A Limerick author is attempting to speak for 60 hours in an attempt to smash the world record for delivering the longest public lecture.
Anthony Galvin was last night more than halfway through his record-breaking attempt at the Oakwood Arms Hotel, Shannon, Co Clare.
The author chose a broad lecture theme, "The Magic of the Imagination", and is speaking extempore for an hour on each of 60 topics.
The existing world record for lecturing is held by an American who spoke for 51 hours and 47 minutes on the evolution of the US presidency.
Anthony Galvin, who wrote Family Feud, the story of Limerick's gangland wars, began at 8 a.m. on Monday and hopes to continue speaking until late tonight.
During his marathon effort the father of two is allowed one 15-minute break every eight hours.
He uses this time to drink fruit juice and eat honey and yoghurt to keep up his energy.
Strict rules must be adhered to in the world-record attempt, which is being recorded on mini-disc with an audience present at all times.
Speaking ahead of his effort, Mr Galvin said one of the biggest challenges would be trying to stay awake.
"I'll be talking non-stop for the 60 hours so I'll try to vary the topics as much as possible. I'll be doing most of it standing up and drinking coffee at night. It's bad enough that I might put the audience to sleep without nodding off myself," he said.
The audience yesterday was treated to a variety of subjects including American literature, detective novels and house- buying.
A panel from Shannon Toastmasters' Club - of which Anthony Galvin is a longtime member - has been drawn up to take turns listening to the author's lecture.
It is hoped he will have set a new world record for lecturing by the time members of Shannon Toastmasters' gather for their monthly meeting in Shannon at 8 o'clock tonight.