A new translation of St Patrick's writings, by Jim McCormack CM, was launched on Sunday 9 March. Present at the launch of St. Patrick: The Real Story as told in his own words were friends, colleagues, and some members of the author’s Vincentian Community.

The evening began with light refreshments, after which the book was officially launched by Fr Myles Reardon CM. In his launch address, Fr Reardon remarked that he had read many versions of the life of St. Patrick and St. Patrick’s Confessions, all of which were well written; but he added that Jim’s translation brought a directness and a raw energy which made St. Patrick come alive. He then brought attention to the fact that St. Patrick left two documents written in his own hand, namely the Confessions and the Letter to Coroticus. This new translation of both texts into contemporary language will, he commented, appeal to a wide readership.

Fr. Jim thanked those gathered for attending the launch of this book and expressed with modesty his delight at having completed the text after many years of working with it. The objective he had in mind when writing it he said was to make the life of St. Patrick accessible to as many people as possible.

The book is published by Columba Press and can be purchased in Cathedral Books (on Sackville Place, just off O'Connell St) for €6.99.