Tipperary author's debut novella is a story of love, faith, and sacrifice

 Cahir native Noel O’Donnell will launch his debut novella, ‘The McCarthy’s of Ballyhenry’, on Friday, November 21, 2025 in Cahir House Hotel starting at 7pm.

In his first novella Noel has created an unforgettable story of love, faith and sacrifice, and what it means to survive in the most extreme circumstances, that was inspired by the public testimonies of children who spent time at St. Joseph’s Industrial School, Artane, Dublin.

READ MORE: Tipperary club proudly nominates players for awards

Short extracts from the book will be narrated by Noel’s daughters, Jennifer, Emma and Shauna with musical entertainment by local performer Richard Delahunty.

Cahir-born author, Margaret Galvin will also be present and will read some of her poems and the launch is hosted by Hughie O’Donnell. Admission is free and all are welcome.

READ NEXT;N book launched tells a remarkable story of love

Key collaborators include Stephen Conway from Cork, who painted the dramatic picture depicted on the front cover and Rónán Dedenys of Cahir Arts who created beautifully evocative black-and-white illustrations for key chapters.

Noel commented, “I’ve always loved storytelling and started writing this book five years ago. It’s no surprise to learn that this story is set in a fictional village in my beloved Tipperary, the source of all my inspiration.

Signed copies of the book will be available at €14.99. All profits from the book sales will be donated to two worthy causes —

The Cari Foundation and The Dillon Quirke Foundation. Post launch, the book may be purchased at the O’Donnell’s family business, Woodview Texaco Service Station, Cahir; Cahir Post Office; Cahir Arts and select book outlets around Tipperary. It will also be available to download on lettertecbookstore.com