The story of a farm girl from Lough Derg in Co. Clare, who grew up with a love for farm animals, is a perfect example of the way rural Ireland can and should be told, even in a time when social media and the internet are the only things that matter.

The Irish land and rural community has been through some turbulent times and it is time for a new generation of writers to take the reins and tell these stories.

There is no better place to start than with Patrick Fitzgerald’s beautiful farm girl.

A lovely, sweet, compassionate girl, Patrick Fitzgerald grew up in the rural community of Lough Dunraven, Co. Cork and is well-known for his novels such as A Boy and a Dog, and a book of the same name.

Her stories are filled with love, humour and compassion.

She is a real treasure to the writers who write about rural Ireland.

The land and the farmgirl – by Pat Fitzgerald is available now from Amazon.ie