Thanks to all who sent good wishes. The novel (about a psychic hare with a mission) has sparked considerable interest, especially among animal rescue groups and people who campaign for wildlife protection.

Some aspects of the novel have already been mirrored by real events. Life well and truly imitated art last weekend at a coursing event. A brave woman (as in the novel) went to secretly film part of the fixture. Secrecy was essential because “unauthorized photography” is prohibited at all coursing events. The warning appears on signs and betting cards.

She captured disturbing scenes that clearly show hares being hit hard; their frail bodies sent tumbling or being flung into the air. Others can be seen running in circles, even leaping over the dogs, in their frantic bid to escape.

The filming continued until coursing officials caught sight of the camera woman. One of them immediately approached her and shone a dazzling bright light at her camera to prevent further filming. This bizarre "intervention" is visible in the footage, which you can watch below.

You might also wish to "like" and/or comment on the Facebook page highlighting my novel promoting wildlife protection. Apart from the main theme and the principal character (Tipsy the Hare), I touch upon the plight of the fox and the badger, two much- maligned creatures who bear the brunt of man's inhumanity.

The craziness of so-called "driven shoots" features prominently in the novel, as do the slippery politicians who never judge animal welfare or environmental issues on their own merits, but only in relation to what will yield the most votes or not result in the loss of any.

 Here's the Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/IrishHareBook/