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We've now completed edits on Lyn Maloney's book, 'The Plainest Jane Of All' (oh, how we love that title!) and, after considerable thought on genre placement, here's what we finally agree on...<figure id="figure-4z0mafkolpmg98p0qq"><img id="4z0mafkolpmg98p0qq" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/31tRqFYIvJZuoaFxhMsMPyFF2pnibODKZpkJQSlmCnMynKVHsmh65pWsntbBLdXB.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/31tRqFYIvJZuoaFxhMsMPyFF2pnibODKZpkJQSlmCnMynKVHsmh65pWsntbBLdXB.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> Lyn's novel sits most securely in contemporary Irish literary fiction with elements of social realism. It blends gritty depictions of small-town rural life, intergenerational memory, and personal struggle with moments of black humour and deeply felt emotion. While it carries shades of coming-of-age through Jane’s personal growth, the narrative is far more sprawling, touching on community decline, political history, generational trauma, and the raw messiness of rural and pub culture. One might also pitch it as Irish social-drama fiction with strong crossover potential for readers of memoir-like narrative fiction, given its semi-oral storytelling style. The prose is highly descriptive, often cinematic, with a dense layering of imagery and atmosphere. At times it veers towards the baroque, with long sentences, colloquialisms, and cultural references grounding it firmly in the Irish vernacular. There’s a distinct oral-tradition cadence here; the kind of storytelling that feels like it could be told aloud in a smoky bar, complete with interruptions, jokes, and digressions (we've all been there). This makes the style authentic and immersive. Dialogue is sharply drawn, earthy, and true to life. It captures the rhythms of rural Irish speech with a naturalism that adds weight to character conflict. Perhaps the novel’s greatest strength lies in its characters. Figures like Joe, Finian, and Jane are vividly realised, each with flaws, humour, and raw humanity. Joe in particular emerges as a tragic, layered figure, a man forged by the Troubles of Northern Ireland, yet worn down by age, loss, and bitterness. His relationship with Boyho, the dog, humanises him beautifully. Jane, meanwhile, is a more contemporary counterpoint: young, restless, frustrated, and yearning for change. Her misadventures (such as the chaotic pub scenes and perilous encounters with drunken men) capture the vulnerability and resilience of modern Irish womanhood. Secondary characters; the reckless Roisin, the drum-wrecking Colm, the sharp-tongued Finian, work well within the novel’s heightened realist frame as they provide comic relief and menace in equal measure. This is a vivid, character-driven novel rooted in Irish social life, politics, and identity. It will appeal to readers of Roddy Doyle, Edna O’Brien, or Kevin Barry, writers who blend humour, grit, and social commentary. For those seeking authenticity and immersion, it will be deeply rewarding. ©ShadowScript Team, October 2025.

'The Plainest Jane Of All' by Lyn Maloney

6 Mind-Bending Truths Uncovered in ‘The Spirit Dragon’s Keeper’ by Catarina Lilliehöök (50+ 5 Star Amazon Reviews). For nine-year-old Mila, a Sámi reindeer herder from the frozen lands above the Polar Circle, reality shatters the day strange men in dark coats with bearskin collars appear on the mountain. Her world of snow and migrating herds vanishes in a black flash, punctuated by her mother’s terrified scream: “Run, Mila! Run!” She awakens in the sweltering heat and rigid discipline of Long Si, a mysterious dragon temple in South China. Here, she is an outcast; a foreign girl in a world of boys, a prisoner forced into a life she never chose. But deconstructing this narrative of captivity reveals a foundation of secrets, each one a narrative earthquake that redefines everything she thought she knew about her captors, her enemies, and the very foundation of her own identity. 1. The Man Who Stole My Life Was the Only One Who Could Save It From Mila's perspective, Master Li is the architect of her misery. He is the cold, demanding captor who stole her from her family, cut her hair like a boy's, and dragged her across a continent to a foreign prison. Her hatred for him is the one constant in her upended life; he is the man who decides her every move, the reason she can never go home. He is her jailer, and the story is one of captivity. But this foundational truth is the story’s first great lie. Master Li never abducted her from home. Following a prophecy, he arrived at a slave market to find that a sinister group known as "the Nefarious" had gotten to her first, abducting her and selling her to two men. Masked, he didn't just buy her freedom; he seized it, jumping from nowhere to rip a sword from his back and charge in a rain of strikes, disarming her captors and knocking them senseless. His protection was ongoing, as he fought off "common thieves" and other "bad men" throughout their perilous journey. This complete narrative reversal recasts the entire story. The cold, distant demeanour Mila perceived as cruelty was a necessary facade, a shield for a dangerous nine-moon trek across hostile lands. The character archetype of the "jailer" is masterfully inverted, revealing him to be not just a rescuer, but a constant, silent protector. “I followed the signs.” “And they took you all the way to Scandinavia?” “No, only as far as the slave market.” “And how can you be sure you didn’t go wrong in a place like that?” “The oracle bones told me clearly. And besides...” He places his stick in one of the holders. “The Nefarious got to her first.” 2. A 'Snake' in a World of Dragons Is a Dragon in Disguise At Long Si, Mila's identity as an outcast is cemented by her birth year. She is told she was born in the Year of the Snake ("Ta shu she"), an unlucky and inferior sign in a temple dedicated to the dragon. Her primary bully, Yong Da, relentlessly uses this to torment her, spitting the word "Snake" as an insult. This label becomes the core of her shame, reinforcing her belief that she is weak, unwanted, and will never belong. The truth, however, is a revelation that shatters this core belief: Mila was born in the Year of the Dragon. This isn’t a minor calendrical correction; it's a fundamental re-writing of her identity and destiny. The label that defined her as an outsider was a complete falsehood based on a critical error. Master Li, the man who held her destiny, admits his mistake came from misinformation he received at the slave market. This adds a fascinating layer of complexity to the all-knowing mentor archetype. The man who orchestrated her rescue also inadvertently caused her years of suffering through a simple, human error. The thematic resonance is powerful: the names we are given can build a prison, but a single truth can tear it down. “You are no more a snake than me or Cook Ma.” 3. The Ancient Temple Wasn't Built on a Secret, It Was Built Around One Long Si appears to be an ancient, formidable fortress dedicated to the rigorous training of martial arts. The students believe their purpose is to become skilled fighters, preparing to defend against the lingering threat of ancient warlord clans. The temple is a place of discipline, history, and physical prowess, its power seemingly derived from centuries of tradition. But the true source of the temple's power is something far more mythical. In secret tunnels beneath the fortress, Mila discovers a living, breathing, ancient spirit dragon named Hidden Eyes. The magnificent creature has sharp teeth and claws, and golden scales across its massive undulating body, locking her gaze with crystal eyes. This mythical being is the "secret weapon" the students are unknowingly being trained to protect. This twist elevates the story's genre, transforming it from a grounded martial arts drama into a high-fantasy epic. Long Si was not merely built on a secret location; it was constructed around a secret, living deity. The narrative brilliantly grounds its world in grit and discipline, only to reveal that myths are terrifyingly real and slumbering just beneath the flagstones. I am Hidden Eyes, spirit dragon of Long Si. The voice is in my head. Otherworldly, rich, carrying the strength of a thousand mountains. 4. True Power Doesn't Come From You. It Comes Through You The training at Long Si is gruelling and physical, centered on mastering fighting forms and building strength. Power is measured by one's ability to "eat bitterness like sweets" and physically dominate an opponent. Mila, smaller than the boys, consistently struggles to meet this standard. Yet Mila possesses a unique and counter-intuitive power: heart magic. She discovers she can see the "spirit core" or "heart orb" of others and, in moments of courage, literally borrow their unique qualities and strength. This fascinating magic system completely redefines the concept of strength, subverting the story’s initial premise. Power is not something you possess in isolation, but something you can courageously connect to and channel from the world around you. First, Hidden Eyes explains the principle behind her power: “Courage. When you are courageous, you have earned the right to borrow.” Later, in the heat of battle, Mila understands its profound application, realizing that the key is not to fight with her own strength, but to channel the strength of others through herself: “I can hardly breathe. It’s not mine; it’s their strength I must use! When you are courageous, you have earnt the right to borrow.” 5. The Enemy We Were Trained to Fight Was an Ally on a Secret Mission For years, the students of Long Si are told that their sole purpose is to train to fight a dangerous threat from ancient warlord clans. Every lesson and every vow is aimed at preparing them for this eventual conflict. The warlords are the clear and unambiguous enemy that gives their harsh lives meaning. The most stunning narrative reversal comes when Mila is sent on a mission to infiltrate the most powerful warlord cartel and deal with its leader, the formidable Laoban. There, she discovers the truth: Laoban is actually Master Li’s missing younger brother, the Second Master of Long Si. He has been on a nine-year, deep-cover mission. But this was no simple infiltration. He conquered the enemy from within, killing their previous leader and seizing command of the entire cartel himself. This twist elevates a classic espionage reveal into a staggering act of personal sacrifice and strategic brilliance. The story’s primary antagonist is unmasked as its most dedicated hero, a man who gave up his name, home, and honour to command the very forces he was sworn to destroy. It’s a masterful subversion of expectations that completely demolishes the line between friend and foe. “Uncle is not a prisoner.” “He is Laoban,” says Wei Wan. 6. My Lifelong Bully Wasn't Just Cruel. He Was Magical From Mila's first day at Long Si, Yong Da is her primary antagonist. He is a physical brute; strong, cruel, and relentless. He represents everything Mila's intuitive, spiritual nature is not. The story meticulously builds their rivalry as a classic "brute vs. mage" conflict, pitting his artless physical strength against her hidden spiritual power. The final, shocking cliffhanger completely subverts this established character archetype. Sneaking into an empty practice hall, Mila discovers Yong Da alone in a corner. He is not training; he is kneeling on the floor, secretly tracing circles of glowing blue light in the air. Yong Da, the brute, has magic of his own. This last-second reveal reframes their entire history. Their conflict was never a simple clash of opposites but a battle between two different kinds of magic, one overt and one hidden. The narrative masterfully dismantles the trope it so carefully constructed, proving that the brute was a mage in disguise all along and setting the stage for a far deeper, more complex rivalry. A person is kneeling in the furthest corner. I see hands tracing circles in the air around a glowing blue light. For a second, I am dumbstruck. Magic? ... I would know that hard steely frame anywhere. Yong Da. Conclusion: The Stories We Tell Ourselves The story masterfully inverts our every assumption: a jailer becomes a saviour, a mark of shame becomes a sign of destiny, an enemy leader is a self-sacrificing hero, and a mindless brute is revealed to be a fellow magician. These reversals prove that the reality we perceive is often just the first layer of a much deeper, more surprising story. The truths that define our world can be turned on their head by a single, well-kept secret. It makes you wonder: how many 'truths' in our own lives are just waiting for the right secret to be revealed? #fantasybookseries #EpicAdventure #thepolarsaga

6 Mind-Bending Truths Uncovered in ‘The Spirit Dragon’s Keeper’ by Catarina Lilliehöök

Culture Night 2025: One Night for All On Friday, 19 September 2025, Ireland will once again throw open its doors to celebrate Culture Night. Now in its 20th year, this nationwide festival has grown from a modest Dublin initiative into one of the island’s most loved annual events. What began back in 2006 with just forty participating venues in the capital, spearheaded by the Temple Bar Cultural Trust, has expanded into a cultural phenomenon, boasting nearly 1,800 free events from Donegal to Kerry to Galway back to Dublin. And, as usual, ShadowScript Publications is invloved in the festivities. We'll be uploading some videos across our socials of our poets, novelists and writers this evening. &nbsp;&nbsp;<figure id="figure-mv5mxnuy0kmfqv6j05"><img id="mv5mxnuy0kmfqv6j05" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1dZ2v8iXTvTp14xufD3U8HvbnuOv1bgQ2l9ZR4idUaEt35CmbOeCZW4MTAfLWDCW.jpg" alt="2025 Happy new year. video recording camera screen. Horizontal Screen Camera Screen Video viewfinder. 4K star fields space colorful light. neon lines with glowing speed trails. slide up center" title="2025 Happy new year. video recording camera screen. Horizontal Screen Camera Screen Video viewfinder. 4K star fields space colorful light. neon lines with glowing speed trails. slide up center" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1dZ2v8iXTvTp14xufD3U8HvbnuOv1bgQ2l9ZR4idUaEt35CmbOeCZW4MTAfLWDCW.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;"></figure>For us, the magic of Culture Night lies in its inclusivity. Museums, libraries, galleries, theatres, and historic buildings stay open late, while streets, squares, and parks transform into stages for music, dance, and art. Universities, community groups, and even cafés get involved, making the evening feel like a living, breathing showcase of Ireland’s creativity. It is, quite simply, a night when culture belongs to everyone.<figure id="figure-npbt04djp5mfqupgkg"><img id="npbt04djp5mfqupgkg" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/9s7zd4TY6I3qGPEmuJ0DSxtMRYnA3iL6KAACKVjWpYsbG4oq2zzUdFgvZqvFpZ93.jpeg" alt="colored modern art gallery with natural lighting" title="colored modern art gallery with natural lighting" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/9s7zd4TY6I3qGPEmuJ0DSxtMRYnA3iL6KAACKVjWpYsbG4oq2zzUdFgvZqvFpZ93.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>A Feast for the Bookish For the literary-minded, Culture Night offers a rich menu. Libraries host after-hours readings and discussions, while universities and cultural institutions shine a light on stories that rarely make the mainstream. At Maynooth University, for example, this year’s programme explores Ireland’s history through under-told perspectives, weaving scholarship with storytelling. The National Museum’s Decorative Arts &amp; History branch at Collins Barracks in Dublin delves into LGBTQ+ narratives hidden within its collections, turning artefacts into living texts for the night.<figure id="figure-5jq5fh85elmfqur1j0"><img id="5jq5fh85elmfqur1j0" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/24hThR5pp4MwKr2sch7WgqnvxIFtR2O1EHEuK3IZMOxsrvsnnxROhXDrRu4RXG3G.jpg" alt="sunset beach colored pink and orange" title="sunset beach colored pink and orange" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/24hThR5pp4MwKr2sch7WgqnvxIFtR2O1EHEuK3IZMOxsrvsnnxROhXDrRu4RXG3G.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;"></figure>Poetry lovers will find plenty to savour too. Spoken word stages, poetry slams, and storytelling circles bring words alive, blurring the boundary between page and performance. For writers and readers alike, it’s a chance to discover new voices, reconnect with old favourites, and feel part of a community that thrives on words.Music Everywhere If books are one pillar of Culture Night, music is the heartbeat. From traditional Irish tunes echoing through cobbled streets to jazz trios in galleries and indie bands lighting up public squares, the soundscape is as diverse as the country itself. Dublin will see a particularly dense programme, but Cork, Galway, Limerick, and countless smaller towns are staging concerts in both formal venues and surprising nooks. Think church halls, libraries, and even outdoor courtyards.This year, Culture Night Late continues to expand, with the festival dovetailing into Ireland’s Night-Time Economy strategy. Expect atmospheric gigs, ambient soundscapes, and experimental performances that carry the celebration well past sundown. For musicians, it’s a golden opportunity to showcase their work to new audiences; for audiences, it’s the joy of stumbling upon a fresh sound in an unexpected place.<figure id="figure-we28ckrvoemfqvagjt"><img id="we28ckrvoemfqvagjt" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/27xZU0BZoKw25bkgidW514SlRlhzJUcfjMWRwOhNWy6GAEPTiNEOXCxMReKXbsqO.jpeg" alt="gold music notes 3d render" title="gold music notes 3d render" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/27xZU0BZoKw25bkgidW514SlRlhzJUcfjMWRwOhNWy6GAEPTiNEOXCxMReKXbsqO.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Why It Matters Culture Night works because it dismantles barriers. The events are free, local, and accessible, inviting people who might not ordinarily step into a gallery or concert hall to experience something new. It’s also a platform for underrepresented voices; communities, artists, and stories that might otherwise be overlooked find space to be heard and celebrated.More than anything, it’s about connection: between artist and audience, between neighbours, between tradition and innovation. Whether you’re catching a poetry reading in a local library, hearing trad music pour out of a pub, or joining a late-night walking tour of hidden histories, Culture Night reminds us that culture is not something we consume from afar; it’s something we live together.<figure id="figure-e1pbtvvvqomfqvch3h"><img id="e1pbtvvvqomfqvch3h" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/398as0suEUsopXFrtsMWGWpptFC2QtWWPUrHgJTHXlXZmZHzH2NzLZrRoOW6nQ9T.jpeg" alt="Outdoor College Party" title="Outdoor College Party" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/398as0suEUsopXFrtsMWGWpptFC2QtWWPUrHgJTHXlXZmZHzH2NzLZrRoOW6nQ9T.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Join the Conversation With so many events unfolding across Ireland, the hardest part is choosing where to go. Thankfully, culturenight.ie offers a full programme so you can plot your evening. And of course, social media will be buzzing as people share their highlights. If you’re posting, try these hashtags to join the wider conversation:#CultureNight2025 #OneNightForAll #BooksInTheNight #MusicUnderTheMoon #HiddenHistories #IrishCulture #DiscoverLocalMost importantly, immerse yourself in the shared creativity of a nation. Culture Night 2025 isn’t just a festival. it's an invitation to all creatives and fans of creatives and the creative spaces in our lives.*Niall MacGiolla Bhuí, PhD. ©September 2025

Culture Night 2025: One Night for All

Author: Geraldine Lavelle Publication Date: 2025 Publisher: Book Hub Publishing ISBN: 978-1-0685633-5-5 I. Executive Summary Geraldine Lavelle's "When the Apple is Ready, it Will Fall" is a profound and deeply personal account of her life following a tragic cycling accident in 2013 that resulted in a spinal cord injury and paralysis. The book serves as a detailed exploration of her journey to find mental strength, resilience, and purpose amidst immense physical and emotional challenges. Lavelle critiques the systemic failures of the healthcare and disability support systems in Ireland, particularly regarding institutionalisation and inadequate care provisions. A central theme revolves around the nuanced relationship between hope and pragmatic action, with the author ultimately advocating for a realistic, adaptable mindset in the face of insurmountable obstacles. The narrative is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to not merely survive, but to actively live and flourish, even when confronted with profound loss and an uncertain future.II. Main Themes and Key Ideas A. Resilience: The Indomitable Human Spirit Lavelle’s primary message is the extraordinary power of human resilience, which she defines as "the capacity to bounce back" from trauma and loss. Her own experience of spinal cord injury and paralysis did not break her, despite numerous physical and emotional hardships:Overcoming Adversity: "A tragic cycling accident that resulted in my spinal cord injury and paralysis from my chest downwards didn’t break me." This sentiment is echoed throughout the initial chapters, listing a litany of challenges including "multiple operations and blood transfusions," "constant nerve pain 24 hours a day, seven days a week," and "the loss of my permanent job and long-term relationship." Growth from Struggle: Lavelle asserts that her disability, while paralyzing parts of her life, allowed "the strong, resilient other parts [to] never have evolved, developed or existed." She notes, "The more we fall, the more we learn how to get up, hopefully bigger, better, and stronger for the next challenge." Positive Psychology: The author highlights Martin Seligman's "positive psychology," which shifts the focus from what went wrong to "what constitutes and underpins human resilience and how to cultivate or build these factors." Internal Strength: Lavelle concludes that this "resilience or indomitable will...was inside me; I just needed to engage it." She champions a "flexible, forward-looking mindset" over a rigidly fixed one. B. The Nuance of Hope: A Double-Edged Sword Hope is presented as a complex and often contradictory force, both essential for survival and potentially detrimental if unrealistic.Hope as a Motivator: Initially, hope is described as vital: "Hope resides in the hearts of the good, liberating us from despair and giving us the strength to move on." Quoting Jane Goodall, "So by being active, perhaps we become more hopeful, but you won’t be active unless you hope that your action is going to do some good. So you need hope to get you going, but then by taking action, you generate more hope. It’s a circular thing.” False Hope as an Impediment: Lavelle painfully recounts how "my hope to walk again stopped me from progressing." She quotes Nietzsche: “Hope in reality is the worst of all evils because it prolongs the torments of man.” Unrealistic hopes led to "great disappointment and disillusionment" when expectations were "irrevocably crushed." Realistic Hope and Action: The author advocates for "tempering the idealism that grants us hope with the hard, unalterable facts of reality." She learned to direct her plans towards "hope that was achievable," such as becoming "as independent and as happy as possible." Barack Obama's quote reinforces this: “The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.” C. Survival vs. Living: Finding Purpose Beyond Mere Existence Lavelle draws a clear distinction between merely existing and truly living, emphasizing the importance of purpose.Defining the Difference: "I chose to live, to actively experience aspects of life, not just to occupy space...for me, living is when you enjoy life, the bitter and the sweet, the struggles and the hopes. And surviving is when you only just live, you don't enjoy the life, you don't have hope. You just keep living because you haven't died yet." The Inadequacy of Survival: "Merely surviving is no way to pass your days." She highlights that survival, while sometimes necessary temporarily (e.g., a plane crash), "is not (and should not be) a way of life." Finding Purpose: After her injury, Lavelle "found myself merely surviving...so I looked for purpose. I found writing—something that brings a sense of accomplishment to myself and helps others (I hope)." Her memoir itself is an act of living, not just surviving: "I write my memoirs; to show others that the human will compels you to persevere in the face of adversity, to meet challenges armed with courage, strength, and resilience." D. Health Challenges and Self-Advocacy The book provides a stark look at the extensive health complications faced by individuals with spinal cord injuries and the critical need for personal responsibility in managing one's health.Chronic Health Issues: Lavelle details "frequent infections, weight loss, pressure sores, and being bedbound for several months." She also discusses "reduced lung capacity and several hospitalisations due to pneumonia" as well as "neuropathic pain" and the risk of "osteoporosis" and fractures. Antibiotic Mismanagement and Resistance: A significant personal struggle was "60 courses of acute antibiotics" between 2016-2021 and an "excessive antibiotics at the beginning of my spinal cord injury". She explicitly states the danger of antibiotic resistance, noting how it "leads to higher medical costs, prolonged hospital stays, and increased mortality." This led to "onset liver failure with decreased enzymatic functioning of my liver, unusual blood cell profile and kidney distortion." Natural Remedies: Lavelle found relief and reversal of some organ damage through "herbs and natural remedies," inspired by Maria Treben's "Health through God’s Pharmacy." She uses dandelion, milk thistle, horsetail, ginger, and turmeric to support her liver, gastrointestinal health, and hair growth. Taking Control: Emphasising self-advocacy, she states, "it’s your responsibility to get to grips with your health, your medication, your body and staying as physically active as possible." E. Bureaucracy and Institutionalisation: A Systemic Failure Lavelle offers a scathing critique of the Irish disability support system, highlighting the profound injustices and mental toll of battling bureaucracy."Bureaucracy is hell": Lavelle's struggle for an "ordinary life, independently, in my own home" was met with constant resistance and inadequate funding. Her care hours were reduced from 47 to 42 per week, despite a documented need for 56 hours. This was attributed to "a limited 'PA budget due to a lack of investment for many years'." Impact of Institutionalisation: She spent "almost a decade in a residential setting", which she describes as an "enemy of one’s sense of personal control." She defines institutions as facilities that "deprive residents of essential freedoms, segregate them from their communities, suppress individual choice and personal expression, and foster a perception that people with disabilities are different and unable to take a place in society." Human Rights Violations: Lavelle explicitly states, "The segregation of people with disabilities is a human rights violation," referencing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Waiting Lists and Underfunding: She highlights that "Countless disabled people in Ireland are eligible to receive HCBS but are on waiting lists due solely to a lack of funding." Critique of Disability Reform: Lavelle vehemently opposes the "Government’s Green Paper on Disability Reform" to medically examine and "categorise" people with disabilities based on their ability to work, calling it "a dystopian and Dickensian attack on disabled citizens and carers." She notes similar policies led to suicides in the UK. Pay Parity Strike Action: She details the anxiety caused by the impending strike of Section 39 staff due to "untenable pay inequality" compared to HSE counterparts, underscoring the "disdain for the government for allowing widespread disruption, fear, and angst to spread throughout the disabled community." F. The Changing Self and Acceptance Lavelle reflects on how her identity and perspective have transformed since her accident, emphasizing acceptance and present-moment living.Loss of the Former Self: She acknowledges the "raw grief of losing her [old self] has faded," but still misses "her physical strength, her raw determination and power to get stuff done, her agility and speed." Evolved Perspective: "My metrics in life have changed. I no longer care much about the little things that used to bother me." She learned to "be less judgmental" and to "do what I want rather than what is expected." Embracing Change and Present Moment: "I am unable to think or plan too far ahead; my plans are made a week in advance at most." She has learned that "the only things I have control over are myself, how I feel, and how I respond to life’s situations." The Buddha's Four Noble Truths resonate, advocating for relinquishing cravings and living each day as it comes. Acceptance of Suffering: "By recognising that suffering is integral to our lives and that there are other benefits to pain, such as the cultivation of wisdom and compassion, we become more accepting of our suffering and suffering of others. And when we truly accept grief and sorrow as inevitable, we actually suffer less." Redefining Identity: "As a wheelchair user, I am not worth less; my disability doesn’t define who I am and it is not a problem." III. Important Ideas and Facts Author's Injury: Spinal cord injury and paralysis from the chest downwards due to a cycling accident on October 31st, 2013. Brain's Power: The human brain, "more complex than any other known structure in the universe," wields "immense power, enabling us to endure seemingly impossible situations." Neurological Advancements: Lavelle finds hope in the case of Gert-Jan Oskam, a man paralysed in 2011, who could stand and walk with assistance after doctors implanted a "digital bridge" device that reads brainwaves and sends instructions to his spine. This system re-established communication between brain and spinal cord, allowing for "more natural movements than before because standing up and walking were initiated and controlled by thinking about the actions." Hospital Overcrowding: The INMO Trolley Watch figures show "over 121,526 patients have gone without a bed in Irish hospitals in 2023," making it "the worst year for hospital overcrowding on record." Lavelle personally experienced waiting "six hours in an ambulance" and a further "16 hours on a trolley in the red zone of the Emergency Department." Catheter-Associated UTIs (CAUTI): A frequent reality for SCI patients, these infections are a "major health concern" and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Long-Term Care and HCBS: Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) are crucial for independent living for people with disabilities but are severely underfunded in Ireland, leading to long waiting lists. Personal Care Assistant (PA) Budget: Lavelle's struggle highlights the "massive burden on a small budget" for PA services, with a typical maximum of 14 hours per week, far below her needed 56 hours. Disability Allowance Concerns: The Department of Social Protection's proposal to medically examine "a quarter of a million people" on Disability Allowance is criticized as "vile and repulsive" and potentially detrimental to mental health, drawing parallels to a failed UK policy. UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Ireland is a signatory, but its actions, particularly regarding institutionalisation and disability reform, are seen as falling short of its commitments. Institutionalisation's Definition: Not just about size, but about the "regimented culture" that "deprive[s] residents of essential freedoms, segregate[s] them...suppress[es] individual choice and personal expression." Coping Mechanisms: Denial can be a "protective barrier" but "long-term it’s not good." Cultivating "self-compassion and self-care" is essential. The "Irish Grand": A cultural tendency to downplay suffering, saying "everything is 'grand'," which can "hide the soul crushing apathy that really lies beneath it." Healing is Gradual: Lavelle emphasizes that "Healing is a gradual process...There is no magic solution and everyone’s process and timeline is not the same." She recently sought grief therapy, acknowledging the emotional toll she had previously suppressed. IV. ConclusionGeraldine Lavelle's "When the Apple is Ready, it Will Fall" is a powerful and candid narrative that goes beyond a personal story of overcoming disability. It is a critical examination of societal attitudes towards disability, the shortcomings of public services, and a profound philosophical inquiry into what it means to truly live. Her journey from paralysis and despair to a purposeful, independent life, despite ongoing battles, serves as a compelling call to action for greater empathy, understanding, and systemic change for people with disabilities. The book's core message is the immense, often untapped, power of the human spirit to adapt, find meaning, and flourish in the face of life's inevitable storms.&nbsp;

Geraldine Lavelle's "When the Apple is Ready, it Will Fall"

Excerpts from Kevin Prunty's book (2024), titled "Incubating the Trout: The Story Of The Oldest Salmonid Hatchery In The World and the Environmental Fight to Protect It."Date: February 2024. Prepared by: Conor MacGiolla Bhuí, MScExecutive Summary This blog summarises key themes and facts from Kevin Prunty's book, "Incubating the Trout," which details the history of the Oughterard Hatchery, the world's oldest salmonid hatchery, and the ongoing environmental battle to protect the Owenriff River system and Lough Corrib from pollution and invasive species. The book highlights the hatchery's historical significance, the chronic issues of agricultural runoff, outdated sewage systems, and the impact of non-native pike on native salmonid populations and the critically endangered Freshwater Pearl Mussel. It underscores the consistent failure of Irish State Agencies to adequately implement national and EU environmental legislation, often requiring intervention from the European Union to prompt action.<figure id="figure-xin5wlo03mfgv483x"><img id="xin5wlo03mfgv483x" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/22A846x4V4nQRTgTLWbXYOnOxid30BhHcNZ1t7uSgeMt4bJxhUNuseHrYWJmSZEq.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/22A846x4V4nQRTgTLWbXYOnOxid30BhHcNZ1t7uSgeMt4bJxhUNuseHrYWJmSZEq.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Main Themes and Key Ideas 1. The Oughterard Hatchery: A Legacy of Conservation and Education Historical Significance: The Oughterard Hatchery, established in December 1852 by Edmund &amp; Thomas Ashworth under the direction of Robert Ramsbottom, is "the start of the world’s first commercially operated salmon hatchery." It initially focused on salmon propagation and later transitioned to brown trout in 1908. Its methods, such as the 'wet method' of stripping fish and early sea cage rearing, garnered global attention and formed the basis for authoritative papers on hatchery management. Volunteer-Driven Conservation: The hatchery has a long history of being managed and maintained by dedicated volunteers and angling clubs. From the Corrib Fisheries Association (1898) to the Galway &amp; Corrib Anglers Association (1938) and the Lough Corrib Angling Federation, local anglers have consistently invested time, effort, and finances to ensure its operation. John Gibbons, a volunteer since 1985, is particularly lauded for his significant contributions, including overseeing a major reconstruction in 1992. Essential Role as a "Monitoring Station and Backup Plan": Anglers view the hatchery not as a replacement for natural processes but as "a monitoring station and backup plan because of pressure from pollution and invasive species on the Owenriff system." It aims to replenish fish stocks under threat and serves as an "educational tool to involve young people in the protection of their environment." Survival and Impact of Stocking: While genetic studies from UCD and QUB (2006, 2012, 2018) suggest "no impact, either positive or negative, on the overall Corrib trout population" from Oughterard fry stocking, the author contends that "areas that were stocked were very productive when it came to fishing." The significant annual release of approximately 250,000 unfed fry, even with a 5-10% survival rate, is seen as a crucial aid to trout stocks, with observations of salmonids returning to the Owenriff for spawning, potentially to where they originated.<figure id="figure-yxiy6ozld7mfgv6t2o"><img id="yxiy6ozld7mfgv6t2o" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1GufmhXnFUfK9eMwW13sC66Fu1qTAruB7hec9GszfkCDQsajzqoQzmQU9zOjlFJH.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1GufmhXnFUfK9eMwW13sC66Fu1qTAruB7hec9GszfkCDQsajzqoQzmQU9zOjlFJH.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> 2. Widespread Pollution and Environmental Degradation of the Owenriff System and Lough CorribMultifaceted Sources of Pollution: The Owenriff River system, a vital spawning ground for salmon and trout and home to the endangered Freshwater Pearl Mussel, faces severe threats from: Agricultural Runoff: "Massive amounts of fertiliser run-off draining from coniferous forestry" and "bad farming practices", including slurry spreading on peatlands, are identified as major contributors. Water sampling in 2021 showed phosphate readings "a minimum of 15 times" the legal limit for salmonid waters. Elevated ammoniacal nitrogen levels are also "catastrophic" and a likely cause of fish egg deaths. The EPA's 2021 report attributes "sixty-three percent of impacted water bodies stems from agriculture." Outdated Sewage Systems: Oughterard's "outdated town sewage treatment plant", built in the 1940s, consistently discharged poorly treated wastewater into the Owenriff River, a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Despite €7.0 million allocated in 2003 for a new plant, construction only began in 2016, "twelve years after the original start date." This contributed to issues like the cryptosporidium outbreak in Lough Corrib in 2007. Coniferous Forestry: Extensive planting of non-indigenous coniferous trees on Connemara boglands, coupled with heavy rock phosphate fertilisation, has led to "huge problems from fertiliser run-off into spawning streams." Dr. Roderick O’Sullivan highlighted that these plantations produce acid particles, resulting in "a huge run-off of aluminium into the river’s spawning beds." A leaked memo in 2006 described Irish forestry as a "fertiliser timebomb". Impact on Biodiversity:Arctic Char: Disappeared from Lough Corrib in the mid-1980s, blamed on increasing pollution. Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera): Critically endangered, this species relies on salmonids for dispersal. Dr. Evelyn Moorkens' 2004 investigation found a "big decline in mussel under five years old due to fertiliser run-off from the forestry." Later water testing in 2023 continued to show dangerously high levels of pollutants, making a sustainable reproducing population impossible. Salmonid Health: Pollution has led to a significant decline in ova production at the hatchery, from "close to 2,000 per hen fish in 1993" to "700 per fish in 2004," and a record "seventy-five percent" mortality rate for fry in 2021-22. Anglers as Environmental Activists: The Lough Corrib Angling Federation and the Carra/Mask/Corrib Water Protection Group (C/M/C Water Prot. Gr.) have played a crucial role in documenting pollution, lobbying politicians, and taking cases to the EU. They have successfully stopped various damaging developments, including pier extensions and dog pounds.<figure id="figure-7dcn3h5rsqmfgv7l6o"><img id="7dcn3h5rsqmfgv7l6o" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2btwv6LPiXNGdSGRrbejRgGVLN4TjIowKNSyt2RANEntyHR8iT2uklW36mDnni30.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2btwv6LPiXNGdSGRrbejRgGVLN4TjIowKNSyt2RANEntyHR8iT2uklW36mDnni30.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> 3. The Threat of Invasive Species: Pike Infestation Non-Native Predator: Pike (Esox lucius) are "non-native northern pike" that pose a significant threat to native salmonids. They are highly fecund, outbreeding trout, and piscivorous, preferentially predating on salmon and trout. Studies show pike consume significantly more trout than other fish species, even when other prey is abundant. Illegal Introduction and Range Expansion: The Owenriff system, historically pike-free due to the Canrawar waterfall barrier, saw the "illegal introduction of pike into these waters" around 2008, leading to "environmental vandalism." Surveys confirmed a decline in salmonid numbers and the eradication of salmonids in some lakes in the upper catchment. State Agency Inaction and Conflicting Byelaws: Despite the Owenriff system being an SAC with protected species like Atlantic Salmon and Freshwater Pearl Mussel, State Agencies initially failed to implement a pike eradication plan. Irish Byelaws 809 and 806 (2006), which protect "non-native species" like pike, are "directly in conflict with the management policy" of protecting native species and the EU Habitats and Water Framework Directives. A Salmonid Bye-law (964) introduced in 2018 to protect seven trout loughs was annulled due to the lack of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The subsequent revelation that no EIAs exist for bye-laws 806 and 809 highlights a "second breach of EU and Irish environmental law." The term "naturalised" began to be used by IFI to refer to coarse fish, an attempt to justify their protection, despite having no basis in EU directives. EU Intervention Required: Similar to pollution issues, action on pike eradication was only prompted by a petition from the Lough Corrib Angling Federation to the EU Court of Justice in 2017. This led to the IFI developing an "Owenriff Fish Population Rehabilitation Plan 2018" to remove pike. <figure id="figure-ynxbbeve5imfgv8fvp"><img id="ynxbbeve5imfgv8fvp" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2949kKv0wIDtaMKqz9wGkJXDPhWCiIn2NmwIfrCSK9IIQrwMVLDgNFZZck2lEbPF.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>4. Systemic Failures in Environmental Governance Lack of Implementation of EU Directives: Ireland has consistently failed to implement EU environmental laws, notably the Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) and the Habitats Directive, leading to numerous convictions and ongoing legal cases in the European Court of Justice. Michael D. Higgins TD, in 2005, stated, “The Nitrates Directive needs to be implemented. People were not for real if they weren’t going to publicly demonstrate to stop bad farming practices, outdated sewage systems, and forestry from destroying our lakes and rivers.” Underfunding and Bureaucratic Inertia: Despite significant funding allocated to State Agencies (IFI, NPWS, LAWPRO, Irish Water, EPA), environmental problems persist. There are instances of inadequate budgets for enforcement, delayed projects, and a perceived lack of urgency from senior management in addressing critical issues. Conflicting Policies: The protection afforded to non-native coarse fish through national byelaws directly contradicts the EU Habitats Directive's mandate to protect native species and their habitats, demonstrating a fundamental inconsistency in Irish environmental policy. Impact on Drinking Water: The broader consequences of water pollution extend to public health, as evidenced by the cryptosporidium outbreak and the EU Court of Justice ruling in January 2024 that Irish drinking water exceeds EU safety levels for trihalomethanes (THMs). The author posits, "Would it not be better to stop the pollution at source?" Need for Co-ordinated Action: The repeated need for EU intervention highlights a systemic failure within Ireland to proactively protect its environment. Effective implementation of existing laws, greater enforcement, and a cohesive strategy across all relevant State Agencies are crucial. <figure id="figure-hzucocoqqsmfgv5q15"><img id="hzucocoqqsmfgv5q15" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/17UTN4wIDkprnfC4DeTvoKfNrinwaiufFD9puefiMdwheI0k38OnjJ0rbdO05RHi.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/17UTN4wIDkprnfC4DeTvoKfNrinwaiufFD9puefiMdwheI0k38OnjJ0rbdO05RHi.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Conclusion The Oughterard Hatchery stands as a testament to local conservation efforts, but its story is intertwined with a broader narrative of environmental struggle. The Owenriff River and Lough Corrib are critical ecosystems under severe pressure from agricultural and sewage pollution, as well as the detrimental impact of illegally introduced pike. The sources reveal a consistent pattern of inadequate action and conflicting policies from Irish State Agencies, often requiring legal intervention from the European Union to compel compliance with environmental protection mandates. The dire state of Ireland's water quality, as evidenced by declining fish stocks, the endangerment of species like the Freshwater Pearl Mussel, and even compromised drinking water, underscores an urgent need for robust implementation and enforcement of environmental laws. The author remains "optimistic that the laws already in place to protect our water bodies and native species will eventually do just that and stop the widespread pollution and spread of non-native flora and fauna," but this requires a significant shift in political will and administrative effectiveness.©Conor MacGiolla Bhuí, September 2025.&nbsp;

The Oughterard Hatchery and the Fight to Protect Ireland's Waterways

We're continually asked about cover designs by followers and we're responding by commenting on each book we produce to bring people into our world of all things books. So, we've been going back and forth with midlands author, Lyn Maloney, and our Niall has listened carefully to her brief re book cover design. Quite a lot of thinking goes into making a cover both impactful to readers and meaningful to an author. It should speak to the book's content... For her debut book of short stories, set in rural Ireland, 'The Plainest Jane Of All', we played around with several concepts before we got the final approval from Lyn. Here's some ideas which worked to degrees but required refinement. First, Lyn wanted an orange background and very plain (get the pun?) cover...We then migrated to the idea of an elderly man in a pub with his faithful dog and came up with a few iterations on this theme finally landing on an obviously aged dog sitting beside his owner who is quietly enjoying his pint. Could we get any more Irish than that? Niall's final front cover uses softened tones and clearer visibility with gentler tonal shift for a faded, dreamlike appearance. It has slight amber warmth added to lighting for hearth-like intimacy and full sepia styling to push the vintage, nostalgic mood. We love it! And, importantly, so does Lyn!<figure id="figure-ji5kof2loemfdx4e8n"><img id="ji5kof2loemfdx4e8n" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/35lNnVY81uAz24snuaYHsSX5OmF4sxrfgSM51luiJwGFltLXZcJIR7fpAYJfq6cn.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 selected" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/35lNnVY81uAz24snuaYHsSX5OmF4sxrfgSM51luiJwGFltLXZcJIR7fpAYJfq6cn.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-mce-selected="1"></figure> #bookcoverdesign #bookcover #ruralreland #shadowscriptpublications

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'The Plainest Jane Of All' by Lyn Maloney

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Geraldine Lavelle's "When the Apple is Ready, it Will Fall"

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