Jack tells tale of an alternative Tom Cruise... from Mullingar

Regan Kelly

Mullingar man and historian Jack Kiernan has released his latest book, called ‘Adventures of Ireland’s Tom Cruise’.

Jack has written four books to date, including the investigative ‘Is it me?’ on the killer of Mary Walker. ‘Adventures of Ireland’s Tom Cruise’ is loosely based on a real person from Mullingar, but it is mostly fueled by Jack’s lively imagination.

From the outset, the book delves deep into a period when British Rule dominated Ireland, and there are references to many common tropes of the time.

Tom’s story begins with a simple tale of him dining with the bishop in Mullingar, and that is where we get an insight into his personality. A moral, yet quirky individual, he has no problem being sharp and witty with the upper echelons of Irish society.

While dining with the bishop, a lengthy conversation ends with Tom wishing to beat the local Church of Ireland Reverend; but that ends in a fine for damaging a statue.

Like many people at the time, Tom was regularly accosted by a local sergeant, who has a strong dislike of Tom and his family and attempts to frame Tom’s wife, Theresa, for stealing a horse.

The sergeant locked Tom’s wife and her friends in jail for a week, but the court released them without charge. That was partially down to Tom’s hard work in fighting for his wife’s freedom, but also the work of a local solicitor.

The story then details Tom’s hard work ethic, as he holds down two jobs to support his family, and goes on to his involvement with the Liberator Daniel O’Connell.

Tom and his wife would also frequent a local psychic, who gives some stark predictions for the future, including climate change.

This book, like the rest of Jack’s output, gives readers a vibrant insight into Mullingar during a different time. With Jack’s impressive knowledge of the town and his historical analysis, it is a local history buff’s dream read.