The Playground (27 page)

Sincere thanks to Marianne Gunn O'Connor, my agent and friend, who inspired and supported me through every stage of producing this novel. To Aine Hyland for her enormous generosity, encouragement and hospitality, to Nick Kelly for all his brilliant advice and the days he devoted to reading and re-reading drafts, never appearing bored. And to Judy Kelly for believing in and encouraging my scribbling since my earliest attempts.

I'm enormously grateful also to Annabelle Comyn, Niamh Hyland, Jeanne Moore, Cara Augustenborg and Alison Walsh, for reading through early drafts and for offering invaluable feedback and advice.

To everyone at Quercus, for their patience and belief and for being so lovely to work with: Jon Riley, Charlotte Van Wijk, Jo Dickinson and in particular, Rose Tomaszewska, who helped me so skilfully over the final hurdles.

For their excellent research advice: Suzanne Kavanagh, Ballymun Job Centre, Glynis Peel, the Burns Unit at Crumlin Hospital, Aidan Kiernan and Kiernan Homes. Also Alison Tully, Zuzana Tilson and Alison O'Neil.

To Craig Brunker, Chris and all the exceptionally friendly staff at Mugs café Dalkey, for putting me up for all those months and for
putting up with me. And to all the staff at the beautiful Greystones library for making me feel so welcome and at home.

For helping me in every way through the four rocky years it took to get this book written: Alexia Kelly, Carrie Nathan, Naomi Bates, Ray Beggan, Ciaran Fallon, Chiara Milzani, David Matthews, Caroline Osborne, Aisling Walsh, Gillian Comyn, Jennifer O'Reilly, Alex Diana, Reggie Manuel, Marc Coleman, Keith Parker, Amanda Brady, Sam Gibson, Sinead Corr, Nicky Flavin, Joey Limin Bai and my wonderful godmother, Rosemary Comyn.

And thanks especially to Charlie for his enduring company and love, to my beloved family for pretty much everything, and to my little lady, Ruby Mae, for being my endless source of joy.