The Silent Dead (Paula Maguire 3) (31 page)

Author’s Note

This book is not intended to represent any specific events during the Troubles, but sadly there are parallels with real-life atrocities, most notably the Enniskillen and Omagh bombs. I was sixteen when the Omagh bomb exploded, killing 29 people and unborn twins. At the time, in the stunned devastation that followed, it seemed impossible to believe the country could ever move towards a lasting peace. However, for the most part, it has, something which I and most people from Northern Ireland are grateful for every single day.

I hope this book will serve as some reminder of the losses which are still being endured every day, the unbelievable strength of the victims and bereaved, and the incredible progress that has been made even in my lifetime. The worst days are behind us now. May we never go back.

I am indebted to the book
Aftermath
by Ruth Dudley Edwards, which sets out the stark consequences of terrorism with much more insight and detail than I ever could. I urge you to read it.

‘Norn Irish’ Glossary

I’ve been living in England for 14 years now and I’m still surprised when I use words that make people look at me blankly. So, here’s a short glossary to explain what on earth the characters are talking about.

A yoke – a thing

A galoot – a useless person, an idiot

Provos – the Provisional IRA, ie the main IRA

Footering – fiddling with

Black as your boot – insulting way to say someone is very Unionist/Protestant

The Orange Order – kind of a long story. Involves sashes and marching.

An Garda Siochana – the southern Irish police force

PSNI – Police Service of Northern Ireland. Replaced the RUC.

Wean – a child

Peelers- the police

Hoke – to root about for or to extract (‘hoke it out’)

Baldy – a clue, ie I haven’t a clue

Herpelling – to walk awkwardly, to limp

Flitters – tatters

Hot press – airing cupboard (not sure this is in the book but I do get a lot of blank stares when I say this one)