Newport writer launches debut novel despite pandemic
At a launch ceremony in Newcastle West on Friday, October 16th, the Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Michael Collins, welcomed the publication by the Limerick Writers Centre of the debut novel of local writer Pat (Paddy) McLoughlin entitled 'The Canary in the Mine'.
While this is Pat’s first novel, it’s not his first book. His two previous collections of short stories 'To Weave with Words' and 'From Head to Tale', both published by Limerick Writers Centre, proved very popular and were sold out within weeks of publication.
While the previous launches were attended by hundreds of people, this one, because of the Covid-19 restrictions, took place outdoors and was only attended by a handful of people. Pat thanked Dr Paddy Fullam and all the people who gave so generously of their time and expertise in the production of his novel; he gave a special mention to Dominic Taylor, Lotte Bender and all at the Limerick Writers Centre.
Dr Paddy Fullam, in his preface to the book, says: “Readers who are familiar with Pat’s work are aware of the outstanding success he has had with his collections of short stories. However, to move from the short story genre to writing a novel is a hugely challenging literary journey. It is a challenge that Pat has met with masterful success.
“The reader is transported to a time, places and society, all of which are vastly different to those of the modern era. And yet the issues, concerns and challenges of the past are still relevant and hugely significant in today’s world. The past has always fascinated us and continues to exert endless curiosity. As LP Hartley, in the 'Go-Between' reminds us, ‘The past is a foreign country – they do things differently there.’ Moreover, it is a country that we cannot physically visit.”
The novel charts the ups and downs of a diverse collection of Irish emigrants who come together in 1950s London. Some are there out of economic necessity while others are there to escape from the claustrophobic society that was Ireland.
Big Dan Sullivan struggles daily to come to terms with a devastating injustice, perpetrated by a so-called pillar of society on the woman he loved. Mickey Murphy escapes the drudgery of farm labouring for the building sites of London only to end up penniless and homeless on the streets of London.
Harry Kendy befriended by the 'Iron man' of the site finds love and meaning in his life as he is encouraged to return to education by his mentor. In their daily struggles, the full spectrum of conditions, emotions and feelings are experienced: love, companionship, loyalty, separation, abuse, honesty, deceit, despair, but above all, hope – they all have a story to tell.
Pat was born in Newport but is now living in Newcastle West, Co Limerick. He is married to Eleanor and has two children and two grandchildren. He has attended creative writing courses at UL and at the Limerick Writers Centre. He is also a member of Desmond Scribblers Writing Group in Newcastle West.
Like the two previous books, the proceeds from Pat’s novel will go to local charities. It is available at the following: The Book Shop, Nenagh; Gully’s (Daybreak), Newport and online from www.limerickwriterscentre.com.