Gill

‘The one thing you can’t fully control in a ship is the water all around you, so part of your plan is always reading and analysing the currents and the tides. You have a clear image in your head of how you think the ship will perform in the prevailing conditions. But this time something isn't going the way we had planned it …’As a farmer’s daughter in the country’s largest landlocked county, Marie Gleeson’s unusual career choice took her into uncharted waters. Working her way up from gruelling bootcamp training to leading a drug interdiction operation seizing €700 million of cocaine from a yacht off the Kerry coast, she was a leader among men and rose to every challenge. Developing a love of the sea, Marie learned that to be at one with it required agility, and a willingness to change, to go with the wind – not against it. These lessons prepared her for operating without a life raft when her personal life threw her the greatest challenge of all. Be Like the Sea is the inspiring story of what happens when we overcome our own self-imposed physical, mental and emotional limitations, and a blueprint for charting our own unique path in life.

‘But we can’t possibly pack up our lives and just run away in a van for a whole year. Can we?’Susan Bennett and her husband Chris are living normal, busy lives until their mid-thirties when a shock diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is delivered to both of them – in the same week, in the same hospital. This is one in a series of final straws that nudges them to follow their dream, simplify their lives, and take to the road for a year in their trusty camper van, Hans. One Year charts their journey around western Europe and Scandinavia. Engine breakdowns, Spanish flu, French doctors and many hours spent getting lost – freedom does not come without its challenges. But slowly the fog of bereavement and burnout begins to lift as they determine to carry on regardless; the unknown road reveals unexpected life lessons such as how to recover a sense of awe and look up at big skies, how to stop and breathe, and how to find courage to live life to the beat of your own drum. One Year is a life-affirming true story of stopping in order to start again and an inspirational memoir about rediscovering a capacity for joy and hope in the most difficult of circumstances.

‘Like those who came before me, I arrived as an outsider, but the island does not allow one to remain separate for long. It takes root and leaves a mark you cannot shake.’Lesley Bond and her partner Gordon were the first couple to embark on the six-month caretaking residency on the Great Blasket Island, one of Ireland’s most remote and historically rich locations. With no electricity, hot water or modern conveniences, their daily existence was like nothing they had experienced, and echoes of the past remained ever-present. As well as chronicling their encounters, Lesley delves into the lives of the island’s last inhabitants and the circumstances that led to their evacuation in the 1950s. A unique blend of personal reflection and historical context, Blasket Bound reveals how the past continues to shape the present. It is an exploration of identity, illustrating how the environments we inhabit and the histories we inherit leave an indelible mark.

In March 2017, Tina Satchwell vanished from her home in Youghal, County Cork. For six and a half years, her disappearance remained one of Ireland’s most haunting mysteries. Her husband Richard Satchwell claimed she had left with two suitcases and €26,000 in cash. Gardaí searched the house and found nothing. Journalists interviewed Richard, including one who sat unknowingly just feet from Tina’s hidden grave …This extraordinary book is the definitive account of the murder of Tina Satchwell, told by the journalist who helped expose the truth. It is a story of coercive control, deception and the quiet horror of a woman buried face down beneath her own stairs. Through exclusive interviews, Barry Cummins traces the long road to justice with forensic detail and remarkable insight – from the initial search and media appeals to the cold-case breakthrough that finally revealed Tina’s fate. Part true crime investigation, part personal reckoning, this is a powerful portrait of a woman whose voice was silenced, and of the systems that failed to hear her. It is also a tribute to the persistence of those who refused to let her be forgotten.

"Despite being the world's most reluctant Irish dancing correspondent, Ellen Coyne has done a remarkable job delving into the murky world of feis fixing. Dirty Dancing is a fascinating exposé on the history and crazy controversies behind one of Ireland's greatest cultural assets and exports. Irish dancing has become part of Ireland's soft power thanks to the success of Riverdance, but it has been dogged by scandals involving sex, lies and feis fixing. Coyne hits all the right beats in what is a cautionary tale for those who might find themselves becoming an overzealous pushy parent of an Irish dancer." Mark Tighe From the outside, Irish dancing seems like a wholesome world of dazzling costumes, intricate footwork and groomed hair. The sport and art form, made world-famous by the smash hit Riverdance, is an instantly recognisable part of Irish culture. But when we pull back the curtain, we discover that Irish dancing also has a dark side … Following a whistle-blower email, journalist Ellen Coyne found herself plunged into the cut-throat side of competitive Irish dancing. What Ellen discovered, and reveals in extensive and explosive detail, is that the picture-perfect world of Irish dancing has operated for years within a toxic environment of bitter rivalries, allegations of competition fixing accusations and even more serious rumours that swirl around some of the most high-profile dancing competitions in the world. From feis fixing to false allegations, why are the dancehalls across this island such a hotbed for malicious conspiracy? And what next for a world steeped in tradition and global success yet mired in controversy?

The Pocket Book of St Patrick explores the extraordinary life and enduring influence of Ireland’s patron saint. Tracing his journey from youth in captivity to his mission of spreading Christianity across Ireland, it weaves together the rich tapestry of history and legend that surrounds him. Through his own words, cherished prayers, and stories passed down through centuries, the book reveals Patrick’s deep faith, resilience and lasting impact on Irish culture and spirituality. Both a celebration of his legacy and a source of daily inspiration, it is a fitting companion for pilgrims, travellers, and all who seek wisdom in the life of St. Patrick.

Ireland, 2025: where a mortgage is required just to buy a coffee. With rents soaring higher than the price of a pint in Temple Bar and the government still trying to figure out where to sit, the year proved as unpredictable as our public transport system. At least we have Waterford Whispers News to keep us entertained. The beloved stocking filler is back, packed with all the biggest stories from 2025, plus a heap of exclusive new content. From sharp political satire to cheeky pop culture nods, this seasonal must-have is the perfect Christmas gift.

Dear Gay was an instant bestseller when it was published in 2023. PS Gay brings readers more letters and memories from the listeners of Ireland’s most iconic radio show. PS Gay reflects the very fabric of our society from the lighter watercooler moments that had us all talking, to personal stories that stopped us in our tracks. Remember the uproar over Dick’s affair in Glenroe and the nationwide protest about the decision by Switzer’s department store to remove the Christmas gnomes from the window. There are accounts of the devastating impact of the AIDS crisis, the divorce referendum and heartbreaking experiences of abortion. Most importantly, there are the stories of the lives of everyday superwomen who wrote into the show to share their experiences, Gay Byrne acting as ringmaster skilfully capturing what mattered to them. Nostalgic for times that seemed simpler than they are today, and a reminder of how far we have come.

Every family has one. Every WhatsApp group. Every office. You know the type – the lane-hogger, the queue-jumper, the clueless loudmouth who somehow thinks they’re the normal one. But what exactly is a gobshite? And more importantly, how do we deal with the? he Gobshite Guidebook is the first no-nonsense, laugh-out-loud manual for surviving the gobshites that walk among us. From the barista who dries cups with a floor cloth to the history-making egomaniacs who derail entire nations, gobshites are a universal nuisance – and they’re not going anywhere. Part survival guide, part social commentary (with a dash of therapy), this book dives into the mindset, mayhem and mystery of the gobshite, with tips on how to spot them, outwit them and protect your peace. Because recognising a gobshite is step one. Not becoming one? That’s the real goal.

The Race offers an exhilarating, behind-the-scenes look at the cut-throat world of elite athletics. With vivid recall, David Gillick, one of Ireland’s most celebrated 400m sprinters, describes the sacrifices, triumphs and devastating setbacks that define a life spent chasing greatness. From the punishing grind of training camps to the mental anguish of injuries and the darker side of athletics, this memoir captures the intensity of a career defined by fractions of a second. As an Irish athlete competing against the odds, Gillick recalls the unique challenges of representing a small nation: limited resources, enormous expectations and the constant push to prove you belong among the world’s best. But The Race is more than a story of sport. It’s an exploration of human resilience and the fight to find balance in a life consumed by the pursuit of perfection. It’s about enduring heartbreak, overcoming burnout and discovering who you are when the race is over.

This is the inspiring story of Michael Flynn, a struggling furniture salesman from Pearse Street, who reinvented himself to become one of Ireland’s most beloved national figures. Starting with Mick’s formative years growing up in Dublin where he faced the challenges of being an inner-city kid. Despite these struggles, he had the unwavering support of his tight-knit community. As we journey through Mick’s life, we gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the Mattress Mick persona. We learn about his close bond with his family and his generosity in giving back to the communities. Even when Mick lost everything and faced bankruptcy, his relentless determination and a little unconventional thinking outside the box (or bed!) helped him bounce back from the brink, literally. This inspiring, touching and heartwarming tale will resonate with anyone who has or is going through hard times. It’s a testament to never giving up, no matter what life throws your way.

When Fergus Farrell suffered a spinal cord injury in October 2018, doctors gave him a zero per cent chance of walking again. What followed was a journey marked by an overwhelming sense of failure and unimaginable lows – including battling depression, losing his marriage and losing his business. But Fergus refused to give up. And slowly he began to rebuild his body, his life and his concept of what it means to be a man. One year after his injury, Fergus walked 206km across Ireland – a milestone that was just the beginning. From his attempted row across the wild north Atlantic to raising awareness for spinal cord injury research, Fergus turned pain into purpose and setbacks into inspiration. Fergus’s story is more than one of recovery; it’s about rediscovering who you are when everything is stripped away. Rebuilding a Man is a powerful reminder that even life’s toughest challenges can lead to its greatest victories.

Long ago, the ancient inhabitants of Planet Duck created three magical objects to protect their world – the Egg of Time, the Feather of Fortune and the Nest of Destiny. Individually, they each bring great power to their owner, but when all three are brought together they become the most powerful weapon in the galaxy, and Evil Duck has been searching for these items ever since he found out about them. Foiled with the Feather of Fortune, he’s now on the trail of the Nest of Destiny … and he’s teamed up with popstar Ed Quackers with the promise of making him the most famous popstar EVER! Can Eddie and Flo stop Evil Duck and his minions once again, before it’s too late?

In a county where success is weighed in medals, the Ó Sé brothers all hung up their boots with heavy hearts but even heavier pockets: a combined total of 16 All-Irelands, 28 Munsters and 12 All-Stars making their way back to An Ghaeltacht – a haul which is unlikely to be surpassed by a set of siblings any time soon. Marc Ó Sé is the youngest member of the most famous footballing family in Ireland – the Ó Sé family. As such his football path was clear and his mission was understood. Not only did Marc have his brothers to emulate; in Kerry the voices from the past can often speak loudest. How loud is that volume when your own uncle is the inimitable Páidí Ó Sé? More than just a revealing account of Marc’s own glittering career, Ó Sé is laden with the tales and anecdotes, and the successes and failures that have marked the storied history of this footballing dynasty.

You could say that Frank McNally is a travel writer – he writes while the world travels by!For almost twenty years, Frank’s name has occupied the byline of the ever-present and perennially entertaining 'Irishman’s (or woman’s) Diary' (now called 'An Irish Diary' online) column in the Irish Times. Now, from the same desk, the man who has consistently held his finger on the pulse of a nation, turns his attention inwards and gathers his thoughts into a profound narrative of great depth. Picking up on a variety of personal themes which have featured in his column in part or in whole over the years, the book is at once a cohesive reflection on Frank’s upbringing in Monaghan, his early career as a civil servant and his eventual foray into journalism, but also covers significant events which have shaped him and the Ireland which he has chronicled with such consistently brilliant perception and wit.

The Bailout Babies dives into the lives of a generation caught between Ireland’s crash and comeback. Born in the boom, they grew up in an era of good jobs, easy debt and leisurely brunches. But before they were old enough to benefit – the crash hit, the bailout came, and with it a decade of austerity. Now in their late 20s and 30s, The Bailout Babies are stuck in economic limbo: back in childhood bedrooms or paying extortionate rent, working gigs instead of careers, swiping for love and managing anxiety. But this is not a story of failure – it’s a story of reinvention, of how a generation is finding ways to earn, spend and live. This generation is rewriting what adulthood looks like in post-boom Ireland. The Bailout Babies is a sharp, empathetic look at the most populous age group in Ireland – and what it means to grow up when growing up no longer means what it used to.