Trying to tell fact from fiction among the books in the big tent in Portrane

Trying to tell the difference between fact and fiction, truth and lies, in between the books at Portrane this afternoon (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2013)

Patrick Comerford

Not a penny more, not a penny less.

Honour among thieves.

And Thereby Hangs a Tale.

All titles of novels by Jeffrey Archer.

But how appropriate, I thought, that stuck in among these works of fiction by the great perjurer and politician was Bertie Ahern, The Autobiography.

Sometimes, I suppose, it can be difficult in life to tell the difference between fact and fiction, truth and lies. But it galls me that those who would like to think that none of us knows the difference then want to make more money out of us by peddling us their tales between the covers of book.

Despite what Jeffrey Archer says, I doubt whether there is any Honour among thieves.

Oh well, Bertie sat there for most of the afternoon. Until one buyer offered 20 cent ... not a penny more, not a penny less.

I spent the afternoon as a volunteer in the big red and white tent at the annual sale at The Quay in Portrane in aid of Heart to Hand and its projects in Romania and Albania.

The rain held off for most of this bank holiday Saturday afternoon, and in between the sales pitches, I managed to take time for a short stroll on the beach below the Lynders family home at The Quay, looking out onto Lambay Island.

The sale continues each afternoon this weekend, closing on Monday afternoon.

And there are some really good books (honestly) for sale in the bid red-and-white tent. Five for €1 ... not a penny more, not a penny less.

Looking out at Lambay Island from the small beach beneath The Quay in Portrane this afternoon (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2013)