Donegal support grows as bookshops and December events take shape
The response to Between Two Countries has continued to grow, with readers across Glasgow and Donegal connecting with the story of a boy growing up between two worlds.
The book follows my dad, Hughie, through a childhood shaped by the crowded streets and hardship of Glasgow’s Gorbals and the hills, family ties and freedom of Donegal. With family roots in Annagry and Meenacrieve, it explores identity, belonging and the experience of Irish parents building a life in Scotland while holding on to home.
More than 200,000 Facebook views in 28 days
The Facebook page launched in April 2026. By 14 October, it had recorded 494,135 views and 40,840 engagements year to date.
Facebook Page Insights show 203,996 views and 15,970 engagements between 17 September and 14 October, covering the last 28 days since I began promoting the book in Donegal. Views were up 94% and engagements were up 48% compared with the previous 28 days.
Behind the figures are people sharing the book with friends and relatives, recognising parts of their own childhood in the story and saying they would like to read it or attend a launch. A local book-club contact has also offered to promote the book at an upcoming meeting.
The interest has been noticeable in conversations in local pubs too, with people already aware of the book and looking forward to reading it. Seeing the story travel through those personal connections has been one of the most encouraging parts of the response.
Three Donegal stockists and a Letterkenny signing
The Bookmark in Letterkenny, The Four Masters Bookshop in Donegal Town and Alexanders of Ballybofey have all agreed to stock the book.
A book signing will take place at The Bookmark on Thursday 3 December 2026, with the time to be confirmed. A launch night at Sharkey’s in Annagry is planned for Friday 4 or Saturday 5 December, with the final date and details still to be confirmed. Other events are also being explored.
Two sold-out launch nights
Both November launch nights are already sold out: Sharkey’s in the Gorbals on Friday 20 November and The Vogue Bar in Rutherglen on Friday 27 November. That is 300 tickets across the two nights. It has been encouraging to see interest grow in both places at the heart of Hughie’s story.
Sharing our story on Highland Radio
Martin and Hughie are confirmed to appear on The Greg Hughes Show on Highland Radio on Thursday 3 December 2026. We are delighted to share our story across Donegal and look forward to the experience.
Hughie and Martin on the Irish Voice podcast
My dad and I will appear on the Irish Voice podcast on Thursday 15 October 2026, with a print article to follow. It is another opportunity to share the story and the Glasgow–Donegal connections behind the book.
Discussions are also ongoing with Aye Write in Glasgow and Liverpool Irish Festival about possible future appearances. These conversations are continuing, and any confirmed events will be announced here and on Facebook.
Thank you to everyone who has shared a post, mentioned the book to someone, offered a local introduction or supported the launch plans. Those conversations are helping this family story find its readers.
Facebook Page Insights checked on 15 October 2026. Year-to-date figures run from 1 January to 14 October; the 28-day figures run from 17 September to 14 October. Figures cover page-wide activity, including repeat views and engagements, and are not a count of individual readers or exclusively Donegal activity.