Anne has published a new novel ‘Crossing Over’ that had its origins back in real life in 1982 when she was working overnight in the newsroom at the BBC in Belfast. The event and its consequences would remain with her ever since. And after twenty years she figured out how to turn the event into the plot of a novel. So where does Portsalon come in? Anne Cadwallader will be present on Saturday week, April 25th at the Stores Bar/Harbour Haven for a book signing at 5pm. She writes: “It all began over a drink with friends in a cosy fireside corner of The Stores Bar - so when I began to write Crossing Over, I was determined to set some of it in County Donegal. How could I write a book based in Ireland without, somehow, squeezing in Fanad? Three-quarters into writing the book, I finally found a place to insert a description of Ballymastocker beach, Knockalla mountain and the townlands of Fanavolty and Massmount. Apologies all round, but on the downside, the Donegal-based action includes a nasty row between two of the book’s main characters – my intrepid heroine, Lena, and her morose republican client, Luke Maguire. Their row is not nearly as scary as other parts of the book – but nevertheless it’s definitely a fight. Crossing Over starts when ambitious English solicitor Lena, a woman in her thirties, arrives in Belfast, determined to use the conflict as a way of advancing her career. Her first client is a muscular loyalist facing murder charges in Crumlin Road Jail, Belfast, who goes by the delightful nick-name of “The Shankill Stinger”.On Friday, Burma native Lorraine McGettigan bid farewell to her work at the Letterkenny Community Centre after 37 years of loyal service. Her long time colleague Monica Grier paid this tribute to Lorraine’s long tenure at the Community Centre. “Working alongside you over the years has been an absolute joy. Your guidance, warmth, and brilliant sense of humour have been at the very centre of our Community Centre, and you’ve made such a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to know you. You’ve spent so much of your time putting others first. Now it’s your turn. May this next chapter be completely and unapologetically about you. Wishing you a retirement filled with happiness, relaxation, time spent with family, plenty of golf, and all the things you love - enjoy every single second.”
