Tom Obrien from Customer to Author

One of our longest-standing customers in Ireland, Tom O’Brien, recently retired from a distinguished career as an expert witness in the Irish law courts, where he was an outspoken supporter of our pioneering personal LED safety lights. In retirement, Tom has embarked on an entirely new chapter—becoming an author with the publication of his debut literary thriller, The Curlew’s Cry.

Written in a style influenced by the likes of notable authors such as Dervia McTiernan, Graham Norton and Liz French, Tom has approached his law court thriller with an engineer’s eye – its detailed, accurate and believable.

Set between his home county of Roscommon and the cities of London and Dublin, The Curlew’s Cry is a thriller centred around a ecological event that uncovers a long‑buried secret. Without giving away too much for those who will undoubtedly enjoy this gripping read, the novel draws heavily on Tom’s thirty years of experience investigating real cases in the Irish courts. That authenticity gives the story a compelling “true‑to‑life” feel, making it read less like fiction and more like the retelling of events that could easily have happened.

Our own signed office copy has already become well-thumbed—and has now mysteriously vanished into a local book club, which says it all.

The novel weaves in an uncomforting hidden family secret and a dark character, who becomes the catalyst for their own demise leaving an indelible shadow on those that they have touched. Jump forward three decades — when most would assume the passing of time would have washed memories clean or changed behaviours, the impact of past wrongs still has the power to effect the present – ‘black cat black kittens’ as the saying goes

It leaves the reader reflecting on the past, to some it may resonate on many levels – unsavoury people, changing landscapes, and the transformation of Irish community with the hope that the goodness and kindness of people will prevail.

Many, particularly from rural backgrounds, especially those from Ireland, will recognise the dramatic shifts in environment and society which have occurred in the past 30 years. When I visited Ireland as a youngster, there always seemed to be things kept quiet, almost a shame about the most minor of things at least that how it seemed to a lad coming from a big city in England. Tom Obrien has picked up on this masterfully but with a real reason to feel shame and distrust certainly not the kind I encountered as a child but something you can relate to when magnified to the extent seen in The Curlew’s Cry.

The Curlew’s Cry is a cracking read for anyone who enjoys believable, character‑driven fiction with an Irish backdrop. Even better, all profits are being donated to The Sunflower Organisation, a charity raising €20 million to build a desperately needed children’s hospice in the West of Ireland.

Why Are We Mentioning Tom?

We first met Tom nearly twenty years ago when he was investigating a case involving inadequate road illumination and believed that traffic lamps could have made a crucial difference. We soon discovered shared connections, a mutual interest in road safety, and a steady stream of good ideas. Many conversations later, we were delighted to be invited to his book launch in Roscommon and to support a worthy, not‑for‑profit cause.

When our office junior took Tom’s call announcing he had written a book, she misheard the title and wrote down “Tom O’Brien – Curly Fries.” As it happens, there is a Tom O’Brien in Ireland with 34,000 Instagram followers who sells curly fries, which caused a moment of confusion when deciphering the post‑it note.

There’s also an Irish traditional singer with an album titled The Curlew’s Cry, which is well worth a listen. But if you’re looking for an Irish thriller rooted in the boglands of Roscommon and Mayo, with a strong London connection that will resonate with many second‑generation Irish families in the UK, then seek out Tom O’Brien’s The Curlew’s Cry, available on his website.

We also think it will convert to the silver screen and Tom has promised us some product placement – we like our TV appearances ;0)

Supporting Charitable Organisations

Although we are a true micro‑business, we’ve always supported charitable organisations—especially those running events in the hours of darkness. Over the years we’ve helped countless groups, from local scout troops hosting bonfire nights to the large “Run in the Dark” series, where we supplied heavily discounted products such as our ever‑popular traffic wand. The Air Ambulance Service received reduced‑cost green helicopter landing zone lights, and Christmas Rotary clubs across the country may still be waving our lights from floats and Santa sleighs.

Looking back, we realise just how many volunteer organisations, first responders, and community groups we’ve quietly supported. It prompted us to formalise that commitment here. We’re always happy to help genuine charitable events and volunteer organisations where we can—bearing in mind we are a small business with limited capacity. But drop us a line, and we’ll see what we can do to support our wider community—and let our friend, author Tom O’Brien, know that we’re doing our bit in the UK too.