Nenagh Castle under attack!

Nenagh native Colin Clifford has just published the fourth and final novel in a fantasy series centering on his homeland.

‘Assault on Castle Aonach’ is the latest story from Colin (82), who took up writing in recent years after being encouraged by friends to put pen to paper. Settling in Wales after working in several countries, all of Colin's books focus on Nenagh and its hinterland.

The new one brings to an end the insterstellar journey of the O'Hogs, who have fled from their doomed planet in search of a new world to call home. That turns out to be Foilnamuck, “a verdant valley, cradled between the mist-wreathed peaks of the Silvermine Mountains and indomitable slopes of Keeper Hill. Its emerald pastures shimmered like enchanted velvet under the glow of a large moon, promising a fresh start for the weary travellers.”

But all is not well in their new home, as the O'Hogs must contend with the evil witch Morga, who resides in dank caves atop Keeper Hill, plotting to seize control of Nenagh Castle and enslave the population of Aonach Urmhumhan. Thankfully, they have the aid of Kevin Whelan - “the castle’s keeper and guardian of its long-forgotten lore” - who features prominently in the book.

Colin, who grew up in St Patrick's Terrace, was long inspired to write about the town and surrounds he came from, even if he never thought any of his work would be published. He was always fixated with Foilnamuck, Dolla, recounting that when he and his sister Patricia (Ahern) were children, their mother would say to them: “Not now, I'm in Foilnamuck,” whenever she did not want to be disturbed.

He also wanted to bring Nenagh Castle into his story, likening the iconic keep to an “ancient sentinel” protecting the town and its people. For Colin, who speaks of the vast changes he sees every time he returns home, the “illustrious Castle Aonach” represents a connection with the past and a symbol of light for all in Nenagh.

Writing under his Gaelic name, Cóilín Ó Clúmháin, Colin created the artwork for his books by himself. All four books in his series - ‘The Magic Village of Foilnamuck’, ‘The Wizards of Foilnamuck’, ‘The Abduction of Hoggle O'Hog’ and now ‘Assault on Castle Aonach’ are available online from Amazon.com.