On The Way Out

“Deeply impressive debut novel” – Joseph O’Connor

On The Way Out won the Gerald Griffin Competition for First Adult Fiction in 2025.

Liam Horan’s debut novel On The Way Out follows Louise, fighting to save her struggling shop, and Matt, a widower clinging to the past, as a community project ignites unexpected controversy in their small Irish town of Rathfin. When old loyalties and new ambitions collide, both must decide what’s worth holding on to, and what to let go, in this heartfelt story of change, courage and second chances.

‘…skilful, vivid, nuanced writing…moves from insight to humour to emotional truthfulness, often in the one crafted paragraph…deeply impressive debut novel’ – Joseph O’Connor

‘…navigates the lives of ordinary people with tenderness, wit, and acuity…’ – Kerry Beth Neville

‘…wit and savvy of small-town politics and atmosphere will appeal to many readers…’ – Ciaran O’Driscoll