Tipperary native to launch debut novella 'The McCarthys of Ballyhenry' next month

Cahir native, Noel O’Donnell will launch his debut work, The McCarthys of Ballyhenry, at Cahir House Hotel on Friday, November 21, at 7pm.

Hosted by Hughie O’Donnell, the evening will feature short extracts from the book, read aloud by Noel’s daughters, Jennifer, Emma and Shauna with musical entertainment by local performer, Richard Delahunty.

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Renowned, Cahir-born writer, Margaret Galvin will also be present to read some of her poems and respond to Noel’s work.

Admission is free and all are welcome.

During the evening, signed copies of the book will be available for sale priced at €14.99.

All profits from the book sales will be donated to two worthy causes — The Cari Foundation and The Dillon Quirke Foundation.

Inspired by the public testimonies of children who spent time at St Joseph’s Industrial School, Artane, Noel has created an unforgettable story of love, faith and sacrifice, and what it means to survive in the most extreme circumstances.

Commenting on the launch, Noel said: “I’ve always loved storytelling and started writing this book five years ago. It’s no surprise to learn that this story is set in a fictional village in my beloved Tipperary, the source of all my inspiration. I can’t say what it means to me to see my story in print. I hope people enjoy reading it as much as I have loved creating it.”

Key collaborators include Stephen Conway from Cork, who painted the dramatic picture depicted on the front cover, while Rónán Dedenys of Cahir Arts created beautifully evocative black-and-white illustrations for key chapters.

Stephen Conway said: “I’m honoured that Noel selected my painting for the front cover. For me, this represents the calming effect of nature with the warm autumn colours in the foreground complementing the soft cool colours in the distant background, giving depth and a feeling of mystery of what lies beyond.”

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Rónán Dedenys commented: “Congratulations to Noel! I’m delighted to be part of this project and enjoyed researching the era and creating the illustrations to visually complement Noel’s words. I decided to draw in black biro to add a dark and impactful look to the illustrations.”

Post launch, the book may be purchased at the O’Donnell’s family business, Woodview Texaco Service Station, Cahir; Cahir Post Office; Cahir Arts and select book outlets around Tipperary.

Noel’s book will also be available to download in electronic format to mobile devices such as Kindle, iPad and Android tablets on https://lettertecbookstore.com.