Tess was confused but did as she was told. As soon as the transistor crackled to life, the news music rang out and a man with a rumbly voice began speaking about Kilmitten: ‘Gardaí are treating as suspicious the death of a priest in County Clare. The priest, Father Leo Galvin, had been attending a party in the village of Kilmitten in the east of the county. From there, our Mid-Western correspondent, Séamus Toland reports …’

‘Holy macaroni,’ said Tess.

‘Shush,’ said Mags.

‘An ambulance was called to the house on the edge of Kilmitten late last night following the discovery of the parish priest’s body. Along with at least fifty other guests, Father Leo Galvin had been attending a party at the home of Haulie and Cora Crossan. Gardaí were quickly at the scene. Indeed, I understand the local sergeant was among those at the gathering. While officers initially believed this may have been a tragic accident, sources now say there are reasons to suspect that foul play was involved.’

‘What reasons?’ said Mercedes.

‘Shush,’ repeated Mags. ‘We’re missing it.’

‘… has been sealed off pending a forensic examination. Originally from north Clare, Father Galvin had been based in this small village for fifteen years. Shocked locals described him as a popular and decent man. One woman, Lourda Ryan, said the tight-knit community was devastated. Mrs Ryan, who was at the party, said she was still coming to terms with Father Galvin’s death. “We’re not safe in our beds any more,” she added.’

‘Ah, please,’ said Mercedes. ‘What would—’

‘I won’t warn you again,’ said Mags, giving her friend a sour look.

‘… Catholic bishop, Dr Edward Clohessy, said he was numbed by the tragedy and asked why anybody would kill a man of God. He urged people to pray for Father Galvin. The state pathologist is due to examine the body. However, it’s understood the snow has hampered his journey and it may be this afternoon before he reaches Kilmitten. Gardaí say they are following a number of lines of inquiry, but have appealed to anyone with information to come forward. They can be contacted on …’

Mercedes had heard enough. ‘What I was trying to say was, imagine asking Lourda Ryan about anything. The woman’s half simple.’

‘Ah, Mercedes,’ said Tess’s mam. ‘Would you let it rest? She was trying to help.’

‘Don’t get uppity on me, Ginny. I’m only saying what everyone else will be thinking.’ She lit another cigarette.

‘I’d say Lourda’s upset,’ added Mags. ‘Everybody knows she was sweet on Father Galvin.’

Mercedes spluttered out a plume of smoke. ‘You can’t go around the village saying that. Then again, if I was married to Johnny Ryan, my eye would wander too.’