A Compact History Of Ireland

This book introduces the reader to the origins and effects of the Irish Famine, focusing on Galway and the surrounding areas of Tuam, Loughrea, Ballinasloe, Athenry, Gort, Oranmore, Clifden and more. Being a port town and the main population centre in Connacht, Galway witnessed the daily influx of human wretchedness and the suffering of destitute people seeking 'salvation' in the feared workhouse. The human misery that began appearing in the streets of Galway in 1846 shocked the authorities and terrified its inhabitants.

The only escape route for many people was to place themselves at the mercy of the sea and the long perilous voyage on board one of the many dreaded 'coffin ships' which served Galway during those years. The journey was long and hazardous, and proved fatal for many thousands of people such was their weakened state, and for them there was only a 'watery grave.' The rebellion of 1848 and some violent incidents are included, as is the life of some of the immigrants who made it to the new world.

Ireland is the only place in the world where procrastination takes on a sense of urgency.

Dave Allen

A little Dublin boy in school was asked to use the word 'bewitches' in a sentence. He said, 'You go on ahead; I'll be wit' yez in a minute.'

Written by Ireland's most prolific joke book and humour writer, this collection of the very best Dublin jokes, stories and one-liners is a tribute to the unique wit of Dublin. From the popular sport of renaming local landmarks, such as the Floozie in the Jacuzzi, to the humour of some of Dublin's most famous characters, including Brendan Behan, Oscar Wilde, Dave Allen and George Bernard Shaw, this collection shows why Dublin wit is renowned worldwide.

When Sybil and Blanche Le Fleur were growing up in idyllic Burma in the 1920s and '30s, little did they realise the changes and challenges that they would face during their lives. With the death of first their mother and then their father, they had to cope with enormous personal tragedy, including the loss of all their family wealth. Then the Japanese bombed Rangoon on 23 December 1941. Sybil managed to get out of the city, but there was no way for her to return to her sister, or even to know if Blanche was still alive, as the death toll was so high.

While Sybil escaped from Burma and settled in Scotland after marrying a Scottish soldier, Blanche lived for over three years under Japanese occupation. After leaving for India in 1958, Blanche made a new life while still thinking of and praying for her sister. Decades later, a chance set of circumstances led to the discovery by Sybil's son that Blanche was alive and living in India.

Torn Apart is the heart-rending, inspirational account of how the Le Fleur sisters lived separate lives for more than 65 years before an emotional reunion brought them together again in 2007.