Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

Last updated: 22 July 2026

Privacy Policy

1. Who We Are

Mary Costello is the data controller for marycostellowriter.com ("the Site"). Hiberno Creative acts as the website administrator and handles privacy enquiries on Mary Costello's behalf. To contact us about this policy or exercise your data subject rights:

Mark
Hiberno Creative
mark@hibernocreative.com

2. What Data We Collect

We use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to measure Site usage. GA4 collects aggregated, pseudonymised data — pages visited, time on page, referring source, browser and device type, and approximate location (country/city). We do not intentionally collect personal information such as names or email addresses. However, our hosting provider (Netlify) and Google Analytics may process technical information, including IP addresses, as part of delivering, securing, and analysing the website.

3. Cookies

GA4 sets first-party analytics cookies (_ga, _ga_*) with a lifespan of up to 2 years. These are only deployed after you accept cookies via our consent banner. You may withdraw consent at any time by clearing your browser cookies and declining on your next visit. Essential technical cookies or similar technologies required for the operation and security of the Site may be used and do not require consent under applicable law.

4. Why We Collect It

We use analytics data solely to understand how visitors find and browse the Site and to improve its performance. We do not run advertising, behavioural profiling, or automated decision-making. We do not sell, rent, or trade any personal data.

5. Legal Basis

Processing of analytics data relies on your consent (GDPR Article 6(1)(a)), given via our cookie banner. You may withdraw consent at any time.

6. Third Parties

  • Google Analytics (Google LLC, USA) — processes visit data on our behalf. Google participates in the EU-US Data Privacy Framework.
  • Netlify (Netlify, Inc., USA) — hosts the Site and serves its files.

7. International Data Transfers

Google Analytics and Netlify are based in the United States and may process data outside the European Economic Area. Where such transfers occur, appropriate safeguards are relied upon, including the EU-US Data Privacy Framework and Standard Contractual Clauses, as applicable.

8. Data Retention

Analytics data is retained for a maximum of 26 months from your last visit, after which it is automatically deleted.

9. Your Rights Under GDPR

As a data subject in the EU, you have the right to:

  • Access — request a copy of any personal data we hold about you.
  • Rectification — request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Erasure — request deletion of your data.
  • Restrict Processing — request we limit how your data is used.
  • Data Portability — receive your data in a machine-readable format.
  • Object — object to processing based on legitimate interests.
  • Withdraw Consent — withdraw consent at any time (does not affect prior lawful processing).

To exercise any of these rights, contact the website administrator using the details provided in Section 1. We will respond within one calendar month. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with Ireland's Data Protection Commission (dataprotection.ie).

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The date at the top of this page indicates the latest revision. Please check back periodically.

Terms of Service

1. Acceptance

By accessing marycostellowriter.com you agree to these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, please discontinue use.

2. Intellectual Property

The content, branding, design, text, images, and other protected materials on this Site are the intellectual property of Mary Costello or their respective publishers and licensors, protected by Irish and international copyright law.

You may view and print pages for personal, non-commercial use only. Any other reproduction, modification, distribution, or commercial use requires prior written consent from the relevant rights holder.

3. Acceptable Use

You must not misuse the Site by knowingly introducing viruses, trojans, or other malicious material. You must not attempt unauthorised access to the Site, its server, or any associated database. You must not interfere with the operation of the Site or use it in any way that causes or may cause damage to or disruption of the service.

4. External Links

The Site may link to external websites (publishers, booksellers, Wikipedia, etc.). We do not control these sites and accept no responsibility for their content or practices. Links do not imply endorsement.

5. Accuracy

We strive to keep all information on the Site accurate and current, but make no warranties as to its completeness or reliability. Reliance on any information is at your own risk.

6. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Mary Costello and her representatives shall not be liable for any damages arising from your use of or inability to use the Site. Nothing in these terms excludes liability for death or personal injury arising from negligence, fraud, or any liability that cannot be excluded under Irish law.

7. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Ireland. Any dispute shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts.

8. Permissions

For permission to reproduce or use any content from this Site beyond personal use, contact the Site administrator:

Mark
Hiberno Creative
mark@hibernocreative.com

9. Changes to These Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes are posted on this page with an updated revision date. Continued use constitutes acceptance.