Local-born author Pat Mullan to launch debut book in Limavady

Local author, Pat Mullan (formerly Magheramore, Limavady, now living in Naas Co. Kildare) will be launching his self-published debut collection of stories and poems this weekend.

The launch will be held in the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre (Main Street, Limavady) on Saturday, December 7 at 1.30pm. All are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be available.

The Tales from Derry Kildare and Beyond collection by Pat Mullan, features over 60 short stories and more than a dozen poems. Is is a warm and sometimes witty collection of stories, poems and memories from the 1960’s to the present day. It covers a range of themes including, growing up in sixties and seventies Ireland, parent / offspring relationships, the challenges of living through the Troubles, advances in technology, life ‘s challenges in the workplace, farming life, illness, Covid, ageing and dying, and all the vagaries that life presents.

Published by Naas Printing Ltd, all proceeds from the sales of the book will be shared equally between two very worthy charities - Foyle Hospice in Derry and the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation in Co. Kildare

Extracts from the publication will be read on the day.

John MacKenna (Kildare author, poet and playwright) said: Tales from Derry, Kildare and Beyond is the real thing: the real landscape: the real people; the real accents and sounds; the real experiences; the real joy and the real sadness of people's lives. Whether it's a short-story, a remembered experience, a poem regretting a life lost or a ballad celebrating a milestone achieved - these works are filled with the authentic experiences of life and death; showbands and hospital wards; potato fields and the halls of Harvard. Authentic, quietly humorous, deeply personal - this is the real thing.

Pauline Clooney (Director Kildare Writers Centre and Author says Pat Mullan’s debut collection is populated with memorable characters, adeptly handled in an assured, often very humorous manner by a writer who understands the human condition…With a clear understanding of the grittier, sometimes flawed nature of humanity, Mullan gives us characters confronting coming of age dilemmas, emigration, and the often-confrontational nature of border checkpoints…Mullan writes with a wicked, though controlled sense of wry humour..As well as the humour, and perhaps what will linger most with the reader, is the succinct poignancy in Mullan’s style, his ability to catch the heart off guard with a subtlety and sensitivity, a quiet, controlled voice that is so compelling. Mullan does not shy away from handling the more serious and distressing aspects of life…

Mae Leonard (Author, poet and broadcaster) says Pat Mullan eases you gently into his world, real and imaginary. He holds you fast there with his perfectly crafted short stories and poetry. This Collection is something to be very proud of. It is a treasure chest that you will return to read and enjoy again and again.