Skull Island

About the Book

Skull Island, an island three miles off the northwest coast of Ireland, is a centre for storing and distributing illegal drugs. Tim McCutcheon, a young lad of fifteen lives in the village of Courtney Bay opposite the island with his widowed aunt. While out checking on lobster pots after a severe storm, he witnesses a boy in a rowing boat being deliberately run down by a powerful speedboat. Tim's dog, Rusty, who is able to talk to Tim having being given some strange power by The Travelling Man, also sees the incident.

All kinds of rumours are around about the strange comings and goings on the island. Tim and his dog make a secret visit one night to the place. They discover from meeting Heidi who is eighteen, that a Professor from Germany is engaged in puppy farming as well as being mixed up in the drug trade. The Professor is also searching for something important and is determined to find it. Heidi tells Tim she is a virtual prisoner on the island and begs Tim to help her save the dogs and to stop the Professor in his drug dealing.

But in fact the whole drugs operation is being masterminded by a local fisherman by the name of Tommy McColgan, in whom the authorities are now taking an interest in. Tommy is also suspected of being involved in the murder of Tim's uncle who was a customs officer for the area, some eighteen months previously. Joe Duggan, the local garda officer in Courtney Bay is determined to solve Ben's murder. He is also determined, with the help of his friend, Andy McPoland, another fisherman, to stop the illegal drug trade and to bring Tommy and his gang to justice. Tim is ever more determined and much against his aunt's wishes, to solve the whole mystery about Skull Island and its connection with the Professor and the drug running. However, nobody is prepared for the revelations from the Professor's crooked partner Karl or from Sean McCoy, the newly appointed garda sergeant to Courtney Bay.

About the Author

Ronald Smiley retired in 1994, having worked as Chief Executive of the third world charity Gorta for twenty years. Prior to that he served in the motor trade in various capacities.

During his time with Gorta he travelled extensively through Africa and South America, overseeing the implementation of many self-help agricultural projects. He also made and presented videos of the projects, which were all shown on TV. For many years he was the voice of Gorta for its TV and Radio campaigns.

At home he coordinated funding activities throughout Ireland, one of which was a major sponsorship event to drive a Massy Ferguson tractor around the country an raising over thirty thousand pounds projects in the Third World. This event was recognized by the Guinness Book of Records for having travelled 3500 miles in 21 days on a tractor.

Ronald was also involved in educational work around the country and organised seminars with county committees as well as fundraising events on a local and national scale. An annual conference to mark World Food Day with international speakers was organised each October.

He finally retired to a quiet life in April 1994!