When the Boys Came Out to Play a Novel by John Mackel.

Set in Belfast and beyond, during the early 1970’s, ‘When the Boys Came Out to Play’ follows twelve-year-old Geordie McDonald as his family is driven from home and his childhood tilts between fear, humour, cultural awakening and the meaning of loyalty. In a vivid local voice, this coming-of-age novel captures exile, survival and the bonds that hold a family together.

Drawn from his own childhood experiences and stories from other ‘Refugees’ of the time, John Mackel provides an insight into the mind and soul of a young West Belfast boy trying to make sense of his life and identity in a time of turmoil and trauma.

Free event. No booking required.

Organised by John Mackel

“WHEN THE BOYS CAME OUT TO PLAY” ÚRSCÉAL THEACHT IN AOIS SCRÍOFA AG JOHN MACKEL COLÁISTE OLLSCOILE NAOMH MUIRE, BÓTHAR NA BHFÁL

Tá cúrsaí an úrscéil seo suite i mBéal Feirste agus níos faide i gcéin go luath le linn na 1970í agus pléann ‘When the Boys Came Out to Play’ le Geordie McDonald atá dhá bhliain déag d’aois. Díbrítear a theaghlach óna theach agus tarlaíonn eagla, greann, tuiscint chultúrtha agus ciall na dílseachta le linn a óige. Léiríonn an t-úrscéal theacht in aois seo díbirt, ag teacht slán, agus an dáimh a choinníonn teaghlach le chéile ar bhealach glé soiléir.

Tugann John Mackel léargas ar intinn agus ar anam gasúir óig ó Iarthar Bhéal Feirste atá ag iarraidh ciall a bhaint as a shaol agus a fhéiniúlacht in am achrannach agus trámach. Tagann an léargas seo ó eispéiris a óige féin agus ó scéalta ‘teifeach’ eile ag an am sin.

Imeacht saor in aisce. Ní bheidh áirithint ar bith de dhíth.

Eagraithe ag John Mackel