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Patricia Ingle book launch Patricia Ingle book launch

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Patricia Ingle book launch I am Free at O Mahonys book shop

Patricia Ingle book launch I am Free at O’Mahony’s book shop.
Pictured at the Patricia Ingle book launch for ‘I am Free’ were Miriam O’Callaghan, RTÉ broadcaster, Patricia Ingle, author and Mary Malone, ghostwriter. picture: Eimear Purcell

Patricia Ingle, released her book ‘I am Free’ at O’Mahony’s bookshop on Monday, September 5 with special guest, broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan. Patricia aged 28 was left paralysed and brain damaged over eight years ago at the age of 19; the Limerick woman spent more than 1,000 days in hospital with her illness.

Patricia Ingle book launch

Patricia Ingle book launch ‘I am Free’ at O’Mahonys Book Shop Limerick. Picture: Eimear Purcell.

The book was written with the help of a ghostwriter, Mary Malone, who was grateful to Patricia Ingle for giving her the opportunity to write the book which took almost two years.


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Speaking at the event, Mary Malone said, “Anything can happen to any of us in a moment, and we don’t know what that change can bring for us.” Mary Malone added, “This family have made the best of that change and they’re going forward.”

Patricia’s father Pat spoke of the pride the family felt on the evening and hearing the kind words from people on the evening:

“I am just overwhelmed with such nice words that have been said about Patricia from Susie [Patricia’s solicitor] and Miriam O’Callaghan; she deserves every one of those nice words.”

Pat Ingle went on to speak about the changes the family has gone through over the past eight years that Patricia speaks about in I am Free. Mr Ingle showed gratitude toward the legal team which helped Patricia and the Ingle family through the tough time as Punch Solicitors who directed them to solicitor Susie Elliot, based in Cork.

While working at a pet shop, Patricia inhaled dust from parrots that were infected, this led to the young Limerick woman contracting a rare brain disorder that saw Patricia Ingle spend almost three years in hospital.

In the memoir, Patricia shares the experiences and achievements she has met over the past eight years as well her future hopes and dreams.

Ms O’Callaghan spoke of the honour she had helping launch the book and the inspiration she felt after interviewing Patricia. The broadcaster said when you interview some people you know they are remarkable adding, ”Patricia is one of those people.”

Click here to find out more about I am Free by Patricia Ingle.
You can read more stories about Limerick authors here.

Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.