Galway Blues is Donnellan’s fifth novel, following protagonist Charlie as he becomes entangled in a run of risky heists, illegal diesel scams and stolen bank machines across counties Galway, Mayo and Westmeath.
Drowning his grief in alcohol, Charlie battles not only his inner demons but also external threats from the police, vengeful former crew members, and a powerful new boss consolidating his empire.
Amidst the turmoil, Charlie meets Karena, an enigmatic actress who offers both hope and the possibility for despair.
“The love interest in the novel is a girl, an actor, researching the underworld for an upcoming role she has in a crime film being made, and she really is the hero of the novel,” says Donnellan.
The author, who is also a successful playwright, cites Ken Bruen, Declan Burke, and Mike McCormack as inspirations for his work. Asked why Galway has become a backdrop to crime fiction in recent years, Donnellan remarks that he lives in Galway city, and likes to write about what he sees.
“I think perhaps it’s he variation of people across the city. There are the old Galway people, and then there are new arrivals from so many different places it makes for an urban mix of so many different personalities,” he says.
Dark, raw, and laced with sharp humour, Galway Blues explores loyalty, loss, and the thin line between survival and ruin.
Donnellan received the Agility Award through the Arts Council of Ireland in 2023, and the Mayo Theatre Bursary from Mayo Arts Office last year.
His latest novel will be in bookshops soon, and is available from www.BuyTheBook.ie for €12.99.
