Contents
Chapter Nine
Overview
At Rachel’s funeral and wake, Ardnakelty polarizes around the Holohans and Moynihans. Tommy showcases TD Dickie O’Shea beside Eugene, while Trey pointedly signals she won’t be intimidated. Lena probes rumors but is warned off and summoned by Mrs. Duggan. A drunk Eugene vents to Cal, implying Tommy’s pressure and revealing he’d told Rachel about larger plans. Cal defuses a near brawl as tensions crest.
Summary
Cal, Lena, and Trey attend Rachel Holohan’s funeral, where the Holohans and Moynihans sit apart and Father Eamonn warns against blame. Outside, Lena offers condolences to Claire and Fintan, who are hollowed by grief. In the hotel afters, the town packs in; the Moynihans host TD Dickie O’Shea, signaling political backing for Eugene.
Cal sits with Mart, Senan, Francie, and Bobby, noting Tommy’s show with the TD. Trey deliberately stops by Tommy to “offer” furniture, asserting she belongs and won’t be cowed. Cal pulls her aside, warns Tommy is dangerous; Trey coolly acknowledges the risk and leaves it at that.
Lena is swept to a women’s table, tests the rumor that Rachel cheated or was cheated on, and finds only speculation; no one knows what troubled Rachel. The group warns Lena that digging will cause “drama,” and Phil bluntly says people think Lena and Cal doubt suicide. Mrs. Dymphna Duggan beckons Lena and pointedly summons her to call with more jam, signaling a private talk to come.
In the gents, a drunk, exhausted Eugene tells Cal he never saw Rachel that night, complains about small-minded locals, and admits he shared “big picture” plans with Rachel; he says he knew she would have come around, resenting that “he” (implied Tommy) didn’t trust that. Cal infers Tommy is keeping Eugene close to prevent a crack.
Back in the function room, Cal notices the crowd silently sorting into Holohan and Moynihan camps. A near fight flares when Senan and Long John Sharkey clash; McHughs restrain Long John, Cal restrains Senan, and the confrontation subsides. Tommy watches Cal with a blank stare as the uneasy truce resumes.
Who Appears
- Cal HooperAttends funeral, notes town split, confronts Trey, coaxes Eugene’s revelations, and defuses a near fight.
- Eugene MoynihanGrieving and drunk; denies seeing Rachel, resents locals, admits sharing big plans with her, hints paternal pressure.
- Trey ReddyShows up, pointedly offers Tommy future furniture work to assert herself, later jokes about taunting his cameras.
- Lena DunneWorks the women’s table for answers; meets resistance and warnings; summoned by Mrs. Duggan to call on her.
- Tommy MoynihanPositions Eugene with TD O’Shea; watches Trey coldly; keeps Eugene close amid suspicion and control.
- Dickie O’SheaLocal TD; appears at wake, lending visible political endorsement to Eugene and the Moynihans.
- MartGuides Cal on local protocol, spots political theatre, and reads the room’s factional split.
- SenanOn edge at the wake; nearly fights Long John before Cal talks him down.
- FrancieAt Cal’s table, observes tensions and helps head off the brewing confrontation.
- BobbyDrinks with the lads, provides commentary, and frets as tensions rise.
- Father EamonnPresides over the funeral; warns the community against blame and judgment.
- Claire HolohanRachel’s mother; devastated, asks Lena about Rachel’s visit and clings to kindness.
- Fintan HolohanRachel’s father; shattered with grief, barely enduring the wake.
- Dymphna (Mrs.) DugganMatriarch; publicly summons Lena to bring jam, signaling a private audience.
- Yvonne McCabeLeads the women’s table; chats, then warns Lena against stirring ‘drama’.
- Philomena DohertyBluntly challenges Lena’s questions and flags dangerous town gossip.
- Julie QuinnAnxious and empathetic; reminisces about Rachel and echoes caution to Lena.
- Melanie O’HalloranCandid; participates in gossip shield, advises Lena to stop digging.
- Long John SharkeyMoynihan ally who nearly brawls with Senan before being restrained.
- McHugh brothers (Sonny, Tadhg)Cool toward Mart; restrain Long John and reflect the town’s realignment.