Dublin boy Rob moves from Elvis to poetry

A DUBLIN-born former Elvis impersonator now living in Minehead is hoping to make a new life for himself as a poet and novelist.
And already, Rob Brennan (pictured with framed letter from Tony Blair) has seen a poem published and has been officially acknowledged by Prime Minister Tony Blair and Liverpool Football Club.
Rob, aged 43, who lives in Glenmore Road, was forced to give up his life as an entertainer after 20 years because he suffered from a muscle-wasting disorder.
He then took up writing as a hobby and is currently studying English at Bridgwater College’s Minehead centre.
Rob, who also writes song lyrics, told The Crier: “When one door closes, another door opens, and I have had to redirect my life.
“I love writing now and I am beginning to get somewhere with it and people are starting to take notice.
“With my disability and the pain I suffer at the moment I sometimes wake up at two or three o-clock in the morning and so I started writing a novel as well.
“But I need to attract some sponsors to help because living on my disability money does not leave enough to pay for things like legal copyright services.”
Rob’s published poem, entitled ‘Questioning Faith’ came fourth in a national magazine competition which attracted 60,000 entries and has been included in a book called ‘Home Thoughts’.
He wrote a poem about the MBE being awarded to Steven Gerrard, who is captain of his favourite football club, Liverpool, and sent a copy to the club and received a letter of thanks.
More recently, Rob also sent Tony Blair a poem written about the Marines and Royal Navy personnel who were being held captive in Iran, and he has received an official letter from the Prime Minister which he has framed.
Having moved to live in Minehead, Rob said his life changed for the better when he met a woman from Porlock who helps care for him in his illness.
He said: “I am an original kid from the back streets of Dublin who has fallen in love with a beautiful woman and a beautiful area in which to live.”
In the summer, Rob hopes to take part in the Regal Theatre’s annual talent competition with a song he has written called ‘All the Time’ and with the help of musicians Karel, Linden, and Emily, who represent the Beach Bar.
Anybody who is interested in sponsoring Rob can write to him at 4 Glenmore Road, Minehead.

Photo submitted.