Kildare author's final book to coincide with Irish Military Seminar 2026

An author based in County Kildare will launch his final book as part of the upcoming Irish Military Seminar 2026.

'Pike Hill: The Rath Massacre' by Martin Malone is an Irish historical fiction novel that takes place during the 1798 Rebellion and examines the lives of those involved during this tumultuous period.

It follows the Kildare town author's previous book, 'The Devil's Relics', which was released back in August of last year.

Martin also revealed that the Mayor of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District, Fianna Fáil councillor Noel Heavey, will formally launch the book at the upcoming Seminar.

Both the launch event and the Seminar will take place on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 inside Naas Library. It will begin at 6.30pm and conclude at 8pm.

'Pike Hill: The Rath Massacre' will be available in select shops, including: Kenny's (Galway), Hennessy's, Kildare Heritage Centre, An Seanchaí (Kildare town), Barker & Jones (Naas), Farrell and Nephew Bookstore (Newbridge), The Athlone Bookshop, and Wexford Bookshop.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Speaking about himself, Martin said: "I’m a former military policeman with 15 titles to my credit, including 'Us', which won the 'Sunday Independent / Dr John B Keane Literary Award' and was shortlisted for the 'Kerry Ingredient Irish Fiction Award'.

"Simon & Schuster published 'The Broken Cedar', a novel, and the Moat Theatre in Naas brought 'Rosanna Nightwalker, The Wren of the Curragh' to the stage in 2011.

"I used to write people features weekly, wordage 1,600, and a column for the Leinster Leader."

He also revealed last year that he is set to retire from serious writing following the publication of 'Pike Hill: The Rath Massacre'.

Martin Malone. Photograph provided by Martin Malone

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