I’ve been a journalist for more than 20 years. Most of that time, I’ve worked in newsrooms.

But I don’t write many journalism-related plays. There are a few, like “Hero Work,” my satire of superhero comics and modern politics. I’m also fond of my play “Clips,” a short play about the cruel realities of the industry for early-career professionals.

And that’s about it.

In spite of my longevity in the business, I don’t find much inspiration for stories there.

Ireland, a place I visited once for two weeks, is a different story. Like John M. Synge, William Butler Yeats, Sean O’Casey and countless others, I find myself inspired to write stories about the land of (some, but not all) my ancestors.

Below is a sampling of Irish-adjacent plays I’ve written. All are on my New Play Exchange page if you want to check them out (or better yet, produce them):

‘Banshee’

(DRAMA – 90 MINUTES, NO INTERMISSION)

High above the River Bandon in Kinsale,County Cork, Ireland, Nancy Donough hears the cry of the banshee. But she’s not the only one to hear it — nor is she the only one to be haunted by the plaintive wail that reaches across generations.

“Banshee” is a story about ambition, fate and what we inherit from our ancestors.

‘Rebel Chocolates’

(DRAMA – 30 MINUTES)

During Easter Week 1916, a kid who just wanted to steal some chocolates finds himself wrapped up in the struggle for Irish independence.

‘Stockholm Syndrome’

(COMEDY – 1 MINUTE)

Lorelai is drawn into the world of the faeries, who make an offer too good to refuse.

‘Make Up the Bed’

(COMEDY – 10 MINUTES)

Maura and Cassie go through the ritual of preparing for St. Brigid’s Day when an unexpected visitor arrives.

‘Colleen’s Outer Demon’

(COMEDY – 10 MINUTES)

An ancient Irish demon pursues Colleen intending to ferry her to the underworld. Instead, they both end up in an exurban shopping mall with unpleasant company.

‘Return Trip’

(MONOLOGUE – 1 MINUTE)

Steven is visiting the land of his ancestors.

‘Shorten the Road’

(COMEDY/PANTO – 10 MINUTES)

While walking with his grandchildren, Bernard gives Rosa and Brian a seemingly impossible task.

Inspired by a short story by Lady Gregory.

‘Therapy Seisún’

(COMEDY – 5 MINUTES)

Brendan and Daniel are listening to Irish music in a pub. Daniel is into it a little too much.

‘Madonna of the Cell’

(MONODRAMA – 10 MINUTES)

In 1923, Grace Giffords was held in the same jail where in 1916 she married her husband, who was executed the morning after their wedding. While there, she did what she knew best: draw.

‘St. Patrick’s Day’

(COMEDY – 10 MINUTES)

Frank and Brendan get drunk and wonder why they fall for the worst Irish stereotypes on St. Patrick’s Day.