Daingean author launches seventh novel

Daingean-based best-selling author Geraldine O"Neill is celebrating the launch of her seventh book this week, a nostalgic read that harks back to the more innocent and simplistic era of the 1950s Ireland. "Leaving Clare" explores the characters that live and visit the rural village of Kilnagree in Clare focusing on the wonderful world of the Ballroom of Romance; when romance was full of stolen kisses in the dim lighting of the dance hall and courting was almost a rehearsal for the roles of husband and wife. With today"s culture of too much too soon, Leaving Clare is a beautiful story that raises the question that maybe we can learn something from the past. 'Of course nothing in life ever was - or ever will be - perfect, but today"s scenario is very different - youngsters who look to people like Peaches Geldof et al who treat marriage as a fashion accessory and discard it accordingly. Surely, there has to be balance somewhere?,' Geraldine O"Neill argues. The characters in "Leaving Clare" all struggle to stick to the values of their time, but the end result seems worthwhile, compared to some of the values of today, she continued. Born in Lanarkshire, Scotland Geraldine O"Neill now lives in Daingean where she teaches in the local primary school. She gives talks and workshops on creative writing around Ireland and is author of seven books, all published by Poolbeg Press; Tara Flynn, Aisling Gayle, Tara"s Fortune, The Grace Girls, A Different Kind of Dream and Tara"s Destiny She is married to Michael Brosnahan and they have two adult children, Christopher and Clare. "Leaving Clare" is now available in all good book shops priced at €13.99.