Rathangan author to launch debut novel 'The Groundsmen' this week in Kildare Town Library

By Kim O'Leary

A local author living in Rathangan is preparing to launch her debut novel this Friday 26 October in Kildare Town Library, as well as to raise awareness about domestic abuse.

Author Lynn Buckle, who is also an esteemed artist and tutor, was born in the UK and she has been living in Rathangan for the last fifteen  years with her family including 2 grown-up children while her youngest child goes to a local secondary school in the town.

Speaking to KildareNow, Lynn explained: “The Groundsmen is a Greek mythology family drama set in contemporary Dublin and it does have scenes of domestic abuse and I am also hoping to fundraise for victims of domestic abuse. It’s a richly lyrical book and it’s in first person, also being told from the perspectives of 5 people.”

‘The Groundsmen’ is published by Epoque Press and it tells the fictious yet riveting story of a dysfunctional family tainted by a darkly disturbing past, through the eyes of 5 family members as they try to rise above their dark past with references to domestic abuse.

Lynn went to Warwick University and then NUI Maynooth, and she originally worked as an art historian showcasing her paintings in exhibitions in Ireland and the UK. She has also worked as a tutor and a sub art teacher at Kildare schools and in adult education, most recently working at a secondary school in Edenderry until May of this year.

However, four years ago Lynn decided to try her hand at writing and she described it as ‘a hobby that I just couldn’t stop.’ Despite initial rejections from book agents with regard to her idea, Lynn decided to seek out other like-minded writers.

As part of the writing process for ‘The Groundsmen’, Lynn joined a local writers group The Wordsmiths at Kildare Town Library which she found to be very encouraging. “Joining The Wordsmiths was a great help to me writing this book. Mixing with other writers and learning how to critique each other’s work helped to build my confidence,” explained Lynn.

Earlier this week, Lynn will attended the Safe World Summit 2018 at the Mansion House in Dublin which aims to highlight and discuss the effects of trauma and domestic violence. Meanwhile, Lynn will also speak with third level students at UCD about her book and in particular the issue of domestic abuse.

Speaking about her upcoming talk with the students studying social care and humanities, Lynn said: “It’s such a big issue for students and they are training to be health care workers. Hopefully this will give them an understanding of what it’s like to be a victim.”

Lynn will launch ‘The Groundsmen’ at Kildare Town Library on Friday 26 October where she will be joined by local Fianna Fail TD Fiona O’Loughlin who will also speak at the launch. “Fiona has played a huge role in trying to get equality for women’s rights and she has been very encouraging to me personally and in the fight to aid victims of domestic violence,” said Lynn.

‘The Groundsmen’ will be launched at Kildare Town Library this Friday, 26 October at 7pm with light refreshments provided.