Moate writer gives Elvis talk at private screening

Moate-based journalist and 'Elvis and Ireland' author Ivor Casey was recently invited by Dragon's Den host and former Presidential candidate Gavin Duffy to attend a special private screening of 'Elvis' and give a talk about Elvis' cultural impact in Ireland.

Ivor was surprised to suddenly be contacted by Mr Duffy in lead-up to the release of the movie, which charts the story of Elvis' rise to stardom and tragic decline. Ivor's own book 'Elvis and Ireland' documents the story of Elvis' life, career and influence in Ireland and is a social study of his cultural impact here, ranging from the birth of Irish rock 'n' roll to Dáil and church reactions to Presley and the music of era.

"As a result of Elvis being originally banned from official Irish and British airwaves Gavin finds Elvis instrumental in the widespread emergence of pirate radio, most especially Radio Caroline, which was an area Gavin first began working in during the 1980s and he wanted me to elaborate further on the impact Elvis had when he first appeared," Ivor says.

Also in attendance was International artist Nuala Holloway from Mount Temple, who painted the oil painting cover for 'Elvis and Ireland'.

Ivor says it was "a great honour to be a special guest of the well known businessman at the screening" and was delighted to present Mr Duffy with a signed copy of his book. 'Elvis' is in cinemas nationwide and 'Elvis and Ireland' is available on Amazon.