Long before Wonder Works was born one of its founders, Garrett Stokes, was the creator and publisher of a Music/Fashion magazine which was launched in 1987.
The publication was called Fresh, it covered pop music and fashion and had a strategy from the beginning to actively promote Irish bands and performers and their concerts, performances and record launches. The Fresh team worked hard and made Fresh the second largest-selling Irish magazine, just behind the RTE Guide, which was and still is the Radio and TV listings magazine of the National Broadcaster RTE.
Also in 1987 (and of much greater significance), Sinéad O’Connor arrived. She had just launched her debut studio album, The Lion and the Cobra which charted internationally and to much critical acclaim.
Christine Ryan (the editor of Fresh) despatched Barry Egan, then a young writer – now Chief Feature Writer & Columnist for over 20 years at The Sunday Independent – to London to interview Sinéad. Fresh featured Sinéad on the front cover, with an article over the centre spread. Her image was on magazine racks throughout the country and we weren’t surprised when the magazine sold out almost immediately.
In his article, Barry Egan concluded by writing:
“On her deathbed, Sinéad O’Connor will not weep for her Cardinal Sins, but for the opportunities lost. I suspect Sinéad O’.C. will pass away surreally, with a wry, I-told-you-so smirk on her little face …”
We sincerely hope that was the case.
Sinéad was a powerhouse, a true inspiration and one of the most important Irish voices not just musically but politically too. We are proud and honoured to have had the opportunity to showcase and support her from one of the earliest points in her career.
Rest in Power.