Patrick McGinley (1937 - present) is an Irish novelist, born in Glencolumbkille, Ireland. After teaching in Ireland, McGinley moved to England where he pursued a career as a publisher and author. His strongest literary influence is his Irish predecessor; author Flann O'Brien, who McGinley emulates most noticeably in his novel The Devil's Diary. McGinley is the author of eight novels including: Goosefoot (1983) Foggage (1983) The Trick of the Ga Bolga (1986) and most recently The Lost Soldier's Song (1994).

McGinley's story is by turns funny and ferocious. His characters live. His dialogue rings true. His world is as real as the book in your hand.