John Patrick McHugh: Fun and Games

Wednesday, October 8th

7.30pm

Location: Festival Dome, Bridge Lane, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, F23 PN20

An Observer Best Debut Novelist of 2025 and an instant Top 10 Irish bestseller, John Patrick McHugh has been described by Sally Rooney as ‘one of the most exciting writers working in Ireland today'.

No stranger to the Wild Atlantic Words, we are delighted to welcome JP back to Castlebar to discuss his debut novel, Fun and Games. A stunning debut novel following a teenage boy as he comes of age on the west coast of Ireland, from the author of the acclaimed story collection Pure Gold.

Seventeen-year-old John Masterson has no idea what he wants. It's his last summer on the small island where he has grown up and he should be enjoying the weeks until his exam results come through. Instead, he's working mind-numbing shifts at the local hotel and trying to keep his head down after his mother's nude sext to another man was leaked to the whole island.

As John joins the local senior football team, gets caught up in fights and parties, and embarks on a tentative relationship with his slightly older co-worker Amber that he feels both proud and ashamed of, he can almost pretend that this summer will last forever. But soon John must face up to the choices before him: to stay or leave, to stand out or fit in, and whether to love and let himself be loved, despite or perhaps because of, the flaws that make us all human.

Fun and Games is a darkly comic, beautifully crafted debut novel that is full of feeling both harsh and tender. It takes in social class and its firm borders, manhood and its frailties, family and, of course, love.

'Brilliantly written; as evocative as it is funny. Think: the male version of Sally Rooney' – Vogue

'A writer at the top of his technical game' – The Telegraph

'In 20 years of reviewing, I'm not sure I've read a funnier book, or one I've enjoyed more' – Daily Mail

'Warmth and sensitivity, and a skillful humour' – The Guardian

'Brilliant and bittersweet ode to young love, friendship and GAA' – The Irish Times

'An utter joy to read' – Colin Barrett

'Totally brilliant and unputdownable' – Irish Examiner

Booking info: All events at this year’s festival are on a first come, first served basis. We recommend wrapping up warmly and arriving early to secure a seat. All events in the festival dome are free of charge.