Independently published debut novel on hope and resilience by local author

AT JUST 24 years old, Niamh Hayes from Cloverfield, Dromkeen, has already carved out a unique voice in the literary world.

Growing up on a farm, Hayes has overcome personal challenges, including living with uncontrolled epilepsy since she was six-years-old, to pursue her passion for writing.

Niamh is currently a student at the Technological University of Shannon (TUS), studying Childcare and Education, and has spent four years working as a Special Needs Assistant (SNA).

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Despite her busy schedule, she has been dedicated to her writing since the age of thirteen. “I started writing because it felt like an outlet, like some sort of therapy,” Niamh says. Her writing is heavily inspired by George Orwell, particularly his masterpiece 1984.

“I loved the dystopian style of the universe he had going on in 1984,” she adds.

Hayes explained that her novel has been a work in progress for years. “I’ve been writing since I was thirteen and I’ve been writing the same book, adding to it and perfecting it.”

Her debut novel, The Glitch, tells the story of Brian, a young man whose life has been marked by abuse and neglect in foster care. Brian’s world begins to change when he meets Ed, a boy with a hauntingly similar past.

Through their shared pain and the nurturing care of Ed’s mother, Genesis, they find friendship, resilience, and the courage to pursue their dreams.

Just as they start to find solace, an apocalyptic event known as The Glitch shatters their reality, forcing them to rely on their bond to survive.

She initially sought to publish her book in Luxembourg, where she was living at the time, but encountered challenges upon returning to Ireland.

“I think that if you are trying to publish something these days you have to be a football player or a celebrity,” she said.

Choosing to independently publish her debut novel, Niamh is already planning the sequel to The Glitch.

“The second novel will hopefully be out at the end of the year or early January,” she revealed.

Despite challenges, Niamh Hayes has transformed her experiences into powerful storytelling, crafting her novel, that explores resilience, friendship, and hope.

Through her vivid storytelling and compelling characters, Niamh is carving out a distinct and unforgettable voice in contemporary Irish fiction