Kerry Memories, by Bertha Beatty, edited by Pádraig de Brún (North Kerry Literary Trust, Listowel, €15.00; copies from the Kerry Writers Museum, 24 The Square, Listowel, Co. Kerry, V31 RD93; Tel: 068 22212; kerrywritersmuseum@gmail.com.) Local memories are always a delight to read. They are of human interest, of course, but also always a revelation of…
A Kerry Odyssey: The Boer War and Great War Experiences of John J. Moore, by Martin Moore (Gabha Beag Publications, Tralee, €24.00/ £20.99) This is a fascinating account of the remarkable military career of John J. Moore, written by his grandnephew. It is a remarkable record of an Ireland we have almost lost sight…
Recently I came across in my files this letter which I received in February 1985 from my classmate and much-treasured friend, Fr Peter Lemass. Peter set out at the end of 1984 to join the Columban mission in Chile. Before his departure he promised his classmates to keep us informed on his experiences and the…
My Father’s House by Joseph O’Connor (Harvill-Seeker/£20.00/€15.99) The tale about the ‘Scarlet Pimpernel’ of the Vatican has been often and well told, and even filmed by Hollywood in 1983, with the chief character being played by Gregory Peck. In this novel, however, Joseph O’Connor provides a fresh version of what is the very remarkable story. It…
A History of Alsace 1871 – 1939 by Liam Murphy (Kingdom Books 2023). Alsace and Lorraine have been described by historians as “the shuttlecock of Europe”. Both regions passed between Germany and France on five occasions. Alsace is located in eastern France on the west bank of the upper Rhine and borders Switzerland and Germany.…
When I Was Your Age: Ireland’s Grandparents Share Memories and Wisdom, by Valerie Cox (Hachette Books, Ireland, €21.00/£18.50) This is a compelling collection of interviews with grandparents, some well-known, some not so well-known. The collection will be immensely interesting to those of a certain vintage, both those who are and who do not happen…
The Irish Department of Finance 1959-99, by Ciarán Casey (Institute of Public Administration, €35.00/£30.99). The Irish Department of Finance traces its beginning to the establishment of the Irish Free State in December 1922. It retained the work-practices and most of the personnel of its previous existence as an ancillary branch of the British Treasury. In…
Voices from a Torrid Time by Séamus Connellan (Carlow Advertiser and Printing, Carlow; no price stated) This is a remarkable pictorial history of the revolutionary period from 1916 to 1923, leading to the emergence of the new Irish state. In more than 130 illustrations the author focuses on the major events in those years with…
Life in Abundance: Attractiveness of the Catholic Way of Life, by Eamon Flanagan CM (Kolbe Publications, €10.00). This collection of essays and poems contains a large measure of wisdom and useful information. But this is not all for also at the outset the author provides an excellent reading-list for those who wish to pursue what…
Vatican Council Memories by Bishop Michael Smith (Veritas Publications, €19.99/£21.99) This is a fascinating inside account of the Second Vatican Council, arguably one of the most important events in the history of the Church in recent times. In 1959, soon after his election, Pope John XXIII announced his intention to convene an Ecumenical Council. In…