Writer of popular TV series 'Pure Mule' to release debut novel

Acclaimed Edenderry writer Eugene O'Brien has written his first novel which centres around one of the much-loved characters which featured in the hit TV series he wrote 'Pure Mule.'

The heart-warming book, 'Going Back' focuses on the continued story of fan favourite and loveable rogue Scobie Donoghue. The book tackles serious contemporary societal issues such as gambling addiction, drug abuse in small town Ireland, coercive control and the stignma around male mental health.

Once the king of Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, Scobie is now turning 40 and looking a bit worse for wear. Depressed and back in the town he thought he had left behind forever, Scobie can't understand how life seems to be leaving him behind.

Shattered after a recent breakup, Scobie returns from Australia to the midlands, no longer a king back with his mammy in his old single bed in the room that hasn't changed since he was a teenager.

Author Eugene O'Brien won five IFTA Awards for the critically acclaimed TV drama Pure Mule and which, according to the Irish Times, "spectacularly raised the bar for Irish TV drama." The show was inspired by his play Eden, which debuted at the Abbey Theatre and has since played at the West End and Off Broadway.

A new play, 'Heaven' set in the same fictional midlands town as 'Pure Mule' will make its debut at the 2022 Dublin Theatre Festival which takes place from Thursday, September 29 to Sunday, October 16.

The book will be published by Gill Books on Thursday, September 29 and will cost €16.99.