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Maughold memories of JP Donleavy

Karen Donleavy, front row far right, leaning forward; Anne Craine, second row third from left. Picture of Brownies at Dhoon church courtesy Anne Craine.

Former MHK recalls author's Manx tenure

The death this week of celebrated author JP Donleavy has stirred memories of the years he spent in the Isle of Man. 

The Donleavy family moved to Maughold in the early 1960s, following publication of the writer's best-known work The Ginger Man - the tale of a young American's drunken exploits in Dublin, which was initially banned in his native Ireland.

The novel became a cult classic and sold more than 40 million copies worldwide.

Former Ramsey MHK Anne Craine recalls growing up with JP Donleavy's two children in Maughold village, and attending the Dhoon School together.

Mrs Craine recalls an 'aura of mystery' which surrounded the author:

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