Watch: Brush Shiels' album launch video

James Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown was the setting for the launch of Brush Shiels’ A Brush With Life, an excellent new collection of tracks from the Irish legend inspired by his recent health scare and two-week stay in the hospital’s cardiology unit.

Joe Duffy, who painted a remarkable portrait of the musician which graces the cd cover did the official mc duties for the event which featured speeches from key hospital staff (who were effusive in their praise for Brush), Fr. Brian D’Arcy, former Meath manager Sean Boylan (who played a key role in advising Brush to seek medical attention) and a wonderful address and performance from the man himself.

Staff, friends, family and supporters turned up in large numbers to mark the event. Attendees included Brush’s long-time manager Eamon Fitzpatrick, guitarist Pat Farrell, RTE’s Julian Vignoles, former Pogues manager Frank Murray and his partner Kay Gourley, Paul O’Reilly from Dolphin Music, Shane O’Driscoll from the INEC and musicians Jimmy Coup and Brian Grace.

A Brush With Life is available from all good record shops.