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 city of London, The Curlew’s Cry is an ecological thriller centred around a disaster 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 an event that could easily have happened.

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

The novel also weaves in an intriguing hidden family secret, the kind that resonates with many readers. Spanning more than three decades—long enough that most would assume such secrets had faded with time and memory—it leaves the reader reflecting on the past, on changing landscapes, and on the transformation of Irish communities. Questioning the very fabric and understanding of who your family really are.

Anyone with Irish heritage, or roots in a rapidly developing region, will recognise the dramatic shifts in environment and society. When I visited Ireland as a youngster, there always seemed to be things kept quiet—within families and, with no doubt from the small communities and church that played such a part in life back then. Times were very different then, though not as distant as they now seem.

The boglands of Roscommon and Mayo felt desolate to a child, and the threat of long days working in them was very real. (Only forty years ago, that was our family holiday—weeks spent trying to scrub the peat out of our nails.)

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.