'Boisterous, ebullient, picaresque - Seamus Moran’s JJ McHale is a Barry Lyndon for the early 20th century.’ Kate Beaufoy

Rakish young balladeer and performer JJ McHale flees his heart-hardened, repressive father to follow his dream to become a world-renowned actor like his idol, Charlie Chaplin.

‘…a fantastic read. Really great storytelling and I so want to know what happens next.’ Claudia Carroll

Through a series of comic mishaps and misadventures JJ finds himself busking at the Fairyhouse races on Easter Monday 1916. He falls in love with attractive, elusive young volunteer, Molly McNally.

But Molly is promised to someone else and willing to put her life on the line for the cause of Irish Freedom. Can JJ overcome his fear and pacifism to fight for the woman who has captured his heart? Or will he stick to his task, through the dangerous, tragi-comic streets of a besieged Dublin and follow his dream?

The Ballad of JJ McHale is a funny, satirical, picaresque romance that tumbles and gallops through JJ’s transformation from a rakish, impetuous youth to a sensitive, responsible adult who finally learns the overwhelming power of true love.