It was a case of the apprentice meets the master when Killarney-based author, Paddy Osborne, met fellow Dub, Roddy Doyle last week.

Roddy was at Marconi House, home to Today FM and Newstalk, to record an interview and Paddy was invited along.

Paddy’s debut novel 'Baxter’s Boys' is a darkly comic tale about a neglected Dublin inner-city community and a dysfunctional pub football team so it’s easy to see why so many people make the comparison to Doyle’s work.

“I’ve been a massive fan since reading 'The Commitments' in 1990, so it was nice to get the chance to chat and to pick his brains," Paddy said.

“I was chuffed when the Killarney Advertiser called me "Killarney’s answer to Roddy Doyle". 'Baxter’s Boys' is similar to the Barrytown Trilogy (The Commitments, The Snapper and The Van) and they’re the kind of novels I love to read. And although the cover of my book might suggest that it’s just for men, this couldn’t be further from the truth,” Paddy said. “The story deals with a number of difficult issues that everyone can relate to regardless of gender. I’ve had tremendous feedback from a lot of women readers too.”

'Baxter’s Boys' is available to borrow from over 40 libraries nationwide including Killarney, something Paddy is particularly proud of.

“It’s a bit surreal to be honest to see a book you’ve written in your local library, but I’m absolutely delighted. I think it would also make a great Christmas present,” he added.

Paddy is currently working on his second novel as well as a screenplay for a new feature film with Les Martin, star and writer of ‘Be Good Or Be Gone’.

“We started to write the script during lockdown and without giving too much away it’s about a very tough and topical subject so we’d be hoping that it stirs enough interest to get funding,” said Paddy.

'Baxter’s Boys' is on sale in Eason and O’Connor’s in Killarney as well as a number of other bookshops nationwide.