Beginner’s Pluck: Author of 'Mouthing' Orla Mackey

Orla Mackey: Overlapping monologues from the families of rural Ballyrowan, build up a picture of trauma, secrets and speculation in 'Mouthing'. Picture: Claire Dunne Photography

One of five children, Orla had an idyllic rural childhood — climbing trees and swimming in rivers.

As part of her diploma in teaching, she taught in Our Lady’s Grove Secondary school. 

Then, having worked in a primary school, she loved it so much that she requalified as a primary school teacher.

“I’m still doing that.”

Meanwhile, she had travelled to Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Having written poems and stories, as a child, Orla took a 20-year break.

I met writer Paula Leyden at an Arts Council Creative Writing course, and she gathered people together to write, I got a lot of the book written at their table.

Having never tried for publication, Orla won a bursary to The River Mill writer’s retreat and met a former winner of the novel fair.

“I entered and was one of the winners,” she says.

“I got a couple of offers and went with agent Nicola Barr. There was a multi-publisher auction.”

Who is Orla Mackey?

Date/ place of birth: 1981/ Gathabawn, Co Kilkenny.

Education: Coláiste Mhuire, in Johnstown. Trinity College Dublin, English Literature. “It was a huge shock. Two good friends got me through.” University College, Dublin, Dip Ed in teaching.

Home: Gathabawn.

Family: Parents, brothers and sister, nieces and nephews, extended family, and a Jack Russell puppy. “We’re all extremely close. My cousins are like sisters and brothers.”

The day job: Home school community liaison co-ordinator. “It’s a fantastic job. I love it.”

In another life: “I’d own a flower stall in a market in France.”

Favourite writers: Edna O’Brien; Eimear McBride; Donal Ryan; John McGahern; Elizabeth Strout; Brendan Behan.

Second book: “It’s based in the same village but is about the life of the undertaker. It’s three quarters done.”

Top tip: Be aware of bursaries and awards. “And if you have 10,000 words, enter the Irish Writer’s Centre Novel Fair.”

Instagram: @mackeyorla

The debut

Mouthing

Hamish Hamilton, €17.46/ Kindle: €6.96

These overlapping monologues from the families of rural Ballyrowan, build up a picture of trauma, secrets and speculation. Sometimes funny, it’s also poignant, and ultimately heartbreaking.

The verdict: A quite brilliant debut. Like the novels of Elizabeth Strout, Mackey’s writing is overflowing with empathy and heart.