Acknowledgements
Many thanks to the editors who published earlier versions of these stories: Ciaran Carty; the late Archie Markham; Clem Cairns, and all at Fish, for their pivotal support; the Carve team; Mike McCormack and the START team, particularly Brendan Maher, Suzanne Walsh and Grace Wells; the inimitable Declan Meade; Jessa Crispin and Gus Iversen for their warm Spolia welcome; Eileen Casey; Douglas Glover.
My friends, family and colleagues who read and responded to these pieces, either as works-in-progress or in published form. A special shout-out to Miriam Duffy, who was there right at the start, and Ken Carroll, who encouraged me to compile this collection in the first place.
My tenacious, supportive and brilliant agent, eagle-eyed Jonathan Williams. The superb and kind team at New Island – thanks again, Hannah Shorten, Mariel Deegan, Edwin Higel, Michael Darcy, it’s a joy making books with you. Dan Bolger is an exceptional editor, working his unique strand of sympathetic magic with discernment, enthusiasm and patience. His precise input and ability to ask the right questions allowed me to dig deeper, get closer to what these stories really wanted to say.
I am indebted once again to the Arts Council of Ireland, whose continued faith and generous support through a Bursary gave me time to develop, rewrite and complete this collection. In particular, I’d like to thank Sarah Bannan for her ongoing encouragement, both practical and creative. Also Dave Levins, Linda Moran, Nuala Canny and all at Farmleigh for affording me writing time in that extraordinary place as their 2017 Writer-in-Residence.
To my loved ones. Izzy, for just being there, and Seán for supporting, with humour, insight and imagination, this latest journey to Planet Book. To my Dad, Gerhardt, for being such a quiet and profound inspiration in all parts of my life.
And finally, my late Mum, Miriam. Generous, talented and beautiful blazer of the trail, the first writer – and reader – I learnt from. Shine on, bright star.
Shift Page 23
