Embury Close book launch is a ‘Celebration of Memories’

Embury Close book launch is a ‘Celebration of Memories’. Book Committee members Stephen Darcy Goldthorpe, Sheena Wiseman, and John Tarrant

Residents of Embury Close have come together to produce a book of personal memories, which was launched on June 16

Residents of Embury Close, sheltered housing for independent living in Adare, have come together to produce a book of personal memories launched on June 16, 2026.

Embury Close is home to around 30 older residents, though they prefer to think of themselves not as “elderly” but as “recycled teenagers”. Age, they say, is only a number. They live in a beautiful green setting within walking distance of the picturesque village of Adare, which is preparing for the 2027 Ryder Cup, one of the world’s greatest golf tournaments.

Residents speak warmly of Embury Close, its dedicated management team and its volunteer board. Many praise the quality of life there, and as one person put it, “Every village or town should have an Embury Close.”

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The book project began in August 2025, when one resident, a former schoolmaster from England, remembered how pupils often produced their best writing when describing their own lives and experiences. Soon after arriving at Embury Close, he saw the rich variety of stories among his fellow residents and decided to encourage them to share their memories and reminiscences.

He called a residents’ meeting and invited Tony Hanlon from Asdee, North Kerry, who had helped produce a beautifully presented book about the people of Asdee. The meeting generated enough support for a similar, though distinct, book about Embury Close.

The book opens with a short history of the founding and development of Embury Close, including the involvement of notable supporters such as the Dunraven family, JP McManus and former President Mary Robinson.

It then features 20 personal stories, memories and reminiscences from residents, accompanied by many fine photographs. Together, they offer a fascinating range of life stories and episodes from the past, touching on well-known and notorious figures such as Donald Trump and James Hanratty, the last man to be hanged in England. The book brings to life an Ireland that has passed, as well as experiences of living in America, England and elsewhere.

This is history as lived by people who are not usually recorded in history books. Such testimony can teach us as much, perhaps more, than accounts of famous leaders, figures and events. These are real people and real stories, the kind of record increasingly valued by modern historians. The book took nearly ten months to produce.

The launch took place on the evening of 16 June at The Woodlands Hotel, County Limerick, before around 120 guests. Attendees included the writers, their families and friends, donors, sponsors and others who had contributed to this true community effort.

Those ten months involved committee meetings, minute-taking, writing, gathering material, proofreading, photography, fundraising and many editing sessions. It was truly a labour of love.

The book is the result of remarkable community cooperation. The celebration was shared by government Minister Niall Collins and County Councillors Ger Ward and Adam Teskey, along with generous donors, advertisers, friends and businesses from Adare and the surrounding area. To all of them, the residents are deeply grateful.

The project also depended on expert volunteer support after the material was written, including typing and saving manuscripts online, specialist IT work to prepare the book for printing, professional-quality photography freely given, and constant encouragement from the management and board of Embury Close.

The launch evening at The Woodlands Hotel, organised and compered by Simon Baker, was a joyful and entertaining celebration for contributors, residents, families, friends and everyone who supported the project.

The producers of the book thanked The Woodlands Hotel for hosting an excellent evening and to the printers, Fitzsimons of Shanagolden, for producing such a beautiful book.

All profits from book sales will go to local charities chosen by the residents. The book is on sale for €15 at Draíocht Art Gallery, Adare, or by contacting Stephen on 089 9407084.