Sitting on a Rainbow: A 21st Century Irish American Morality Tale
A story of severe loss and courageous resilience, financial markets and malfeasances, Irish history and mythology, justice served, and broken promises remaining to be mended. Set in West Palm Beach, Florida in the early 2010s, protagonist Patrick Connelly (aka Paddy or Pat) is a mid-fifties paraplegic and veteran stockbroker/financial advisor at a major Wall Street firm.
The story begins with a glimpse at Patrick’s formative years and his two serious injuries (ages three and nineteen), the first resulting in partial blindness, and the second in the emerging ice hockey star’s sudden transition to paraplegia and life in a wheelchair. His ordeals are expressed genuinely and with humor, offering insight into his resilience and eventual emergence from his grieving period. The story rotates to his present life and career challenges where we meet Marie, his colleague at the office and one of three powerful and influential female characters in the story. We also visit Murphy’s, the local Irish pub which becomes central to the story.
Patrick’s dilemma becomes evident: a recent divorce has his ardent desire for success and financial freedom teetering. In the wake of two historic market crashes, the rapidly changing financial services industry compounds his predicament, leaving his antiquated stockbroker business at risk of obsolescence to a new generation of wealth management advisors.
By relying on personal grit and the support of family and friends, Patrick has survived serious setbacks his entire life. But now, everything he has labored three decades to achieve, his dream of prosperity and leaving the workforce on his terms, may be vanishing. As the battle for his independence, maybe his life, unfolds, he feels utterly alone and powerless, uncertain he can prevail one more time.
The alarming events at his business intensify, and Patrick discovers that he is anything but alone. A coinciding story arises which includes fascinating characters, unexplainable happenings, and the joy of new friendship and romance. Irish history and culture (with its related music and poetry, and reverence for women, nature, and animals) become prominent themes, often told through character dialogue. Irish folklore has come to life, or maybe not? Nothing is as it seems.
To build Patrick’s persona and color the story, his early challenges adapting to the wheelchair and then building his stockbroker business are revisited intermittently. In addition, the traumatic personal consequences of two crushing financial collapses (2000-’03 & 2007-’09) and the ’9/11 terrorist attack are chronicled. As the integrating storylines move steadily toward resolution, suspenseful twists will surprise and satisfy.
In sum, readers will find Sitting on a Rainbow entertaining, lighthearted, and romantic, while also being thought-provoking, impossible, and inspirational.
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Meet The Characters
Patrick Connelly:
In Chapter 1, we will meet mid-50s paraplegic stockbroker/financial advisor Patrick Connelly, also known at Pat or Paddy.
Excerpt:
Born in an ascending Bronx still aglow with the second war’s decisive triumph, Paddy resembled a brick outhouse—some said it more graphically. He was a picture of sturdiness and vigor in a never-ending pursuit of the distant rainbow of success.
Molly (O Molly):
In Chapter 2, we will meet Molly (O Molly), Patrick’s favorite server at his favorite Irish pub, Murphy’s.
Excerpt:
“God bless you, Molly. Here’s to your health.”
Smiling, she returned the sentiment, “Slainte, Patrick. And may I say you’re looking mighty chipper today. …”
… His grin broadened as she sauntered off to spread her sweet Irish cheer to the inhabitants of the next booth.
My God, he thought, I love a hard-working woman with a sunny mood. Not to mention that delicious brogue.
Becky Connelly:
In Chapter 3, we will meet Patrick’s (soon-to-be) ex-wife, Becky Connelly.
Excerpts:
An educated and informed young woman, Becky was probably right a lot more than he was, although he never kept score. …
Becky was a star athlete in multiple college sports and “cute as a button,” as her mother liked to say—a little too often. Her multitude of impressive qualities—her mind, body, resume, steadiness—were what attracted him in the first place. Most of all, he was grateful for any woman who was unconcerned about the wheelchair. Only a remarkable individual, he believed, could take the giant leap of voluntarily sharing his burdens—and that she did.
Kay Weinberg:
In Chapter 4, we will meet Patrick’s therapist extraordinaire, Kay Weinberg.
Excerpts:
Kay was their former referee (meaning their marriage counselor). She was smart and good at her trade. Plus, she was smoking hot.
“You know what Freud said about the Irish, don’t you?” Kay asked.
“I do not,” replied Patrick.
“He said the Irish are the only people who can’t be helped by psychoanalysis.”
“I guess he meant we’re stubborn?”
“I was thinking beyond hope.”
Marie McCarthy:
In Chapter 5, we will meet Marie McCarthy, Patrick’s long-time assistant—meaning “the boss.” If you’re looking for an assistant, meaning a boss, and a good loyal friend, there’s nothing like a Jersey-girl.
Excerpts:
“Oh, spare me, please. Save it for another time, will ya? We have to get to work.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said with a salute. “What’s on the agenda?”
“You tell me. Last time I looked, you were still the boss.”
“You know that’s not true, Marie; you’ve been running the show since I can remember, and splendidly I might add.”
“Oh, for God sakes, Pat, he’s called twice; just get it over with, will ya?”
“For criminy sakes, who are you, the warden?” He’d huff and puff but knew she was right.
Jeff Saunders:
In Chapter 6 – we will meet Jeff Saunders, the Palm Beach office manager who is riding a high-speed career train to get “across that bridge” as soon as possible, one way or the other.
Excerpts:
Tall, lean, and sharp-jawed, Jeff Saunders certainly didn’t overdo the rations and was perfectly uniformed in his ready-for-battle military cut. He spoke with an urgency that raised one’s jitters as much as any double cappuccino.
Saunders may be the only guy alive, fictional or otherwise, who could match the intensity level of 24’s Jack Bauer. …
If there was a “heart attack in waiting” award, Patrick thought, Saunders would be a shoo-in.
Ian King & Mia Wolfe:
In Chapters 2 & 6, we will meet young financial advisors and rising stars in the firm’s Palm Beach office—Ian King and Mia Wolfe—the KW Group.
Excerpt:
These two looked like they’d stepped off the cover of Wealth Management Advisor magazine. King was Disney prince handsome and perfectly groomed, as usual, all buttoned up in pinstriped blue. But the star of this show was clearly Wolfe. … Dressed impeccably in a coordinated, black-trimmed white blouse and gray suit combination, none of it hid her portfolio.
Bobby Kelly:
In Chapter 7, we will meet (for the second time) Bobby Kelly, Patrick Connelly’s best friend growing up who at 12-years-old encouraged Patrick to learn the game of ice hockey.
Excerpt:
“Ice hockey? Are you kidding me? I don’t even own a pair of skates.”
Bobby Kelly wasn’t a “no” type of guy. He loaned his friend an extra pair of skates, a hockey stick, and a dream. …
Patrick caught some amalgam of fire and ice. An inextinguishable flame hissed in his gut … For the remainder of his first life, Patrick Connelly immersed himself in all thing hockey. …
Sean O’Hanlon:
In Chapters 8 & 11, we will meet Sean O’Hanlon, Patrick Connelly’s prep school Irish buddy, who was responsible for two of the most important decisions Patrick ever made.
Excerpts:
Chapter 8:
“Sorry, Sean, I’d love to, but no way I’m giving up summer hockey; I’m the captain of the team, for Christ’s sake.”
“Oh, come on, Paddy buddy, come on; you’ll live to regret it. This is Ireland I’m fucking talking about—our ancestral home.
“… Last time I looked, we were still in high school; you’re acting like this is my last chance at visiting Ireland—I’ve got all the time in the world.
Chapter 11:
Patrick was in the breathtaking Pacific Northwest visiting his Ireland travel buddy Sean. … He was barely settled in, thoroughly enjoying the mid-summer fifty-degree nights, his morning Starbucks cappuccinos, the insanely delicious salmon with mason jars of crisp Chateau Ste. Michelle chardonnay and long-distance swims in frigid Lake Washington when he found himself sitting in a Lifespring training room. Sean had recently graduated and said it was “totally cool” and he should “go for it.” He also said, “there are a million hot ladies in the training.” That was an effective close.
Larry Devlin:
In Chapter 16, we will meet Larry Devlin, Patrick’s former colleague at his firm. He is a senior financial advisor at his own independent company in the northern suburbs of West Palm Beach.
Excerpts:
Larry abruptly left the firm a decade earlier to open his own independent advisory shop in the burgeoning northern suburb of Palm Beach Gardens.
The old friends munched on syrup-slathered blueberry pancakes with sides of crispy bacon piled high while they reminisced and chatted away.
“No wine list,” Patrick said. “Too bad.”
“Wine? with pancakes?” with lunch?” Larry asked.
“You’re right—it’s a tough pairing,” he responded. “I’m guessing a Sauvignon Blanc would work, maybe a Riesling, or certainly a sparkling wine, like a Brut.”
“You picked the venue.”
“Yes, I did,” he said, feigning dejection. … “We probably should have met a half hour early and tailgated in the parking lot.”
“You haven’t changed one scintilla, Pat,” Larry said.
“How does one change near perfection?”
Larry and his wife of ten years, Maggie, had fallen in love with the Emerald Isle, he told Patrick, and they’d bought a cottage on the Dingle Peninsula to spend their summers.
“I’m even taking Irish mythology classes at a university in Galway.”
What do you mean, mythology?”
“You know—faeries, shamrocks, leprechauns, kings, Merrows, giants, Banshees, Dullahans, the Blarney Stone, St. Patrick, the luck of the Irish—a whole litany of fascinating literature and history.”
“Do you believe any of it?”
“Sure; we gotta believe in something, why not fun stuff like that?”
“Can’t argue with you, my friend.”
Maureen Finn:
In Chapter 17, we will meet Maureen Finn, a server at Murphy’s who recently arrived from County Antrim in Northern Ireland.
Excerpts:
… a strikingly pretty server in a red apron glided up to the table. “You look to be a happy man having a good day, sir,” she said. “May I add to your good fortune with something from the bar?”
“Why yes, thank you,” he replied in a surprised voice. “Both for your astute observation and your kind offer.” She curtsied and flashed an alluring smile.
Marie said, “Hey Pat, I couldn’t help but notice our waitress. She’s drop-dead adorable and seems to have taken a fancy to you … why don’t you ask her out? How long has it been?”
“My God, Marie, you sure know how to pry open the wound. I don’t think modern calendars go back that far.”
“You could do a lot worse, Pat.”
“… Oh, Marie, get real—she’s probably at least ten years younger than me.” After a moment of silence, he said, “Will you accept fifteen?” Silence. “Can we agree on twenty and call it a night?”
“Do I hear twenty-five?”
“Sorry, Marie,” he said with arched eyebrows. “The bidding ended at twenty.”
Jack Lawson:
In Chapter 21, we will meet Jack Lawson, the Palm Beach office’s head of compliance.
Excerpt:
Saunders burst in accompanied by Jack Lawson, his chief compliance officer—the top cop on the beat. The door closed firmly, meaning slammed, and they each planted in chairs across his desk.
“We’ve got to know right now, Connelly. What did you know, when did you know it, and where did you get the information?”
“What are you talking about, Jeff?” …
… “Patrick, the head of legal is already on this. …”
… “My God, Jack, you’ve already branded me guilty without the benefit of a trial.”
“It does look bad, Patrick …”
Kerry O’Connor:
In Chapter 22, we will meet old-world antique dealer Kerry O’Connor, originally from County Sligo.
Excerpt:
He wore several days of scraggy white facial hair framing ancient creases and a nose as red as his dowdy vest. From the back of his tweed cap fell a complimentary coil of white fleece. An unlit wooden pipe in his left hand, a jar of whiskey poised to his right, you’d have mistaken him for one of those poor souls with the signs at the highway ramp except for his apparent industry.
Sitting On A Rainbow Playlist
The author, James Patrick Rooney, grew up in the ’60s and ’70s—an exceptionally musical time. He associates nearly every notable event in his life with a song or an album or an artist. Following is a playlist of the music that inspired and drove his story forward. As you sit on the rainbow with Patrick Connelly, take a little time to listen to his music. Or create your own personal playlist. It will help bring the story to life, just as it did for the author. A cousin and close friend, Ned Flood, did just that by creating a “sitting on a rainbow” Spotify playlist. I’m grateful to Ned for his support.
An inspiring story of overcoming adversity, financial markets, Irish culture, and the power of resilience
[1] – “Freedom” by Richie Havens (Woodstock 1, 1969)
[2] – “59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)” by Simon & Garfunkel (Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme, 1969)
[3] – “Come Saturday Morning” by The Sandpipers from The Sterile Cuckoo (1969)
[4] – “Rocky Road to Dublin” – written by D.K. Gavan, 17th century Irish poet.
[5] – “Tonight” written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin as performed by George Michael on the 1991 tribute album Two Rooms.
[6] – Van Halen. “Hot for Teacher” (I highly recommend the 1984 music video)
[7] – “Both Sides Now” written and performed by Joni Mitchell (Clouds 1966) and made even more famous by Judi Collins.
[8] – “Dancing Days” by Led Zeppelin (Houses of the Holy, 1973)
[9] – “A Song for Ireland” by Mary Black (Collected, 1984)
[10] – “Celebrate Me Home” by Kenny Loggins (Celebrate Me Home, 1977)
[11] – “Over the Rainbow”—written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg; performed by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz (1939)
[12] – “Whiskey in a Jar”—written in the 17th century; made famous by Thin Lizzy and performed by several other artists including The Dubliners and Metallica.
[13] – “As If We Never Said Goodbye” from the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Sunset Boulevard; performed brilliantly by Glenn Close.
[14] – “Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd (The Wall,1979)
[15] – Any pipes-driven lament by The Chieftains, Planxty or The Bothy Band; or better still—all three.
[16] – “For Emily (Kewpie), Wherever I May Find Her” by Simon & Garfunkel (Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme, 1966)
[17] – Anything “wall-thrashing” from the genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
[18] – “Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison (Moondance, 1970)
[19] – “Dreams Are More Precious” by Enya (And Winter Came… 2008)
[20] – Listen to a mix from The Chieftains voluminous catalog on your favorite streaming service.
[21] – “I’ve Got the World on a String” by Frank Sinatra (This is Sinatra!, 1956)
[22] – “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” by Billy Joel (The Stranger, 1977)
[23] – Once again, a mix of The Chieftains from your favorite streaming service would be a good backdrop to the redecorating underway at the Connelly home in SoSo.
[24] – The Celtic Harp by The Chieftains (1993)
[25] – “Hard Times Come Again No More” written by Steven Foster (1854) and performed by many wonderful gospel singers over the years.
[26] – Listen to any mesmerizing harp music you prefer.
[27] – “L.A. Woman” by The Doors (L.A. Woman, 1971)
[28] – “Do You Believe in Magic?” by The Lovin’ Spoonful (Do You Believe in Magic, 1965)
[29] – “But I Might Die Tonight” by Cat Stevens (Tea for the Tillerman, 1970)
[30] – Put on a mix of two of Patrick’s favorite Irish pub bands, The Pogues and The Dubliners, while you’re reading this chapter. Or any other time at all.
[31] – Listen to any traditional Celtic music of your choice, including The Chieftains, Planxty, The Dubliners, etc., while you celebrate a very special St. Patrick’s Day weekend along with Finnie and Patrick.
[32] – “A Song for Ireland” by Mary Black (Collected, 1984); This time, listen to Luke Kelly of The Dubliners’ version.
[33] – “Caoineadh Cu Chulainn’s Lament” from Riverdance (1993)
[34] – Listen to cheerful Irish reels and pub music by The Chieftains and others on your preferred streaming service, and don’t forget to visit the bar three times (if you’re of age).
[35] – “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers (The Gambler, 1978)
[36] – If you’re not tired of The Chieftains by now, play some of their uplifting instrumental music (i.e., reels) in the background. Maybe a splash of whiskey will help matters (if you’re of age).
[37] – “Turn! Turn! Turn!” written by Pete Seeger, performed by The Byrds (Turn! Turn! Turn! 1965)
While reading Chapters 36 and 37, listen to John Denver’s entire Windsong album and reflect on the beauty and power of nature, and how blessed we were to have the beautiful song writer and troubadour as a part of our lives.
[38] – “Looking for Space” by John Denver (Windsong, 1975)
[39] – “Woodstock” written by Joni Mitchell; performed by Crosby, Stills, Nash &Young (Déjà Vu, 1969)
[40] – “Me and Bobby McGee” by Janis Joplin (Pearl, 1971) Patrick has found that if you adjust the lyrics to “Me and my friggin’ Marie,” the song may resonate more in the context of this chapter.
[41] – Listen to any number of Irish pipe-driven laments while enjoying May Eve at Murphy’s. Stream something from the catalog of the iconic piper Davy Spillane, for example.
[42] – “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix as performed at Woodstock, 1969
[43] – “Skating Away on the Thin Ice of a New Day” by Jethro Tull (War Child, 1974)
[44] – “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” written by Rodgers and Hart; performed by Ella Fitzgerald (Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Rogers and Hart Book, 1956)
[45] – “Brand New Day” by Van Morrison (Moondance, 1970)
[46] – Astral Weeks by Van Morrison (1968) Play the album lightly in the background as you read this chapter. Then play it again. It grows on you.
[47] – “Sweet Thing” by Van Morrison (Astral Weeks, 1968)
[48] – “Ball of Confusion” written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong; performed by The Temptations (1970)
[49] – “Abraham, Martin and John” written by Dick Holler; performed by Dion (1968)
[50] – “The Way Young Lovers Do” by Van Morrison (Astral Weeks, 1968)
[51] – “We Are the Champions” by Queen (News of the World, 1977)
[52] – “Let’s Live for Today” written by David “Shel” Shapiro and Mogol, with Michael Julien; performed by The Grass Roots (Let’s Live for Today, 1967)
[53] – “Life’s a Long Song” by Jethro Tull (Aqualung, 1971)
[54] – “On Raglan Road”—published in 1946 by Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh as “Dark Haired Miriam Ran Away.” It was later turned into the great Irish folk song “On Raglan Road,” performed by The Dubliners (Hometown!, 1972)
[55] – “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac (Life Becoming a Landslide, 1975)
[56] – “Tomorrow is a Long Time” by Bob Dylan (1971)
[57] – Once again, listening to any of the pipes-driven laments from the great Irish pipers (Paddy Moloney, Davy Spillane, Liam O’Flynn, etc.) would be the perfect backdrop to this chapter.
[58] – “Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison (Moondance, 1970)
[59] – “Skating Away on the Thin Ice of the New Day” by Jethro Tull (War Child, 1974)
[60] – “War Child” by Jethro Tull (War Child, 1974)
[61] – “Mo Ghile Mear” from the poems of Sean Clárach Mac Domhnaill (1700s); lyrics by Dónal O’ Liatháin, early 1970s; performed by The Chieftains and Sting; Mary Black, among others.
[62] – “The Town I Loved So Well” by Luke Kelly and The Dubliners (Plain and Simple, 1983)
[63] – “Sweet Thing” by Van Morrison (Astral Weeks, 1968)
Thank you and please enjoy!
“Sitting on a Rainbow” was a wonderful read! I enjoyed the characters, the dialogues were terrific, and the scenes transported me to all the locations depicted in the amazing story. I’m going to set it aside for a brief time, then pick it up again for a re-read! Thank you Jim Rooney for this treasure!
Eddie Keyes
James Rooney scores a Hat Trick with his first novel. Love this book! It will make you laugh, make you cry and take you on a journey. It informs, inspires and is thought provoking in all things that matter. A high stakes drama and one you will not want to end. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to hearing more from James Patrick Rooney! Two thumbs up!
Chip
This debut novel is full of magic, Irish folklore and history, and romance all wound around experiences of disability and drama inside a high-stakes wealth management firm in West Palm Beach. James Patrick Rooney gives the reader a great yarn with intriguing characters and a fully-realized protagonist whose defeats and triumphs are attuned to an excellent soundtrack.
Taylor Hagood, professor of literature at Florida Atlantic University, and author of Stringbean: The Life and Murder of a Country Music Legend.
“The the book was well written and held my interest to the end!
Bill
Loved this first novel by James Rooney. Full of interesting facts, intriguing fiction, twists and turns and life lessons that will keep you anxious to turn the page. I hope it’s the beginning of a new adventure for this wonderful writer. Congratulations James on the first of what I hope will be a long list of must reads on many book clubs lists!
Robert Mccord
James Rooney scores a Hat Trick with his first novel. Love this book! It will make you laugh, make you cry and take you on a journey. It informs, inspires and is thought provoking in all things that matter. A high stakes drama and one you will not want to end. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to hearing more from James Patrick Rooney! Two thumbs up!
Chip McDonald, Naples, Florida
Truly a wonderful tale that had me at times laughing, other times tearing-up and all times wanting more. Great character development and descriptive imagery throughout...an inspiration for the senses. This is a fantastic gift idea for St Patrick’s Day 2023...and that’s no malarkey!
John B. Rooney
Emerald Isle magic comes to South Florida
If you're looking for an Irish-themed book that will both inspire you and tug at your heartstrings, look no further than James Patrick Rooney's novel. The story follows Patrick Connelly, a mid-fifties paraplegic who works as a financial advisor and stockbroker, as he takes bold action to save his career - and his life. The protagonist, whose life and experience mirrors the author’s, not only faces the adversity of disability each day, but also has a front row seat to the financial difficulties plaguing so much of society. Through his journey, from disruption in his career to struggles with love, powerful friendships to moments of despair at the state of humanity, readers are pulled into a rich, detailed world that is both heart-warming and eye-opening. Irish or not, this is a book that everyone can enjoy and learn from. Highly recommended!
MK Writers Review
