Book Launch: Irish Maverick – Frank Duff by Gordon Lewis – In Conversation
Best Selling Author (of ‘The Secret Child’) Gordon Lewis will be in conversation with Journalist Anne Flaherty, talking about his new book Irish Maverick, about the extraordinary life and work of Frank Duff. This event will be introduced by Michael McDonagh.
Join best-selling author Gordon Lewis (The Secret Child) for the launch of his compelling new book, Irish Maverick – Frank Duff, an extraordinary true story of compassion, courage, and defiance in 20th-century Ireland.
In this exclusive in-conversation event with journalist Anne Flaherty, Gordon Lewis will explore the remarkable life of Frank Duff – the visionary Irish Catholic layman who dared to challenge the might of the Church to protect Ireland’s most vulnerable. The evening will be introduced by journalist Michael McDonagh, a long-time friend and collaborator of Lewis.
Doors: 7pm; Starts: 7.30pm
Tickets: £10
💬 Best-Selling Author Gordon Lewis says…
“Frank Duff was more than a Dublin maverick. He was an unorthodox, unconventional, fearless non-conformist who lived by his own rules.
The book is controversial, just like he was. His defiance of the Irish Catholic Church’s dictates sometimes made him deeply unpopular.Driven by compassion, he fought to shelter and support prostitutes, homosexuals, single mothers, and homeless men — offering them refuge in his Dublin hostels when no one else would.
It led to fierce clashes with two of the most powerful and controlling figures in the Irish Catholic Church, Archbishops Edward Byrne and John Charles McQuaid.
My single mother and I were among the five thousand lucky enough to find sanctuary — a roof over our heads and, more importantly, the right to stay together. Unlike the countless mothers and children across Ireland who were torn apart by the Church’s harsh and unforgiving system, we were spared that fate.
It was only possible because of Frank Duff’s unshakable compassion and the radical charity he built against all odds — and against the will of the Church itself.
His charitable work inspired a global movement of over 40 million laypeople. And yet, despite his extraordinary legacy, his name has faded from history.”
— Gordon Lewis
About the Event
Gordon Lewis will be in conversation with journalist Anne Flaherty, offering unique insight into the making of Irish Maverick and the incredible true story behind it.
This fascinating live discussion will be introduced by journalist Michael McDonagh, who has worked closely with Gordon Lewis for many years and will also join the audience Q&A.
Attendees will have the chance to:
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Hear never-before-told stories from the life of Frank Duff
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Discover the inspiration behind Irish Maverick
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Ask Gordon Lewis questions during the live Q&A
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Purchase signed copies of the book on the night
Book Sales & Signing
Irish Maverick – Frank Duff is now available to buy on Amazon, and will also be available for purchase at the event.
Following the conversation, Gordon Lewis will personally sign copies of the book for attendees.
👤 About Gordon Lewis
Gordon Lewis is the author of the international best-seller Secret Child. His other books include Secret to Sultan, Little People, and Soho Hustle.
Beyond writing, Lewis has had a distinguished career as a music producer, working with some of the biggest names in the industry — including Queen and David Bowie. He is also an accomplished film producer.
Learn more about Gordon’s books and film projects at secretchild.com.
📰 About Anne Flaherty
Anne Flaherty was born in London and raised in County Clare. She has worked as a journalist for the Irish Press in Dublin and The Irish Times in Belfast, and has reported from Africa and Asia.
Anne holds an MA in Anglo-Irish Writing from Queen’s University Belfast and an MA in Children’s Literature from the University of Surrey.
She is a Trustee of the Irish Cultural Centre and a key member of its Irish Literature Programming team.
🗞️ About Michael McDonagh
Michael McDonagh is a respected journalist who has worked closely with Gordon Lewis over the years. Known for his insightful commentary and deep knowledge of Irish cultural affairs, Michael will introduce the event and participate in the discussion and Q&A session.
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