O’Doherty’s book launch this week

An ardent Derry City supporter who boasts a wealth of knowledge on the Brandywell club, Don’s sterling efforts will benefit local charity, the Foyle Search and Rescue organisation.

The Faughan Valley Golf Club’s Honorary President explained what led him to turn the computer on and start typing.

“I suppose that having led a long and full life it was inevitable that someone would suggest I write a book,” he said.

“Not giving much thought or attention to the suggestion time passed and the first sign of the muse lighting on my shoulder occurred when, around Christmas 2012, my grandson arrived at our home with a 200 page novel.

“It contained an attractive and easily read font which comprised 250 words per page. This amounted to a total of 50,000 words and immediately the gauntlet was thrown down.

“Having confided in my daughter and her husband-to-be of my intentions, I was immediately supplied with a computer and the trimmings by them and off we went.”

“The first phase of the book covered my professional career right up to retirement to be followed by my domestic life which actually ran parallel to my professional career for much of the way.

‘Eighty Years A-Growing’ will be launched in the Everglades Hotel this Thursday night, at 8pm and all will be made welcome without invitation.

Alternatively books may be purchased at any of the following outlets - Jobby Crossan Sports, Messines Terrace; Myra’s, Garden City; McKeever’s News, Creggan; PJ’s Newsagency, William Street; Centra, Trench Road; Doran’s Shop, Strabane Old Road; Age Concern, Chapel Road and Marshall’s Shop, Enagh Lough.

The book is priced at £9.99 and all proceeds will go to the Foyle Search and Rescue Charity.