New author Thomas O’Mara is an Offaly man living in Kingsbury, North West London. He has just written a comical new book, HRH Prince Philip: Escape from the Palace. It was launched a month ago and has been causing a stir amongst the Kingsbury community. The book is dedicated to his late wife and three sons.
What are you up to right now?
Looking after my teenage sons and writing my second novel.
Who are your heroes?
Anyone who sacrifices themselves for the welfare of others is, in my opinion, a hero.
What’s been the best decade of your life so far and why?
My twenties. I got married, got my first proper paying job, my first car, my first flat and my eldest son came along.
What record sends a shiver down your spine?
Have You Seen Her by The Chi-Lites. It’s a song about loss and loneliness.
What is your favourite place in Ireland?
Ben Bulben, Sligo.
What makes you angry?
Pettiness.
What book influenced you most?
The Great Gatsby is a beautifully lyrical book. Word melody is as important to me as construction and story line.
What was the worst moment of your life?
I lost my wife, Cecilia, to cancer seven years ago.
If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be?
I’d have Cecilia back in an instant.
What is the best lesson life has taught you?
Listen to everyone but follow your own path.
What is your favourite film and why?
Jaws. An old film, but superb in so many ways: action, suspense, terror, joy, relief, bravery all wrapped up in a great story. And the two-note intro as the shark moves through the water: impossible to forget. I could watch that film over and over.
What do you believe in?
Honesty, endeavour, patience and warmth.
What trait do others criticise you for?
Not doing what they want… and sometimes they’re right.
Where do you live and what are the best and worst things about that place?
Kingsbury. It’s a great place to bring up a family, as I have. Great school, parks, shops, pubs and restaurants and there’s a lovely Irish community. On the minus side, there’s no local bookshop and no theatre.
On what occasion is it OK to lie?
Too deep a question for here!
What do you consider the greatest work of art?
The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dali.
What is your ultimate guilty pleasure?
I have a sweet tooth, so chocolate is high on the list and I too often read when there’s work to be done.
Who is the love of your life?
Cecilia, my angel, was and still is.
