“There was an excellent turn-out of Fermanagh people, and I even ran into Sean Jones, who I hadn't seen since myself and Vincy Donegan and Willie Stinson were in New York with Frank Chisum in 1979!

“As an ambassador for the Gaels, it also let me remind people of the current drive to update the antiquated facilities at the county ground – something I think should be central to the thinking of all parties who might contribute.

“Trevor's excellent journalism continues to shed light on the big stories of our time, and I can thoroughly recommend his book,” added Adrian.

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