Contents
Chapter Sixteen
Overview
Cal proposes going public with suspicions that Tommy killed Rachel to draw out witnesses. Mart immediately broadcasts the accusation in Seán Óg’s, triggering a bruising pub brawl and open rupture with the McHughs. Afterward, Mart admits the long-term battle against development may be unwinnable, but insists on fighting to keep the community’s heart.
Summary
In a tense Seán Óg’s, Cal, Mart, Senan, Francie, and P.J. meet to counter Tommy’s smear that Lena killed Rachel. Cal outlines a new strategy: go loud and accuse Tommy of killing Rachel to embolden anyone with information to come forward and give them leverage.
Despite fears about backlash and the Holohans hearing, Cal argues subtlety will fail. Mart embraces the plan and, without waiting, announces to the pub that Tommy killed Rachel. Bernard McHugh confronts him, defending Tommy and touting the factory’s benefits. Tensions spike as P.J., Senan, and Francie openly reject Tommy and the development push.
Mouth McHugh insults Lena, and Cal finally swings, sparking a chaotic brawl. Tables go over, men clash, and Barty and Fergal O’Connor throw combatants into the street. The group, bruised and exhilarated, regroup outside; they’re barred, but their resolve hardens.
Driving Cal home, Mart praises the shift to open defiance but voices unease: Bernard’s pro-development case has appeal. He shares a stark view of the future—aging farmers, investor buyouts, megafarms erasing fields and hedgerows—and says Tommy is only a symptom. Even if they fend him off now, others will come.
Mart admits privately that their actions may not change the long arc, but insists the fight matters to keep the community’s heart intact. He sends Cal home, satisfied they’ve changed the rules and rallied spirits for what comes next.
Who Appears
- CalProposes going public against Tommy; punches Mouth during the pub brawl; later debates stakes and future with Mart.
- MartChampions the loud strategy, publicly accuses Tommy, revels in the fight; later confides bleak long-term outlook.
- Bernard McHughChallenges Mart, defends Tommy and the factory as progress; tries to restrain Mouth; takes a black eye.
- Mouth McHughInsults Lena, provoking Cal’s punch; brawls and leaves nursing injured ribs.
- SenanBacks the plan after hesitation; trades barbs with Mouth; joins the melee, exhilarated afterward.
- FrancieSkeptical but participates; fights in the brawl; energized by the public stand.
- P.J.Surprisingly speaks up against Tommy; fights, injures his shin; emerges emboldened.
- BartyPublican who breaks up the fight and bars the lot, ejecting combatants into the street.
- F.X. DeeryElderly onlooker delighted by the confrontation; whacks someone with his stick during the fracas.
- Fergal O’ConnorAssists Barty in hauling fighters out of the pub.
- Doireann CunniffeWitnesses the aftermath on the street, primed to spread the fresh gossip.