CELTIC Myths and Legends Eoin Neeson , The The , The Children of Lir Eoin Neeson delves MERCIER PRESS MERCIER Deirdre Deirdre and the Sons of FOLKLORE . He also wrote novels under the Diarmuid and Grainne , The , Children of Tuireann The Civil War The in 1921–23, Civil Ireland War The www.mercierpress.ie RIGHTS CATALOGUE 2017 CATALOGUE RIGHTS MERCIER Irish Publisher - Irish Story - Irish Publisher Irish The Book of Irish Saints In Celtic Myths and Legends Eoin Neeson was born in Cork in 1927. He worked as in Director RTÉ of the Government Information Bureau and with the Departments of He Foreign Affairs published and Energy. fifteen books, including Life and Death of Michael Collins, A History of Irish Forestry and pseudonym Donal O’Neill. He died in 2011. into the past and retells ancient Irish stories with a directness and simplicity refreshingly modern. The which stories, with their intrigue, makes them character and romance and excitement, have style a all their own. Included in this collection are The Wooing of Etain Combat at the , Ford Sickbed of Cuchulain and Usna. FICTION

COVER COVER TO BE TO BE CONFIRMED CONFIRMED

Tuesdays are Just as Bad The All-Ireland Author: Cethan Leahy A novel Publication Date: 08 June 2018 Author: Tadhg Coakley Pages: TBC Publication Date: 03 August 2018 Dimensions: 198x129mm Pages: TBC Format: Paperback Dimensions: 198x129mm ISBN: 9781781175644 Format: Paperback Adam is a troubled teenager. One night he tries ISBN: 9781781175675 to kill himself. When he wakes in hospital, he The All-Ireland Hurling Final is a momentous finds that he has company. A ghost. Or perhaps event attended by over 80,000 people and it’s something else. This “ghost” is as confused watched by millions on TV. In the spirit of as Adam about the whole situation. Donal Ryan’s The Spinning Heart or Olive Kitteridge The All-Ireland Narrated from the point of view of this by Elizabeth Strout, is a possible ghost, Tuesdays are just as Bad follows novel of interlinked stories revolving around an Adam as he attempts to return to normal life All-Ireland Hurling Final between the counties – whatever that is. When Adam makes new of Cork and Clare. friends via his counselling sessions, he ends up The Cork captain, Sean Culloty, takes to the developing a relationship with one of the gang, field, hoping to win the match, but also keeping Aoife. Surrounded by friends and with a new an eye on the crowd for a sighting of his birth girlfriend, Adam starts to feel happy again. The parents who gave him up for adoption years ghost, however, becomes jealous at this turn of ago. Darren O’Sullivan, the charismatic full- events. In the end, he decides that the only way forward for Cork, jumps to catch the sliothar he can be free of this feeling is if he kills Adam, (ball) and in those few seconds we see his or convinces Adam to kill himself. entire future play out. The Dunlea family Tuesdays are just as Bad deals with serious struggle to connect on the morning of the issues such as depression and teenage suicide, match, a dark secret held between them. A but is filtered through author Cethan Leahy’s man watches the match on his TV, his children humane and witty writing. A mix of Louise asleep upstairs, or has something more sinister O’Neill’s Asking for It and Nothing Tastes as happened? Good by Claire Hennessy, Tuesdays are just as Written by the exciting debut novelist, Tadhg Bad is undoubtedly the debut of an exciting Coakley, The All-Ireland is a novel that succeeds new talent in Irish YA fiction. in capturing modern Ireland in all its messy, multifaceted glory. FICTION JOHN B. KEANE

Eddie Drannaghy, the ‘Ram of God’ works on a farm owned by his twin brothers, Murt and Will. Fifteen years previously, although intended for the priesthood, he was cynically seduced by the American wife of his cousin, fathered a baby girl and was forced to leave the seminary. JOHN B. His brothers are engaged to the daughters (both pregnant) of local matriarch and supermarket propriator, Mollie Cronane, and when their weddings are announced, the Ram makes plans to resume his religious education in a seminary in Southern California. But his plans are overtaken by events when disaster strikes. Mollie is determined to secure the farm and suddenly, it is the Ram KEANE of God alone who stands in the way of her happiness… ‘I’ll even the score with the Ram of God and he’ll rue the A High Meadow day he crossed swords with Mollie Cronane.’

A High Meadow is full of comedy, tragedy and melodrama, all centred around the village of Ballybobawn. John B. Keane weaves an inimitable tapestry of rural life: people

A High Meadow good and bad, weak and powerful; gardai, priests and A High Meadow travellers, and towering above them all the personality of the Ram of God.

Listowel publican John B. Keane is an Irish institution and without doubt the country’s favourite Kerryman. He has been prolific and successful in all the literary genres known to Kerrymen: from classic plays like Sive and The Field to novels such as the recently filmed Durango, poetry and songs, volumes of letters collected in The Celebrated Letters of John B. Keane and More Celebrated Letters of John B. Keane, short stories and miscellaneous prose.

ISBN: 1 85635 090 8

Cover design by Penhouse Design £7.99

The Field is John B. Keane’s fierce and tender study of the love a man can have for land and the ruthless lengths he will go to in order to obtain the object of his desire. It is dominated by Bull McCabe, one of the most famous characters in Irish writing today.

John B. Keane, playwright, poet and fiction writer, was born in Listowel, Co. Kerry, in 1928 and died in his home town on 30 May 2002. One of Ireland’s most popular authors, his plays include Sive, Big Maggie and Sharon’s Grave.

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Cover design based on original Abbey Theatre MERCIER DRAMA poster for Sive by Brendan Foreman Irish Publisher - Irish Story

John B. Keane Collection

John B. Keane, one of Ireland’s most prolific and respected literary figures, was born in county Kerry and it was here that he spent his literary career, running a pub which provided him with inspiration for his characters and ideas. He has been successful in all the literary genres: from classic plays like Sive and The Field to novels like Durango, poetry and songs, letters collected in The Celebrated Letters of John B. Keane and More Celebrated Letters of John B. Keane, short stories and miscellaneous prose. FICTION

A compelling and well-crafted story – Myles Dungan

est Cork. November 1920. The Irish War of Independence rages. A young woman is Wbrutally murdered, her mutilated body left on a windswept hillside. A scrap board sign covers her chest. The sign reads TRATOR. Traitor.

Acting Sergeant Sean O’Keefe of the Royal Irish Constabulary is assigned to investigate the crime, aided by detectives sent from Dublin Castle to ensure he finds the killer – just as long as the killer he finds best serves the needs of the British Crown in Ireland.

Meanwhile the IRA has instigated its own investi- gation into the young woman’s death, assigning Volunteer Liam Farrell to the task of finding a killer it cannot allow to be one of its own.

Unknown to each other, the RIC Sergeant and the IRA Volunteer relentlessly pursue the truth behind the savage killing, their investigations taking them from the rugged, deadly hills of West Cork, to the bullet-pocked lanes and thriving brothels of Cork city.

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MERCIER fICtIon Irish Publisher - Irish Story Peeler THE Valley of the Squinting Author: Kevin McCarthy Windows Pages: 480 Author: Bringsley McNamara Dimensions: 198x129mm Pages: 224 Format: Paperback Dimensions: 215x135mm ISBN: 9781856356596 Format: Paperback West Cork. November 1920. The Irish War ISBN: 9780947962012 of Independence rages. The body of a young This is a story of rural life, the power of gossip, woman is found brutally murdered on a public perception which people attempted to windswept hillside, a scrapboard sign covering present of the family and individual, and of an her mutilated body reads ‘TRATOR’. Traitor. inward-looking society, similar to the Keeping Acting Sergeant Séan O’Keefe of the Royal up with the Joneses theme. Irish Constabulary, a wounded veteran of the Great War, is assigned to investigate the crime, The novel so enraged the author’s Westmeath aided by sinister detectives sent from Dublin rural Irish neighbors that the book was publicly Castle to ensure he finds the killer, just so long burned, its author humiliated, and his father, as the killer he finds best serves the purposes a local schoolteacher, driven into exile. It also of the crown in Ireland. . . The IRA has instigated resulted in a high-profile court case by those its own investigation into the young woman’s who thought that they had been described. death, assigning young Volunteer Liam Farrell Hostility against the book led to its burning. – failed gunman and former law student – to ‘Valley of the squinting windows’ has become the task of finding a killer it cannot allow to a colloquial term, particularly in Ireland, for a be one of its own. Unknown to each other, society obsessed with providing neighbours the RIC Constable and the IRA Volunteer and peers with a good perception of one’s relentlessly pursue the truth behind the savage personal matters. killing, their investigations taking them from the bullet-pocked lanes and thriving brothels of a war-torn Cork city to the rugged, deadly hills of West Cork, both seeking a killer, both seeking to stay alive in a time where ‘murder’s as common as rain and no one knows a thing about it, even when they do.’ FICTION

his phone keeps ringing at rehearsals, his boss in work is wondering why he keeps coming into the office with bags under his eyes. Jimmy is starting to crack under the pressure. He’s even started to call round to his Mam for chats in the evenings. The doctor is telling him to take a holiday - Greece, maybe? - but his boss and his manager Superchick have other ideas. Jimmy’s going away all right, but he’s going a lot further than Greece ... Author: Stephen J. Martin ISBN: 9781860231605 “All women are bastards...” Jimmy Collins, competent middle manager by day, suburban rockstar by night - has just been dumped and he’s not taking it very well. Even a visit to his stylist can’t cheer him up. He decides to take control of the situation, convincing his friends to help him find the perfect girl - beautiful (but loyal), smart (but not too smart), Ride On confident (without being a feminist), an expert Author: Stephen J. Martin bun-maker; who’s indifferent about shopping, enthusiastic about Star Trek and scornful of ISBN: 9781856355292 self-help books. Having ‘given up’ his day job in middle management, Jimmy Collins and his band are Stephen J. ‘Martin brilliantly Martin evokes the cruelty, the fun, the allure Play drums, drink beer of the impossible dream. I laughed, thought back and ride as many women and stopped laughing, and as possible … then laughed again!’ famous rock stars. With two chart topping – Tom Dunne … his mate Aesop isn’t a complicated person. For Jimmy though, life just isn’t that simple. Being a rockstar was all he ever wanted but it was supposed singles and an album nearly finished, things to happen when he was seventeen, not in his thirties. Now he has this big important job and his boss thinks he’s ready. He’s being groomed for stardom all right, but in the boardroom, not a beer-soaked, panty-strewn concert hall. couldn’t be better for The Grove. While Jimmy When The Grove suddenly becomes the band everyone’s talking about, Jimmy starts to feel the pressure. Something’s got to give. Even his doctor says he needs to relax and Jimmy’s not inclined to argue isn’t too keen on being in the public eye on a with a woman wearing a latex glove. regular basis, his drummer Aesop is thoroughly

www.mercierpress.ie ISBN: 978 1 85635 549 0 comfortable being a famous rock star and is

MERCIER FICTION What you need to read Cover illustration by alan Clarke taking full advantage of the legions of female fans clamouring for his attention. But there’s Rock and a Hard Place something about Aesop … someone seems Author: Stephen J. Martin to want him very badly, and if she can’t have him then no one else is getting him. The Grove ISBN: 9781856355490 need to find a bodyguard. But where are you ‘What is a chance at your dream worth?’ Being meant to find a professional who’ll put up with a rock star was all Jimmy ever wanted, but it was someone like Aesop? Who knows what he’s like, supposed to happen when he was seventeen, not has extensive Special Forces experience and, in his thirties. Jimmy had spent the best part of most importantly, the patience of a saint? twenty years building a career. He studied, he got a great job and he had worked hard at it. He was being groomed for stardom all right, but his stage was to be in a boardroom, not a beer-soaked and panty-strewn concert hall. Now it’s coming to the crunch. While the band are wondering why COOKERY

Fakeaway Donnybrook Fair Author: Adrian Martin Author: Niall Murphy Pages: 224 Pages: 288 Dimensions: 220x155mm Dimensions: 240x168mm Format: Paperback Format: Hardback ISBN: 9781781174906 ISBN: 9781781174739 Everyone loves a takeaway, but we have never When Joe Doyle, MD of Donnybrook Fair, been more aware of their impact on our recruited Niall Murphy to run the cookery health and our wallet. Adrian Martin has made school at his flagship Donnybrook store in it his mission to prove that you can enjoy your 2010 it was the start of a fruitful partnership favourite treats with much less work than you that has seen the DF ethos – ‘a gourmet food might expect and for a fraction of the price. company dedicated to excellence’ – combined Using tips and tricks he has picked up from with Niall’s philosopy that ‘simple food, brilliantly working in some of the top restaurants in done is unbeatable’ to triumphant effect. Since Ireland and from many late nights of trial and then, Niall and the many high-profile guest error, Adrian’s recipes let you recreate your chefs the school has featured have shared this favourite fast foods using easily accessible and message with thousands of people of all ages healthy ingredients. From Chinese crispy duck who have attended the regular demonstrations to fish and chips, curries to burgers, pizzas to and hands-on classes at the cookery school. chicken wings and some sweet treats too – a In this book the most popular recipes from the night in has never looked so good! courses have been collected together for the first time in one place. Topics covered include: great-start breakfasts, the art of breadmaking, stunning starters, cooking meat to perfection, easy seafood, winter and summer soups, sensational sauces, tapas, one-pot wonders, curry nights, sushi and chocolate heaven COOKERY

David Gillick’s Kitchen Fuel Food Author: David Gillick Author: Oliver McCabe Pages: 224 Pages: 256 Dimensions: 230x190mm Dimensions: 242x197mm Format: Paperback Format: Hardback ISBN: 9781781173824 ISBN: 9781781173664 What we eat affects the way we feel and how Much more than just a collection of recipes. we perform in all areas of our lives. David Author, nutritionist and chef Oliver McCabe Gillick knows this better than most. Early sets out the cornerstones of nutrition and in his athletic career he recognised the link provides over 100 recipes for healthy food between sporting success and nutrition and that doesn’t cost the earth – food that won’t eating the right food became a powerful factor have you stressing out over complex recipes in his success. He took his love of cooking to and ingredients. This book brings healthy the next level when he became a winner in wholefoods back to basics and is packed with the Celebrity Masterchef kitchen. Here David simple, flavoursome recipes for all kinds of shares the recipes that brought him success, on meals and snacks, from juices and smoothies to and off the track. substantial breakfast and brunch dishes, soups, salads, breads, burgers, casseroles and all kinds of snacks and sweet treats that you can actually feel virtuous about enjoying! COOKERY Our Grannies’ r Eoin Purcell is commissioning editor for Mercier Press in Cork and edited the website Ourgranniesrecipes.com With a mix of sweet and savoury, from which these recipes are drawn. full meals, snacks and desserts, Our Grannies’ Recipes is a charming book of Irish recipes for the whole family.

We all have recipes that are dear to our hearts, passed on to us ecipes from our grannies, grandads, great aunts and uncles. This book is the culmination of an effort to collect, document and sample those recipes. Ed. Eoin Purcell Submitted online and by post from people across the country, the book is a true flavour of what Irish people value most about cooking and baking in this changing nation.

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MERCIER CookERy What you need to read Our Grannies’ Recipes The Potato Year Author: Eoin Purcell Author: Lucy Madden Pages: 144 Pages: 352 Dimensions: 198x129mm Dimensions: 198x129mm Format: Paperback Format: Hardback ISBN: 9781856356886 ISBN: 9781781173107 We all have recipes that are dear to our hearts, Having moved to Ireland from London in the passed on to us from our grannies, grandads, 1970s, Lucy Madden began growing vegetables great aunts and uncles. This book is the in the large Victorian walled garden of her culmination of an effort to collect, document home, the Hilton Park Estate, in Clones, Co. and sample those recipes. Collected online and Monaghan. She soon fell in love with potato by post from people across Ireland, the book is growing and put her work into practice for her a true flavour of what Irish people value about guests, developing a huge repertoire of culinary cooking and baking on this changing island. options with home-grown spuds. A member of With a mix of sweet and savoury, full meals, the Irish Food Writers’ Guild of Ireland, Lucy snacks and desserts, Our Grannies’ Recipes is a is perhaps the best placed cook and writer charming book of Irish recipes for the whole to complete the ultimate seasonal potato family to enjoy and includes favourites such cookbook, which contains over 300 recipes for as: Apple Pie, Irish Beef Stew, Brown Bread, any occasion. From traditional potato dishes Pancakes and Chicken Soup. to wild potato desserts, this book is a perfect companion for anyone interested in knowing more about the most versatile and nourishing vegetable in Ireland. SPORT

Coolmore Stud: the Lost Soul of Eamonn Magee Ireland’s Greatest Sporting Success Story Author: Paul Gibson Author: Alan Conway Publication Date: 13 April 2018 Pages: 288 Pages: 320 Dimensions: 240x168mm Dimensions: 234x156mm Format: Paperback Format: Paperback ISBN: 9781781175088 ISBN: 9781781175736 Nestled in a quiet part of County Tipperary, The remarkable story of Eamonn Magee’s life Coolmore Stud casts as long a shadow as takes in a childhood lived during the height of any sporting entity over the history of Irish The Troubles, a youth spent involved with the sport. Founded by the legendary horse trainer IRA, and the constant presence of drink, drugs, Vincent O’Brien, and now managed by John gambling and violence throughout his life. It Magnier, Coolmore Stud has grown from a may be hard to believe but it was against the small breeding farm into a global behemoth, background of all this that Eamonn won the renowned the world over for the quality of the WBU world welterweight and Commonwealth horses it produces. light welterweight titles. Alan Conway tells the story of how Coolmore The author, Paul Gibson, has managed to Stud and its training operation at Ballydoyle decipher a very dark, very troubled, very have come to dominate the world of horse flawed individual who happened to have an breeding and racing. Using the stories of the exceptional gift to box at the highest world people involved, including the legendary level. Syndicate of Magnier, O’Brien and Robert The Lost Soul of Eamonn Magee reads like the Sangster, and of the famous horses it has screenplay of a gritty rags-to-riches-to-rags produced, such as the legendary ‘Sadler’s Wells’, boxing story. his sons ‘Galileo’ and ‘Montjeu’, and the mighty ‘Danehill’, this book charts the rise of one of Ireland’s greatest sporting success stories. HEALTH & PARENTING

#Love: Life After Loss Author: Trish Murphy Author: Christy Keanneally Pages: 160 Pages: 128 Dimensions: 215x135mm Dimensions: 198x129mm Format: Paperback Format: Paperback ISBN: 9781781173725 ISBN: 9781856352437 How do we find enduring love? What do you say after you’ve said ‘Sorry for your trouble’? This is not just a book for the Can we separate our own sense of well-being bereaved but for everyone who is unsure how and success from that of a relationship? to act and what to say when faced with friends, Can we learn from our mistakes and past family, loved ones, colleagues and acquaintances blunders? who have been bereaved. What are the traps and pitfalls in today’s Life After Loss was written for what the author relationships? calls the ‘second circle’ who are dealing with the bereavement of others. They include How does technology affect the modern family, friends, colleagues, employers, carers, couple? nurses, doctors, priests, pastors, social workers This practical book deals with all these subjects, and counsellors. Drawing on twenty years of and more. Written by an experienced couples lecturing, training and broadcasting on the therapist with years of experience dealing with subject of bereavement, Christy Kenneally has various relationship issues, #Love: 21st Century put together a book filled with human interest, Relationships is the perfect guide to the modern anecdote and even humour. relationship. Taking into account the unique circumstances of the modern dating scene, it deals with finding, keeping and creating lasting love in the era of social media. With practical guides to help during times of trouble, such as how to have a good fight, this book guides the reader through the pitfalls to attain a stronger, healthier and more loving relationship. HEALTH & PARENTING

No Sex, No Sleep Cotton Wool Kids So You’re Going to be a Father Author: Stella O’Malley Author: Pat Fitzpatrick Pages: 288 Publication Date: 1 June 2018 Dimensions: 215x135mm Pages: 224 Format: Paperback Dimensions: 215x135mm ISBN: 9781781173206 Format: Paperback What has happened to childhood? Parents ISBN: 9781781175323 are keeping their children indoors for fear of predators lurking around every corner No Sex, No Sleep tells the unvarnished truth and children are spending their days in front about fatherhood. Forget about magic of screens or in supervised activities, over- moments and bonding, this is about puke, wet- controlled and growing steadily fatter and wipes and enjoying the sex life of a hermit. Pat more unhappy. Fitzpatrick wants to tell new Dads what they can expect in the first four years of their child’s But it doesn’t have to be like this. Commercial life, and give them a right good laugh along the interests ensure parents feel anxious and filled way. with fear simply to sell them more stuff, when in fact childhood has never been safer; the The book is based on Fitzpatrick’s popular rates of child mortality, injury and sexual abuse Dad’s View column and covers everything from are lower today than at any time since records buggy shopping, the labour ward, naming your began. child, bringing them home, dealing with the in- laws, to later issues such as choosing a school, Cotton Wool Kids exposes the truth behind the time outs, toilet training and much more. scary stories and gives parents the information and the confidence to free themselves from Written in short, digestible chunks that can the the treadmill of after-school activities be picked up and put down as the mood and over-supervision that has become takes you, No Sex, No Sleep will make an ideal common today. The author provides parents present for a first-time Dad, a Dad with more with strategies to learn how to handle the than one child or any Mom out there who relentless pressure from society and the media wants to know what the men in their lives are to provide a ‘perfect’ childhood and instead really thinking. Which is not much, other than to raise their children with a more relaxed can they please go and lie down for a month. and joyful approach, more in touch with the outdoors and the community around them. HEALTH & PARENTING

No Fuss Baby & Toddler Sleep Author: Niamh O’Reilly Pages: 224 Dimensions: 215x135mm Format: Paperback ISBN: 9781781173176 Niamh O’Reilly combines the practicality of Mary Poppins, the humour of Mrs Doubtfire and the magic of Nanny McPhee to bring parents back from the brink of total sleep deprivation. With her wealth of knowledge and years of experience, Niamh O’Reilly’s comprehensive guide to baby and toddler sleep is a must-have handbook for every parent. Niamh offers practical advice, reassurance and simple, effective techniques to help deal with the various challenges every parent faces. Sometimes all a family needs is some structure and practice at working together to get back on track; Niamh can give you the confidence to achieve this without endless nights of crying or the feeling that you are abandoning your baby. Niamh’s gentle and intuitive technique for encouraging better sleeping habits is designed to teach your little one how to self-settle and sleep for longer stretches with minimum fuss and upset. BUSINESS

Ten Red-Hot Tips Focus Author: Ellen Gunning The Art of Clear Thinking Pages: 192 Author: Valerie Pierce Dimensions: 198x129mm Pages: 224 Format: Paperback Dimensions: 215x135mm ISBN: 9781781174104 Format: Paperback PR techniques can be used by businesses of ISBN: 9781781172049 all sizes. In Ten Red-Hot Tips well-known PR Focus is natural. We are born with an instinct guru Ellen Gunning reveals the top ten most to focus on exactly what we want and a very important types of PR for small to medium- strong pair of lungs to help us to get it. Then, sized businesses. Ellen cuts through the jargon somewhere along the way, we begin to lose to provide the reader with techniques to that focus. create the ‘angles’ that will interest the media. Ten Red-Hot Tips, outlines the importance of In the digital age we are bombarded with creative thinking, persistence and knowledge of information from all angles and live our lives the market you are operating in (including the at such a breakneck pace that it sometimes media and web markets) and devoting time to seems that our lives are completely out of our learning and applying the techniques. You won’t control. In three easy steps this book teaches apply all of the techniques – they won’t all be the reader how to regain control through the relevant to your business – but the techniques art of clear thinking: you decide to use will enhance your presence 1) FOCUS eliminate information overload in the market and generate talk about you, your business and your products. 2 TRANSFORM negative thinking into positive action 3) THINK CLEARLY in the moment The author shows how you can use this strategy to achieve your goals in work and in life. MBS & RELIGION

What About Me? Watering the Desert with Tony Women and the Catholic Church de Mello Author: Sharon Tighe Mooney Author: John Callanan S.J. Publication Date: 9 March 2018 Pages: 160 Pages: 192 Dimensions: 215x135mm Dimensions: 215x135mm Format: Paperback Format: Paperback ISBN: 9781856354448 ISBN: 9781781175408 ‘New Zealand probably has more resident The context of this book is the 2010 move birds that can’t fly than any other place on by Benedict XVI to elevate the ‘crime’ of earth. I’m told that long ago these birds could fly ordaining women to Catholic ministry and the but life was so good in their land and enemies subsequent censuring of religious personnel so few that they saw no reason to exercise who questioned this edict. What About Me? is and develop their God-given talent, and thus a quest to find out where the strong antipathy they let these attributes fall into disuse. If you towards women in the Roman Catholic don’t use the talent, you lose the talent, and Church institutional mindset comes from. With that’s exactly what happened. ’We don’t want a PhD in English and a combined MA in English, to be like the Kiwi bird. Faith may have been Sociology and Theology, Sharon has the skills handed on to us, but if we let it lie dormant, to seek answers. The book, however, is not a it will surely wither. The philosophy of life and theological work. Rather it is an exploration, prayer practices offered in this book capture as an ordinary woman born into the Catholic some of Anthony de Mello’s unique holistic faith, to see what Sharon would make of approach to spirituality. Wherever he went, de the arguments given, having examined the Mello touched the minds, hearts and spirit of New Testament, Christian writings and Papal his listeners.’ This book hopes to continue his documents. It is, therefore, a personal quest work. It blends the rich insights of eastern and to find the story of women in the Christian western spirituality, thus encouraging Christians movement from its earliest days to the present. to keep going in their search for truth and The objective of the book is to explore, inform, vibrancy. speculate and question and it should appeal to a general audience MBS & RELIGION

Finding Fire with Tony de Mello Dreaming with Tony de Mello Author: John Callanan S.J. Author: John Callanan S.J. Pages: 193 Pages:160 Dimensions: 215x135mm Dimensions: 215 x 135mm Format: Paperback Format: Paperback ISBN: 9781856353434 ISBN: 9781856351928 This book is an attempt to bring the vitality This book brings the energy and work of Tony and energy of Anthony de Mello to as wide an de Mello to a wider audience. It illustrates audience as possible. Its themes include: Who some of the central themes of de Mello’s life was Tony de Mello? Why did his work create and vision – being fully alive as a follower of a stir among Christians? What is meditation? Christ and as a human being – and explains Callanan examines different types of meditation in some detail how de Mello ran his prayer and fantasy prayer; styles of reflection that de workshops and fantasy exercises. It also Mello used with his audiences; getting life into contains prayer exercises, gospel meditations focus; pain and failure in our lives. Like the work and fantasy prayer created by John Callanan of de Mello himself, John Callanan’s book is an based on the style made popular by de Mello. attempt to give those who search, those who Dreaming With Tony de Mello is a hands-on, think and those who suffer some food for very practical exploration of types of prayer thought. which the author has found to be effective and popular, particularly with young people IRISH INTEREST

Let love and friendship reign!

A worthy wish and the motto of the famous Claddagh ring. This treasured token of fealty takes its name from the Claddagh, an ancient fishing village now part of Galway city. It is a place steeped in legend and lore, but no relic has a more dazzling history than the ring that originated there, comprising two hands surrounding a heart and sur- mounted by a crown.

Tradition has it that in the Claddagh these rings were handed down from mother to daughter. The earliest exam- ples that can be dated are thought to be from about 1700, but it is known that the rings were popular much earlier than this.

Now the Claddagh ring is a sought-after piece of jewellery, a fashion accessory and a symbol of romance in Ireland and all over the world.

The Story of the Claddagh Ring tells the story of the ring, the Claddagh and the city, and provides a fascinating and memorable account of the myths and the history sur- rounding one of Ireland’s oldest love tokens.

Sean McMahon lives in Derry. He is the author and editor of many books, including A Short History of Ireland and A Book of Irish Insults.

www.mercierpress.ie ISBN 978-1-85635-473-8

MERCIER HERITAGE Irish Publisher - Irish Story

Story of the Claddagh Ring Irish Names for Children Author: Sean McMahon Author: Peg Coughlan Pages: 80 Pages: 96 Dimensions: 198x129mm Dimensions: 178x111mm Format: Paperback Format: Paperback ISBN: 9781856354738 ISBN: 9781856352147 Let love and friendship reign! - a worthy wish This book provides a list of Irish names for boys and the motto of the famous Claddagh ring. and girls taken from the great store of more This lovely token of fealty takes its name than 2,000 years of Christian and pre-Christian from the Claddagh, an ancient fishing village Ireland. Explanations are provided for the now part of Galway city. It is a place steeped Gaelic names and biographies are included for in legend and lore but no relic has a more saints’ names. The author outlines interesting dazzling history than the ring that originated facts about the popularity, regional preferences there, comprising two hands surrounding a and alternative forms of the names included in heart and surmounted by a crown. Tradition this collection. has it that in the Claddagh these rings were handed down from mother to daughter. The earliest examples that can be dated are thought to be from about 1700 but it is known that the rings were popular much earlier than this. The Story of the Claddagh Ring tells the story of the ring, the Claddagh, and the city, and provides a fascinating and memorable account of the myths and the history surrounding one of Ireland’s oldest love tokens. IRISH INTEREST Irish Customs and Beliefs

I rish C ustoms CELTIC and B eliefs I rish C ustoms In Celtic Myths and Legends Eoin Neeson delves K e v i n D a n a h e r and B eliefs into the past and retells ancient Irish stories with a directness and simplicity which makes them

refreshingly modern. The stories, with their intrigue, K e v i n D a n a h e r romance and excitement, have a style and character Myths and Legends Irish Customs and Beliefs is a collection of stories exploring the all their own. gentler, more superstitious lives of the old Irish.

Kevin Danaher tells of the wandering Irish, highwaymen, summer Included in this collection are The Children of Lir, pastures and the typical ‘whiteboys’. He tells of lost and hidden The Wooing of Etain, Diarmuid and Grainne, The treasures, beliefs associated with birds, insects, animals, plants, Combat at the Ford, The Children of Tuireann, The bushes, trees and stones. We hear about dwarfs and fabulous water Sickbed of Cuchulain and Deirdre and the Sons of monsters, ghosts and witches, castles and drowned cities. Usna.

‘Dr Danaher's books are such that anyone, young or old, be he an enthusiast for folklife or not, can pick them up and derive pleasure K and profit from reading them.’ K Ulster Folklife Eoin Neeson was born in Cork in 1927. He worked in RTÉ Neeson Eoin n i v e n i v e as Director of the Government Information Bureau and with Kevin Danaher was educated at Mungret College, University College the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Energy. He published Dublin and at the Universities of Berlin and Leipzig. He lectured on fifteen books, including The Civil War in Ireland 1921–23, The D D Irish Folklore at University College Dublin. His published work Life and Death of Michael Collins, A History of Irish Forestry r e h a n a includes In Ireland Long Ago, Folktales of the Irish Countryside and The r e h a n a and The Book of Irish Saints. He also wrote novels under the Year in Ireland. pseudonym Donal O’Neill. He died in 2011.

www.mercierpress.ie www.mercierpress.ie ISBN 978-1-85635-442-4

MERCIER FOLKLORE MERCIER FOLKLORE Irish Publisher - Irish Story Irish Publisher - Irish Story

Cover design: Liam Furlong at space.ie Irish Customs & Beliefs Celtic Myths & Legends Author: Kevin Danaher Author: Eoin Neeson Pages: 128 Pages: 240 Dimensions: 198x129mm Dimensions: 198x129mm Format: Paperback Format: Paperback ISBN: 9781856354424 ISBN: 9781856352222 Irish Customs and Beliefs is a collection of stories A collection of legends from early Christian exploring the gentler, more superstitious lives times, in which the author retells the stories of the old Irish. Kevin Danaher tells of the with a directness and simplicity which makes wandering Irish, highwaymen, summer pastures them refreshingly modern. The stories have a and the typical ‘whiteboys’. He tells of lost and literary merit and a style and character of their hidden treasures, beliefs associated with birds, own, not dissimilar to the sophistication of the insects, animals, plants, bushes, trees and stones. great tales of ancient Greece. Included in this We hear about dwarfs and fabulous water collection are: The Children of Lir, The Wooing monsters, ghosts and witches, castles and of Etain, Diarmuid and Gráinne, The Combat at drowned cities. ‘Dr Danaher’s books are such the Ford, The Children of Tuireann, The Sickbed that anyone, young or old, be he an enthusiast of Cuchulain and Deirdre and the Sons of for folklife or not, can pick them up and derive Usna. One of the most significant aspects of pleasure and profit from reading them’ Ulster Irish myths is that they were recorded at a Folklife. time before the literature of modern Europe was born and when the literary energy of the classical world was dead. These legends are a connecting link between the two literary traditions and were first recorded in written form in early Christian Ireland, which had not felt the direct influence of Rome. The men who wrote the myths began to emerge as the earliest classic scholars of the modern world. IRISH INTEREST THE LOVE STORY OF W.B. YEATS & MAUD GONNE

THE LOVE STORY OF W.B. YEATS & MAUD GONNE

A dramatic and compelling story of the great love of William Butler Yeats for Maud Gonne – the woman he immortalised in his poetry.

Set in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, this romantic tale unfolds against a background of political unrest and tenant agitation in Ireland. The poet William Butler Yeats is a central figure in the Irish literary revival, while Maud Gonne, a political activist, is passionately involved in the struggle for Irish independence. But this is not a dissertation MARGERY BRADY about Yeats’ work, nor is it about the history of the day or the political involvements of Maud Gonne. It is a love story, illustrated with some of the most poignant poems ever written.

Margery Brady was born and reared in Cork. She now lives in Kilkenny with her husband and two sons.

www.mercierpress.ie ISBN: 978 0 85342 935 7 THE LOVE STORY OF W.B. YEATS MERCIER HISTORY Irish Publisher - Irish Story & MAUD GONNE Cover design: Liam Furlong at space.ie Cover image courtesy of the National Library of Ireland and National Photographic Archive MARGERY BRADY Love Story of W.B. Yeats & Irish Proverbs and Sayings Maud Gonne Author: Padraic O’Farrell Author: Margery Brady Pages: 128 Pages: 128 Dimensions: 139x108mm Dimensions: 198x129mm Format: Hardback Format: Paperback ISBN: 9781781174920 ISBN: 9780853429357 A rich harvest of wise sayings from the Irish countryside, the lips of great men – such as A dramatic and compelling story of the great Shaw, Wilde, Synge and Swift – and the unspoilt love of William Butler Yeats for Maud Gonne fount of Irish folklore and legend. Whenever – the woman he immortalised in his poetry. Irish people congregate, however long Set in the late nineteenth and early twentieth removed from a rural environment, gems of centuries, this romantic tale unfolds against wisdom are to be heard in their conversation. a background of political unrest and tenant agitation in Ireland. The poet William Butler This appealing new hardback edition will be Yeats is a central figure in the Irish literary popular with tourists and locals alike, who are revival, while Maud Gonne, a political activist, looking for a pithy statement such as: is passionately involved in the struggle for Irish * The wrath of God has nothing on the wrath independence. But this is not a dissertation of an Irishman outbid for land, a horse or a about Yeats’ work, nor is it about the history of woman. the day or the political involvements of Maud Gonne. It is a love story, illustrated with some * A hair on the head is worth two on the of the most poignant poems ever written. brush. * The family that has no skeleton in the cupboard has buried it instead. * Dead men tell no tales but there’s many a thing learned in a wake-house. * Put an Irishman on a spit and you’ll soon have two Irish men turning him. BUSINESS

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Secrets to Success Persuade on Purpose Inspiring Stories from Ireland’s Author: Eric Fitzpatrick Leading Entrepreneurs Pages: 192 Author: Sean Gallagher Dimensions: 198x129mm Publication Date: 04 May 2018 Format: Paperback Pages: 320 ISBN: 9781781174746 Dimensions: 198x129mm By combining all his research and ideas on what Format: Paperback makes an effective presentation, Eric Fitzpatrick ISBN: 9781781175255 has compiled the ‘Presentation Scorecard’, which itemises all the things that a speaker Foreword by Jack Canfield. A compilation of needs to consider when making a presentation. inspiring stories of successful Irish entrepreneurs He has summed up the key points with the and business leaders written by former Irish acronym ‘TRUE’: the presentation should presidential candidate and Dragons’ Den make your audience THINK, should be easy to panellist. Entrepreneurs that have stepped out REMEMBER and UNDERSTAND and should from the crowd, out of their comfort zone and ENGAGE the audience. triumphed. He outlines all the traps and pitfalls of making Woven throughout are valuable lessons about a presentation and how to avoid them, and the journey from start-up to success. We learn details the tricks and techniques that will attract about their backgrounds, what shaped them, your audience’s attention and convince them how they came up with their killer business idea of your message. In straightforward chapters and the significant challenges that confronted he addresses preparation, the structure of your them. We learn too that while they have enjoyed presentation, the use of stories and humour, the sweet taste of victory, all, without exception, delivering the presentation, how to use slides have known times of bitter defeat. Above all and – more importantly – how not to. else, we learn that it has been their incredible tenacity and resilience that has helped them While the ideas in the book are focused on turn obstacles into opportunities and adversity presentations, they are equally effective when into success. Perhaps their greatest achievement, giving speeches, pitching ideas, for one-to-one though, is that by their very example they inspire meetings and communicating in general. the rest of us to pursue our own dreams. Companies featured include Brite Bill, Celtic Pure, Louis Copeland and Sons, Realex Payments, Tayto Park/Largo Foods, Teelings Whiskey, Tour America, Wallace Myers International and Voxpro. HISTORY

Never Give UP No Way Out Selected Writings The Irish in Wartime France Author: Gerry Adams Author: Isadore Ryan Publication Date: 03 November 2017 Pages: 352 Pages: 288 Dimensions: 215x135mm Dimensions: 215x135mm Format: Paperback Format: Paperback ISBN: 9781781174876 ISBN: 9781781175378 Up to 2,000 Irish people were stuck in occupied Gerry Adams is known as a man of strong France after the defeat by Nazi Germany in opinions and a quirky sense of humour, Never June 1940. This population consisted largely of Give Up is a varied compilation of selected, re- governesses and members of religious orders, worked pieces that Gerry has written since but also the likes of Samuel Beckett, as well as a 2009. They cover many issues. Some are fairly few individuals who managed to find themselves serious, others are very serious indeed. A few in the wrong place at the wrong time and ended are whimsical. All will be enjoyed. The book up in internment camps (or worse). gives an insight into the manoeuvring behind The book examines the engagement of the Irish the scenes of political events, and how he in various forms of resistance. It also reveals that became wrapped up in moments of history, the attitude of some of the Irish towards the both in Ireland and abroad, such as the funerals German occupiers was not always as clear-cut of Nelson Mandela and Fidel Castro. as politically correct discourse would like to The book provides an insight into the private suggest.There are fascinating revelations, most life of Ireland’s best-known politician, including notably that Ireland’s diplomatic representative some very turbulent times in Gerry’s life, such in Paris sold quantities of wine to Hermann as his move from West Belfast to Co. Louth, Göring; that Irish passports were given out very and his passions, like hiking and the Antrim liberally (including to a convicted British rapist); GAA teams. He also dwells on those lost, that, in the early part of the war, some Irish ended the book opens with a heartfelt tribute to his up in internment camps in France and, through close friend and political ally, the late Martin the slowness of the Irish authorities to intervene, McGuinness. were subsequently sent to concentration camps in Germany; and that a couple of Irish people faced criminal proceedings in France after the Liberation because of their wartime dealings with the Germans. HISTORY

Lethal Allies Ireland’s Aviator Heroes of Author: Anne Cadwallader World War II Pages: 416 Author: John C. Hewitt Dimensions: 215x135mm Pages: 288 Format: Paperback Dimensions: 275x215mm ISBN: 9781781171882 Format: Hardback Farmers, shopkeepers, publicans and ISBN: 9781781173886 businessmen were slaughtered in a bloody Ireland’s Aviator Heroes of World War II celebrates decade of bombings and shootings in the Irish aviators who served in the Royal Air Force counties of Tyrone and Armagh in the 1970s. during the dark days of the Second World War. Four families each lost three relatives; in other Individual stories have been painstakingly and cases, children were left orphaned after both extensively researched through interviews parents were murdered. For years there were with the surviving subjects and their families, claims that loyalists were helped and guided and using the original log books and service by members of the RUC and Ulster Defence records of the men. Many of the stories Regiment. But, until now, there was no proof. contain details of the individuals’ participation Drawing on 15 years of research, and using in important wartime campaigns, although forensic and ballistic information never before others are limited to war service records due published, this book includes official documents to a lack of surviving information. Above all this showing that the highest in the land knew of book celebrates the great courage and sacrifice the collusion and names those whose fingers demonstrated by these Irishmen during their were on the trigger and who detonated the contribution to the Allied war effort against bombs. It draws on previously unpublished Nazi Germany, her western allies and Japan. reports written by the PSNI’s own Historical Many of the men included paid the ultimate Enquiries Team. It also includes heartbreaking price for their participation. The book is also interviews with the bereaved families whose well illustrated with many photographs, some lives were shattered by this cold and calculated taken by the subjects themselves. campaign. HISTORY

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Great IRISH HEROES Robert Whyte’s Famine Ship Author: Sean McMahon Diary 1847 Publication Date: April 2018 Author: James Mangan Pages: TBC Pages: 128 Dimensions: 139x108mm Dimensions: 198x129mm Format: Hardback Format: Paperback ISBN: TBC ISBN: 9781856350914 A collection of short biographies of the most Early on the morning of 30 May 1847, the admirable Irishmen and women in history. Ajax weighed anchor in Dublin harbour with The heroes range across time and offer an the passengers facing a six-week crossing of exceptional overview of Irish history featuring the North Atlantic to what they hoped would biographies of some of Ireland’s most and of be a land of promise somewhere in Canada. the lesser-known but equally brave and heroic Within a year after landing in Canada one of characters in our history including: Frank Aiken, the passengers of the Ajax published a diary that Constance Markievicz, Charles Stewart Parnell, gives remarkable details about the voyage from Eamon de Valera, , Patrick Pearse, Brian Boru, Dublin to Grosse Île, the Canadian quarantine Robert Emmet, Henry Joy McCracken, Betsy station. The passenger signed his name as Robert Gray, Jonathan Swift, Cú chulainn, Liam Lynch Whyte. Whyte was a protestant gentleman of and Grace O’Malley. good education and position as well as being a professional writer who intended to publish his diary. The diary appeared in print in 1848. It is signed in the author’s own handwriting and features vivid descriptions of the spectacular scenery along the St Laurence River and striking delineations of the passengers, including the captain and his wife, the crew and the suffering travellers. Vessels constituting what has aptly been called the coffin fleet transported over 100,000 immigrants in panic flight from famine, fever and conditions involving deprivation of all human rights. Greedy captains and shipping agents were responsible for the crowding which resulted in much suffering and enormous loss of life on the ocean. HISTORY

One Day in My Life Course of Irish History Author: Bobby Sands Author: F.X. Martin and T.W. Moody Pages: 120 Pages: 544 Dimensions: 198x129mm Dimensions: 233x152mm Format: Paperback Format: Paperback ISBN: 9781856353496 ISBN: 9781856357555 One Day in My Life is a human document of The Course of Irish History is the classic general suffering, determination, anguish, courage and history of Ireland, covering the economic, faith. It also provides frightening examples social and political development of the island of man’s inhumanity to man. Written with of Ireland from prehistoric times. It provides a economy and a dry humour, it charts, almost comprehensive overview of the major events, minute by minute, a brave man’s struggle to personalities and movements in Ireland’s past preserve his identity against cold, dirt and that have shaped the country which exists today. boredom. It is the record of a single day and These include: the rise and fall of the celtic tiger conjures up vividly the enclosed hell of Long the property collapse the banking crisis and Kesh: the poor food, the harassment and the government bailout the fall of Ireland from grace humiliating mirror searches. Bobby Sands and in the EU the demise of the Catholic Church his comrades were often gripped by terror in following the revelations in a series of reports on the face of the iron system that held them and child sexual abuse and failure to report crimes yet their courage never faltered. Written on to the gardai sporting triumphs and cultural toilet paper with a biro refill and hidden inside and literary achievements First published in Bobby Sands’ own body, this is a book about 1967, it has been regularly updated and revised human bravery and endurance. in response to the continued demand for a balanced view of Ireland that is both popular and authoritative. It is widely regarded as the best single-volume overview of Irish history. In this edition, a new chapter covers the momentous changes that occurred in Ireland between 2001 and 2010. This remarkable period in Ireland’s turbulent history is examined by Professor Dermot Keogh, an expert in the field, in the spirit of objectivity that shapes the rest of The Course of Irish History. The book is illustrated throughout and includes a detailed bibliography and chronology to aid further research.. HISTORY

ichael Collins was one of the most important leaders of his age in Irish history. His contribution to the founding of the Irish state Mwas immense even by the standards of a talented generation which included politicians of the calibre of Eamon de Valera, Arthur Griffith, William T. Cosgrave and Seán MacEntee.

Collins has generally been portrayed in writing and film as a revolutionary guerilla leader, a military tactician and a figure of great personal charm, Chrissy Osborne has compiled a stunning collection of photographs that give us a unique perspective on courage and ingenuity. This book challenges that over-simplified view. It Michael Collins’ life. A pictorial account of the path is a professional evaluation of Michael Collins and his contribution to the he followed, from the people he knew to the places he making of the Irish state, which brings to light his multifaceted and complex visited, this book presents a fascinating glimpse of character. With contributions from many of the leading historians working Collins the private man. The book also features pictures of the love of his life, Kitty Kiernan and personal items in the field, and written in an accessible style, the essays make full use such as his fountain pen and GAA medal. of archival material and provide new findings and insights into the life and times of Michael Collins. A must-have for all Michael Collins enthusiasts, here is a visual history of one of the men who shaped Ireland, The contributors examine Collins as Minister for Finance, his role in and the intriguing images prove that a picture is worth intelligence, his policy towards the North, his career as Commander-in- a thousand words. Chief, the origins of the Civil War, his relationship with de Valera and how Chrissy Osborne was born and educated in England. She academics view his place in Irish history. developed an interest in Ireland from an early age, as her father was from West Cork and she spent many holidays there Dr Dermot Keogh is Professor of History at University College Cork. He is during her childhood. She is now permanently resident in Ireland. Her first book was the highly successful Michael a member of the Royal Irish Academy, a Fulbright Professor and a research Collins: Himself, published by Mercier Press in 2005. fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Center, Washington DC. He is the co-editor of Ireland in the 1950s, The Lost Decade, Ireland in World War Two, 1916 – The Long Revolution and The Making of the Irish Constitution, 1937.

Gabriel Doherty is a lecturer in the department of History, University College Cork. His principal specialities are the history of modern Ireland and the history of crime and punishment. He is the co-editor of De Valera’s Ireland www.mercierpress.ie and 1916 – The Long Revolution. ISBN 978 1 85635 563 6 www.mercierpress.ie ISBN: 978 1 85635 512 4 MERCIER hIstoRy What you need to read

Cover photograph of Michael Collins meeting with the Archbishop of Dublin on the occasion of the funeral of MERCIER HISTORY Arthur Griffith; courtesy of theIrish Examiner What you need to read Michael Collins Michael Collins A Life in Pictures by Chrissy Osborne And the Making of the Irish State Author: Chrissy Osborne Author: Gabriel Doherty Pages: 160 Pages: 224 Dimensions: 250x195mm Dimensions: 215x135mm Format: Paperback Format: Paperback ISBN: 9781856357180 ISBN: 9781856355124 Michael Collins: A life in Pictures is a unique This is a professional evaluation of Michael collection of photographs that catalogue Collins which brings to light his multi-faceted the life of this great man. It includes many and complex character. The contributors illustrations of the buildings and locations he examine Collins as Minister for Finance, his role would have known in Ireland and Britain but as in intelligence, his policy towards the north, his they are today, together with rare photographs career as Commander-in-Chief, the origins of of his family and the people he knew. It also the Civil War, his relationship with De Valera includes photographs of personal items such and how academics view his place in Irish as his Waterman’s fountain pen and his GAA history. The volume is illustrated with an eight medal, won for sprinting in 1914. This stunning page plate section of photographs from private compilation also covers his relationship with family archives, from Military Archives and from the love of his life Kitty Kiernan, and includes the Examiner in order to give the book added a close up of Kitty Kiernan’s watch, a pre- scholarly and popular appeal. engagement present from Collins. A must have for all Michael Collins enthusiasts, this book is a pictorial history of one of the men who shaped Ireland, and the intriguing images prove that a picture is worth a thousand words. HISTORY

In 1919, Michael Collins hatched a scheme to take out the eyes and ears of the British administration at Dub lin Castle by undermining and terrorising the police so that the British would react blindly and drive the Irish people into the arms of the Irish Republican Army.

The Bureau of Military History interviewed those in volved in this scheme in the early 1950s and this book makes use of those interviews for the period of the War of Independence. It makes f ascinat ing reading as it contains first-hand des- criptions in which men speak candidly of their involvement in killing select ed people at close range. As a result it throws a considerable amount of new light on the activities of the Squad and the intelligence opera tions of Michael Collins.

T. Ryle Dwyer is a regular columnist with the Irish Examiner and has published many books on different aspects of twentieth-century Irish history, including a highly acclaimed book on Charles J. Haughey, Haughey’s Forty Years of Controversy.

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MERCIER HISTORY Irish Publisher - Irish Story The Squad The Big Fellow Author: T. Ryle Dwyer Michael collins and the irish revolution Pages: 272 Author: Frank O’Connor Dimensions: 198x129mm Publication Date: 02 February 2018 Format: Paperback Pages: 320 ISBN: 9781856354691 Dimensions: 198x129mm In 1919, Michael Collins conceived of a scheme Format: Paperback to knock out the eyes and ears of the British ISBN: 9781781175583 Administration at Dublin Castle by undermining Re-issued with a foreword by Neil Jordan, The and terrorising the police so that the British Big Fellow is a 1937 biography of the famed Irish would react blindly and drive the Irish people leader, Michael Collins, by acclaimed author to support of the Irish Republican Army. The Frank O’Connor. It is an uncompromising but Bureau of Military History interviewed those humane study of Collins whose stature and involved in this scheme in the early 1950s with genius O’Connor had come to recognise. It is a the assurance that the material would not masterly, evocative portrait of one of Ireland’s be published in their lifetimes. This is the first most charismatic figures. book to make use of those interviews. It makes fascinating, almost unique reading, because they The Big Fellow covers the period of Collins’s contain first-hand descriptions in which men life from the Easter Rising in 1916 to his death speak candidly of their involvement in killing during the Irish Civil War in 1922. O’Connor selected people at close range. As a result it establishes a clear goal in portraying Collins’s throws a considerable amount of new light on character and human qualities above his major the activities of the Squad and the intelligence achievements. operations of Michael Collins. The author, having served with the Anti-Treaty faction during the Irish Civil War, wrote The Big Fellow as a form of reparation over the guilt he felt with regards to taking up arms against his fellow Irishmen and Collins’s untimely death. Liam Neeson has said that he found the book of great assistance when preparing for the role of Collins in the 1996 film directed by Neil Jordan. MEMOIR

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Lisa’s Story Beyond the breakwater Author: Lisa Collins Memories of home Publication Date: 07 September 2018 Author: Catherine Foley Pages: 224 Publication Date: 06 April 2018 Dimensions: 215x135mm Pages: 192 Format: Paperback Dimensions: 215x135mm ISBN: 9781781175705 Format: Paperback “I’m telling you guys, I know everyone is ISBN: 9781781175460 worried, but this is going to be a good thing. Beyond the Breakwater is a family saga that I promise” begins in the early 1960s and continues to the present day. Set in county Waterford, the These were the words that Gerry Collins story of the Foleys is told with great love told his family as he embarked on the HSE’s and insight by one who is at the heart of the ‘Quit Campaign’, knowing that he had terminal family’s changes. Catherine Foley celebrates cancer. their wins and losses, their desires and their This is the story of Gerry’s last 10 months in dreams. She chronicles their journey as a this world, told through his daughter Lisa’s eyes. family to the Gaeltacht and her own transition She discusses the moment he was diagnosed from youth to adulthood in the face of shifting with lung cancer, how the campaign came to times and regional complexities. This is the be, how the Collins family felt about it and the tale of a life that has been shaped and honed experiences they lived during the campaign. by the salty landscape of the Ring Peninsula. Lisa also discusses how the family dealt with These are stories that are all concerned Gerry’s health behind the scenes and how with the complexities, mysteries and longings they managed his health deterioration as the of the heart and the mind. They celebrate campaign grew and grew. a passionate engagement with the natural world and recount a history that spans the Lastly, Lisa looks at the legacy of the HSE’s most generations, describing how the march of time effective campaign ever to be ran in Ireland. continues to mark individuals and communities, right to the end. CHILDREN’S

The Book of Learning The Book of Shadows Author: E.R. Murray Author: E.R. Murray Pages: 352 Pages: 384 Dimensions: 198x129mm Dimensions: 198x129mm Format: Paperback Format: Paperback ISBN: 9781781173626 ISBN: 9781781174524 After the death of her beloved grandfather on In this exciting follow-up to the Dublin her twelfth birthday, Ebony Smart’s world is UNESCO City of Literature Citywide Read turned upside down. Orphaned for a second 2016, The Book of Learning, heroine Ebony time, she is sent to Dublin to live with her weird Smart is settling into her role as guardian for Aunt Ruby, with only her pet rat, Winston, for the Order of Nine Lives. All seems quiet until company. With every window nailed shut and she receives a peculiar silver box from an a mysterious locked room, 23 Mercury Lane is anonymous sender and is tasked with returning brimming with secrets. Warned against entering it to a mystery owner. Ebony discovers that by a voice in the shadows, Ebony is fearful for Zach and Judge Ambrose have allied with her future, but has no idea how much her life is a powerful ancient demon, and are more about to change. determined than ever to steal her soul and control the fate of the world. Aunt Ruby informs Ebony that she is part of the Order of Nine Lives - a special tribe of people who reincarnate. She claims Ebony has To defend the Order and defeat the demon, one week to break a terrible curse or else die Ebony and her pet rat, Winston, must unravel – and if she fails, the future of the Order of the mystery of the silver box, free the trapped Nine Lives, and her family, is at risk. With so souls in the Reflectory and mount a daring much at stake, Ebony discovers it’s difficult to rescue. Can she find the strength and courage trust – especially when there’s somebody else needed to defeat the enemy, prove herself the trying to race her to the finish. Does she have rightful guardian and save all of their lives? what it takes to succeed when nothing is what it seems? CHILDREN’S

The Book of Revenge IRISH LEPRECHAUN STORIES Author: E.R. Murray Author: Bairbre McCarthy Publication Date: 09 February 2018 Publication Date: March 2018 Pages: 384 Pages: TBC Dimensions: 198x129mm Dimensions: 139x108mm Format: Paperback Format: Hardback ISBN: 9781781175767 ISBN: 9781781174289 In the last book of the Nine Lives trilogy, Ebony This collection of ten stories sheds light on the Smart faces her toughest challenge so far. Her mischievous figure known as the leprechaun. enemies, Judge Ambrose and Zach Stone, have The leprechaun is the shoemaker of the a powerful new demon ally and an army of Irish fairy kingdom. He is a solitary, fun-loving Shadow Walkers to use against her. Without and very crafty fairy. Often he is seen sitting the help of The Book of Learning, Ebony, with cross-legged with a tiny hammer in his hand, pet rat, Winston, and the Order of the Nine working on a fairy shoe. Those who have been Lives, must find a way to discover their plans, lucky enough to catch a glimpse of him have defeat the magical beings and rescue her described his appearance. He is no bigger than parents, who are stuck in the past. A story of three feet tall and sometimes as small as twelve ghosts, time-travel, battles and dark magic, this inches. Usually, he wears a suit of green and has is Ebony’s greatest adventure so far – but will it fine leather shoes adorned with silver buckles. also be her last? Sometimes he wears a cap with a feather. The leprechaun is the keeper of the crock of gold at the end of the rainbow and he knows where all the wealth of the world is buried. If you are lucky enough to catch him, you must keep your eyes on him at all times and not allow him to distract your attention or he will disappear. If he does not outsmart you he can make you very wealthy and make your wishes come true. CHILDREN’S

Dead Hairy Jungle Tangle Author: Debbie Thomas Author: Debbie Thomas Pages: 256 Pages: 320 Dimensions: 198x129mm Dimensions: 198x129mm Format: Paperback Format: Paperback ISBN: 9781856356787 ISBN: 9781781171165 When Squashy Grandma’s teeth get stuck Following a hair-raising adventure last in the vacuum cleaner, Abbie calls the Very summer, Abbie Hartley can’t wait to join her Odd Job Man. Matt Platt and his Even Odder friend Perdita on the trip of a lifetime. Their daughter Perdita invite Abbie to the Hair destination? The Amazon jungle. Their mission? Museum, where history has hairstyles and fish To find the lost wife of their friend Fernando. have beards. Drawn into a hair-raising hunt There’s only one problem. Fernando and his for Perdita’s mum Coriander, Abbie befriends wife are shrunken heads … and the Amazon Fernando, the heartbroken shrunken head of jungle is huge. Oh, and another one. Squashy a Spanish conquistador, and Chester, a helpful Grandma insists on coming, with her shopping patch of chest hair. But waddling in the shadows bag on wheels and her pet wig. Oh, and just one is a fiendish foe: the white-suited, lemon-haired more. Abbie’s arch-enemy Dr Hubris Klench, Dr Hubris Klench. Abbie discovers that finding burger-on-legs and villain extraordinaire, is Coriander is one thing but saving the world lurking in the undergrowth with some very from Klench’s ‘eefil doinks’ quite another. And wicked tricks up his very wide sleeve. who are those hairy hobos holed up with Coriander? With kidnaps, kooks and creepy crooks, Dead Hairy is a crazy caper of laughter, love and lice crispies. This quirky tale, full of screwballs and pitfalls, will tickle children, parents and squashy grandmas alike. CHILDREN’S

Irish Tales of Fionn Mac Cumhail’s Mystery & Magic Amazing Stories

Fionn Mac Cumhail’s Fionn Mac Cumhail’s Epic Adventures tales from ireland

Fionn Mac Cumhail’s Tales from Ireland Series Irish Tales of Mystery and Magic is a collection of marvellous stories by seanchaí Eddie Lenihan that will charm, entertain and amuse children of all ages. These tales of ancient Irish heroes and druids tell of strange and peculiar adventures at a time when creatures of the night walked the earth and magic was everywhere. Stunningly illustrated, these hair-raising stories capture some of that magic.

CHILDREN’S

PEP Squad The True Story of the Three Author: Eileen O’Hely Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf Pages: 320 Author: Liam Farrell, Illustrated by Terry Dimensions: 198x129mm Myler Format: Paperback Pages: 192 ISBN: 9781781171950 Dimensions: 198x129mm Fourteen-year-old Jess Leclair is an exceptional Format: Paperback teenager: athletically gifted and academically ISBN: 9781856356824 brilliant. Bored at her conventional Dublin The True Story of the Three Little Pigs and the Big school, she is thrilled to be offered a place Bad Wolf tells the story of Thomas Blake-Burke at PEP Academy, the training ground for the Wolfe, who, through a series of unfortunate top secret PEP (Planet Earth Protection) events, is framed for destroying the property Squad. During her first term Jess quickly makes of the Three Little Pigs. He winds up in court at friends with her room-mate, extreme-sport a shambolic trial but after the judge drops dead loving Emily Harris, and the Sykes twins, Ben and the star witness goes missing, a re-trial is and Matt. Together they start to learn the skills called. Will Thomas Blake-Burke Wolfe’s good they will need to become world-class spies, like name be cleared or will he be forever known lock-picking, making disguises, abseiling, foreign as The Big Bad Wolf? languages and combat training. At the end of their first-year the teenagers are promised an easy first mission. But then they find out they have to infiltrate a Bavarian castle and steal a sample of a deadly virus that could wipe out all of humanity. Faced with armed guards, a complex security system, an evil genius and a traitor in their midst the trainee spies must save the day or die trying. CHILDREN’S

The Irish Leprechaun Book Keeper of the Crock of Gold Author: Mary Feehan Author: Bairbre McCarthy Pages: 96 Pages: 96 Dimensions: 198x129mm Dimensions: 238x163mm Format: Paperback Format: Hardback ISBN: 9781856350891 ISBN: 9781856355643 Leprechauns are supposed to know where A collection of stories about the adventures pots of gold are buried and they guard this and mischief of the Irish leprechaun. The secret very well. They are hard to ensnare, and leprechaun is the shoe-maker of the Irish fairy if you manage to catch one then you must hold kingdom. He is a solitary fairy, fun-loving and him very firmly and never, even for a second, very crafty. He is often seen sitting, cross-legged take your eyes off him because in the blink of with a tiny hammer in his hand, working on a an eye he can disappear and he will use every fairy shoe. The leprechaun is the keeper of the trick he knows to escape – so be warned! This crock of gold at the end of the rainbow and collection of leprechaun tales is one to be he knows where all the wealth of the world treasured. is buried. If you are lucky enough to catch him, you must keep your eyes on him at all times and not allow him to distract your attention or he will disappear. If he does not out-smart you he can make you very wealthy and can make your wishes come true! OUR Agents:

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