Buncrana man’s debut novel has been almost forty years in the writing

A Buncrana man says he’s delighted to finally see his debut novel in print, after almost four decades.

Writing a book has been a long-held ambition of Ciaran McLaughlin and, at the age of 53, it’s one he has now realised.

“Believe it or not, this book has taken me 37 years to finish, so it’s great to have it published now!” smiles the new author.

‘The Ghost of Zak Brady’ tells the unfolding fictional tale of a talented teenage footballer, who’s an only child but yearns for a brother.

The 90-page novel, which features stunning illustrations by Ciaran’s brother Gary, is aimed primarily at adolescents, but may be enjoyed by all ages. It has already gained a slew of five-star reviews from satisifed readers online.

It’s not just a sports story, it’s a heartfelt coming-of-age journey that leaves you smiling, cheering, and remembering your teenage dreams.

Ciaran outlines a little of what the book is about, without giving too much away.

“Zak is a good footballer but he gets picked on a lot and he wishes he had a brother to help look after him.”

“His mate, whose nickname is the Brick, then looks after him. The two guys bond through school and through football.”

“Zak hears a voice while playing football one day. It’s an eerie, whispery voice, telling him to get to penalty spot, and there he goes, to score a goal. He eventually meets this mystery voice and talks to him.”

“There’s also a love interest as well; Zak is besotted with the coach’s daughter in the story.”

Ciaran says it’s a must-read for anyone who loves sports, friendship, and first love.

Father-of-four Ciaran works in kitchen manufacturing and is married to Majella. He says he really enjoys writing and has already penned a number of unpublished short stories across different genres.

Ciaran explains why the work-in-progress took so long, and how ‘The Ghost of Zak Brady’ came to be completed in the end.

“Every time I wrote something out, maybe a chapter or two, I’d come back to it later and delete it, because I wasn’t happy with it. Then every year, I’d return to it, and I’d start and stop, and start and stop again.”

“But last year I was in a musical – A Christmas Carol by Greasepaint Productions – and I met up with Enda McCallion, from Buncrana, and he asked me to send him what I had written.”

“He loved it right away, and convinced me to go ahead and finish it. I never would have done it without Enda’s encouragement.”

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And Ciaran is more than happy with the outcome.

“Looking back, there are parts where you think – ‘Maybe I could have done this a bit better or changed that a bit’ – but it’s my first book, so it is a learning experience.”

Aside from writing, Ciaran is also a keen golfer – with an impressive eight handicap at Buncrana Golf Club – and he enjoys listening to music.

He’s currently in the process of writing a second book, which remains untitled as of yet.

‘The Ghost of Zak Brady’ by Ciaran McLaughlin is on sale now, priced at €12, at a number of outlets across Buncrana, including Mac’s Bookshop, Kavanagh's SuperValu, the Lunch Box, and McKenna's Centra and Topaz filling station.

Alternatively, it is also available online at Amazon and Waterstones, among others, or you can order a copy by emailing: ciaranmcl1972@gmail.com