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Jounalist Mark McAvoy’s book on the history of rock music in Cork, Ireland has received plenty of critical acclaim since the book’s official launch in mid-December. Des O’Driscoll of the The Irish Examiner calls it, “A work of massive importance for Cork’s cultural history and a hugely enjoyable read for anyone who has gigged, ligged or larked by the Lee.” Cork-based writer and critic, Danny Denton, wrote, “The great achievement of this book … is that McAvoy is able to weave these voices and stories [of the Cork music scene] with acute detail and excellent reportage, so that the book is textured and structured and [is] all the more readable for that.” The strongest praise comes from Jackie Hayden of Hot Press Magazine, who gave this glowing account of the book:

“It’ll require a feat of the loaves and fishes variety to better Mark McAvoy’s comprehensive take on Cork’s substantial contribution to rock music history. Cork Rock: From Rory Gallagher To The Sultans Of Ping is packed with facts and provocative anecdotes that weave the music into the culture of Cork and the world beyond. You’ve loved the music, now read the book.”

Strong praise indeed!

Mark McAvoy’s debut book explores the rise of the burgeoning rock scene in Ireland’s “Rebel County” of Cork, including looks at various Cork musicians: from Rory Gallagher and the legendary “Taste,” to the 80’s punk rock of “Five Go Down to the Sea?”, to local indie favorites such as, “The Frank and Walters,” “Simple Kid,” and “The Sultans of Ping”. The book was officially launched on December 7 at The Old Oak in Cork, with guest speakers Donal Gallagher (brother of Rory Gallagher) and Morty McCarthy (The Sultans of Ping and former local music fanzine editor), along with performing acts such as “Get That Monster Off The Stage” and “The Vital Spark”.

Cork Rock: From Rory Gallagher To The Sultans Of Ping is published by Mercier Press and is available in bookshops on both sides of the Atlantic and online sites such as Amazon.com and BiggerBooks.com .