Author Caitriona Coyle from Carrigart was joined by friends and family last week to celebrate the publication of her debut novel, College Girls.
The event at Carnegie Court Hotel in Swords on Thursday 21st September was the first of many that Caitriona is holding to mark her book’s release.
“I chose the Carnegie Court Hotel because it was so familiar to me, and I knew the room that I had the launch in would be ideal,” the author explains; “Over the years the school I taught in had used the hotel for all kinds of functions and we were always happy.”
Author Caitriona Coyle (left) photographed at the launch event for her novel, College Girls
College Girls chronicles the lives of three women who share a flat in Dublin during the 1970s, dealing with the new freedoms afforded to women at the time and reactions to the ongoing Troubles in Northern Ireland in a poignant, yet humorous, manner.
Reaction to College Girls has been initially positive, with local press coverage and five-star reader reviews: “It’s been well received so far,” says the writer, “Everyone’s loving it, and the general consensus seems to be a sequel is required!”
Attending Coyle’s event was former Labour Party councillor Tom Kelleher, who was selected by the author to participate in the evening’s proceedings; “He spoke beautifully about my novel,” she states, “He was insightful, and really got it!”
Further events to promote College Girls are scheduled in the months to come at the Olde Glen Bar in Carrigart, with a book signing at Eason’s in Letterkenny also planned.
Published by Austin Macauley, College Girls by Caitriona Coyle is available to buy online and in selected stores nationwide.
To learn more about Caitriona and College Girls, read her interview with DonegalWoman.ie here:
Donegal author on debut novel: “This story has been in my head for 30 years”
