Well you will remember that I wrote a book entitled “The Beggar at the Window” and launched it in the USA. It is currently available through Waltons Music in Dublin and New York. This is what we call a ’slow burner’ and people are beginning to realise what it’s all about, particularly due to the fact that The Northern Ireland political situation still is an unsolved dilemma. The book is about the Ireland of today with its recent past pushing it to an uncertain future. The truth is the stories of  ‘The Troubles’ we’ve had around for the last 30 years in our little green island. Maybe its veracity is a kind of reality check?

Writing a song to commemorate a great Dublin writer like Brendan Behan is no easy task, even if it is a labour of love. My good friend and award winning sculptor John Coll did an excellent depiction of Brendan, to be set in pride of place by his much loved Royal Canal, that was the standard I was up against. When my song was written and tested on some Dublin audiences (with thumbs up approval) the next chore was to find some singers to sing it in live performance on the day of commemoration in Dublin’s northside environs. My luck held and more friends, namely The Celtic Tenors, did the honours. What great voices in harmony! Singing to a huge crowd, including members of Brendan Behans family and friends, Taoiseach Bertie Aherne and Dublin City manager John Fitzgerald and many VIP’s on a beautiful sunny day, The Celtic Tenors did my song proud. A great day was had by all and made Brendan’s memory be forever on song.

Brendan Behan Remembered © 2004 Saint Music

In the Dublin of the Living
His name will never die
Twas the Fickle Jar, eclipsed his star
And fools will ask you why
Dublin was his city
He was Dublin born and bred
That’s why they christened him Brendan Behan
With a Green Flag O’er his head

Pete St. John (Saint Music)

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