An Irish writer has used the Isle of Man as the backdrop for his first work of fiction.
Journalist Conor Sharkey worked as a barman on the island over 20 years ago and has been back multiple times since.
“I worked in the Isle of Man for a couple of summers shortly after the turn of the millennium, in the old Mannin Hotel and then in The British,” explained Conor.
“Those summers sparked a love affair with the island that continues to this day. I’ve been back pretty much every year since.”
New Book
“They say you should write about what you know. I know about Northern Ireland, I know something of the Isle of Man and I know about pulling pints. So in terms of research, there wasn’t a lot to be done.”
There was though one thread of the story Conor could not navigate on his own.
“Without giving too much away, one of the characters reveals they have incurable cancer. Having no knowledge of the subject, I turned to Sarah Harrison, founder of Sarah’s Star, who without a moment’s hesitation agreed to share her story with me.”
The book is dedicated to Sarah’s Star, a charity established to support people affected by incurable or life-limiting illness.
In Honour of Sarah
Sarah Harrison was named Lorraine Kelly’s ‘Woman of the Year’ for her incredible work in October. Sadly she passed away earlier this month.
“Sarah was one of my sister Gail’s closest friends,” said Conor.
“Through Gail, I watched what Sarah had to cope with and I thought it would be nice to do something to help her charity.
“Sarah was the first person to receive a copy of the book and I’m told she was very tickled to read the dedication.”
The Bar at the Bottom of Broadway
The Bar at the Bottom of Broadway is Conor Sharkey’s second book but his first attempt at fiction.
In 2021 he published ‘India and Ireland…A Love Story’, the memoirs of former Indian Test cricketer Narasimha ‘Bobby’ Rao.
“As much as I loved writing Bobby’s book, this one is a bit different. It has crime, drugs, bad language and romance. But at its heart it is my love letter to an island I cherish dearly.”
The Bar at the Bottom of Broadway is available to purchase now from The Book Company on Castle Street in Douglas.
