First published in 1949, 'Guerilla Days in Ireland' is an extraordinary story of the Irish War of Independence and the fight between two unequal forces, which ended in the withdrawal of the British from twenty-six counties. Seven weeks before the Truce of July 1921, the British presence in County Cork consisted of a total of over 12,500 men. Against these British forces stood the Irish Republican Army whose flying columns never exceeded 310 riflemen in the whole of the county. These flying columns were small groups of dedicated Volunteers, severely commanded and disciplined. Constantly on the move, their paramount objective was merely to exist, to strike when conditions were favourable and to avoid disaster at all costs. In 'Guerilla Days in Ireland' Tom Barry describes the setting up of the West Cork flying column, its training and the plan of campaign, which he implemented. In particular he gives his account of the Kilmichael ambush, one of the most controversial episodes of the War of Independence.

The original gritty Dublin novel of the classic love story about Hard Man Johnser Kiely and his long-suffering partner Jackie Clarke. A best-selling novel, first released in 1997, this story is still as important and relevant today. Visionary French filmmaker Gilles Lellouche 'L'Amour Ouf' brings Thompson's gritty and hilarious tale to life on the big screen. The film's international title 'Beating Hearts' closed to a standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival.

NEVILLE THOMPSON was brought up in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, Ireland. He is the bestselling author of five novels. His work has been translated into French, German, Greek, Polish and recently Ukrainian and 2024 sees the release of L'Amour Ouf, the French film directed by Gilles Lellouche. Neville is currently working on two new novels.

In this book the author chronicles the abuse by the British state of emergency laws: harassment and intimidation of civilians; injuries and deaths caused by rubber and plastic bullets; collusion between British security forces, British intelligence and loyalist paramilitaries; unjust killings and murders by the security forces; excessive punishments and degrading strip-searches in prisons - abuses ignored by all but a handful of individuals and civil rights organisations.

Biddy Early: The Wise Woman of Clare is an intriguing book that transports readers to a quaint two-roomed thatched cottage nestled between the Clare hills, overlooking Kilbarron Lake in Ireland. This was the home of the notorious red-headed Biddy Early, a figure shrouded in mystery and debate.

Arguments persist about whether Biddy was a witch or a divinely gifted individual. Throughout this book, the reader is immersed in the rich tapestry of Irish folklore and history, as the mention of Biddy Early's name in any part of Ireland, particularly in County Clare, evokes a flood of astonishing stories, cures, prophecies, warnings, and broken spells. The narrative explores her life, being four times widowed, and the legendary 'magic bottle' she possessed. This bottle, always kept within reach and hidden under a shawl when she travelled, was her tool for clairvoyance, much like a crystal ball, offering her insights and answers.

The book masterfully blends fact, legend, and mystery, offering a comprehensive portrayal of Biddy Early, a figure who continues to fascinate and mystify. It's an essential read for those interested in Irish folklore, women's history, and the enduring power of myth and legend in shaping our understanding of the past.

This volume describes how the round of the year, with its cycle of festivals and seasonal work, was observed in the Ireland of yesterday. We follow the rhythm of the year from New Year to Easter, May Day to Harvest and Christmas along the chain of highdays and feastdays, St Brighid's Day, The Borrowed Days, Midsummer, St Swithin's Day, Lunasa, The Pattern Day, Samhain, Martinmas and Christmas. fishing boat - belief and usage - feasting and merrymaking. Picturesque customs are revealed - some forgotten, some forbidden, some still familiar, such as 'the making of St Brighid's cross - marriage divinations - watching the dancing of the sun on a hilltop on Easter morning - going to the Skelligs - cock-throwing - bullbaiting - herring processions - the swimming of the horses on Lunasa - and many others. A multi-coloured tapestry. Kevin Danaher has drawn on a wide variety of sources and on more than thirty years experience of research into Irish folk tradition. He is the author of In Ireland Long Ago, Gentle Places and Simple Things, Irish Country People, Folktales of the Irish Countryside and The Pleasant Land of Ireland.

Pearse's skill as an orator is indisputable. His fiery idealism was one of the key motivators that brought the rebels to the GPO in 1916. This collection of his writing showcases this skill, but also the complex philosophy that underpinned it. Ranging from his theories of education articulated in The Murder Machine (1912), through his orations on the great Fenian leaders of the past: Wolfe Tone, Emmet and O'Donovan Rossa, to his writings on The Separatist Idea, The Spiritual Nation and The Sovereign People in the months leading up to the rising, this is a crucial collection for the library of anyone with an interest in Irish history.

These five short stories show us that Pearse was a man of deep understanding with immense human awareness of the way of life of the average person. He analyses the sorrows and joys of the Irish people of his time and writes of the tragedies of life and death from which they could never escape.

Sheela-na-gigs are carvings of female images depicted as naked and posing in a manner which accentuates the most powerfully evocative symbol of the vulva. They were erected on many medieval churches and almost invariably placed in a very prominent position, such as over the main entrance door or a window. In Ireland, where the practice continued into the later middle ages, they are found on castles and other important structures. The Sheela-na-gigs are primarily sacred religious symbols but some historians have been reluctant to treat them seriously. They are generally referred to as protective talismans or good luck symbols, and more recently the suggestion that they were put on the churches as 'warnings against sin and lust' has found favour. But tradition does not support this view. All references to them indicate that they were highly regarded, revered images that held an exalted position within the religious iconography of the earlier church. This book has been produced in the hope that we may once again be able to look at, accept and fully appreciate sheela-na-gigs and thereby begin to feel respect for these once highly esteemed aspects of our heritage. The Sheela-na-Gigs of Ireland and Britain is written from a non-academic perspective and so aims to be accessible to the general reader. The book's catalogue section is a comprehensive alphabetically listed reference to all known Sheela-na-gigs in Ireland and Britain. There are approximately 144 such figures: over a hundred in Ireland and forty in Britain. Each entry includes a description, details of the location, and a drawing.

A complete course in the construction and development of Celtic ornament with over 700 illustrations. A Handbook of Celtic Ornament takes basic symbols or ideographs and develops them into a systemized method of construction for most forms of Celtic decoration. Apart from its value as a drawing textbook, this book will be of immense value to all students of arts and crafts. The Merne method for the construction and development of Celtic ornament has not been surpassed and this book is a challenge both to the student and to the professional artist to take part of the Irish tradition and make it their own, to use, to repeat, but most of all to develop.

Brighid 'Biddy' McLaughlin, the acclaimed Irish journalist and storyteller, has endured unthinkable tragedy-the murder of her beloved sister Siobhan and the devastating drowning of her husband. Yet, in the face of overwhelming grief, McLaughlin refuses to be consumed by darkness. From behind the half-door of her enchanting Dalkey cottage, in exquisite and honest prose, McLaughlin reflects upon the cherished memories evoked by the objects surrounding her, carrying the reader along on a journey of grief, resilience and hope. From the delicate Madeleine tray that whispers Siobhan's name to her own folk art illustrations that dance across the pages, McLaughlin's memoir is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of storytelling to heal even the deepest wounds.

As the late John B. Keane once remarked, 'Biddy had been a storyteller all her life. In drawings, words and painting, she has captured the tales of common and not-so-common folk caught up in the maelstrom of life.'

McLaughlin's memoir celebrates the people, places, and passions that sustained her: her unconventional background, her bohemian friends, her love of art and cooking, and the solace found within the walls of her cottage.

Tales of a Patchwork Life is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and comfort. It offers a powerful reminder of the extraordinary strength that lies within

Get ready to laugh, groan, and roll your eyes with this delightful collection of 300 original Irish dad jokes! Curated by acclaimed Irish writer Des MacHale, this charming book captures the unique humour and heart of Irish fathers.

From witty wordplay to punny one-liners, these jokes celebrate the special bond between dads and their kids. MacHale, inspired by memories of his joke-loving father, Jack, has compiled a treasure trove of clean, family-friendly jokes that will have everyone chuckling.

Irish Dad Jokes is a must-have for anyone who appreciates the gift of humour, perfect for St.Patrick's Day, Father's Day, or any day that needs a dose of laughter. This compact book, with approximately four jokes per page, is an ideal size for sharing, gifting, or enjoying whenever you need a laugh.

Get your copy today and experience the warmth, wit, and wisdom of Irish dads!

Widely regarded as one of the greatest Irish-language novels of the 20th century, An B al Bocht is a classic satire in Irish by one of the century's great writers, Myles na gCopaleen/Flann O'Brien/Brian O'Nolan. This extremely funny book, with its rain-sodden peasants of Corca Dorcha who combine pretensions to proficiency in English with true caint na ndaoine in the hope of impressing the insatiable Irish-language enthusiasts, was the proof that the Irish of the Revival had come of age.

It earned Flann O'Brien the accolade bestowed upon him by Austin Clarke: 'our Gaelic satirist' and is still a useful corrective against the native tendency to take things too seriously. As its subtitle An Mille nach indicates, it satirises Tom s Criomhthain's famous Blasket autobiography An t-Oile nach as well as other Gaeltacht works like Caisle in ir by Donegal writer S amus Grianna (M ire).

This book features over 300 recipes organised by month. Imagine indulging in a mouthwatering Potato Moussaka, savouring the rich flavours of Pommes a la Basque, relishing in the delectable La Truffado, devouring delicious Empanadas, and ending the month with a heavenly Gooseberry and Potato Cobbler. And that's just the tip of the iceberg! May's recipe selection also includes a heavenly Potato Salad with Black Olives and Thyme and 20 more delicious dishes, almost one for every day of the month!

Having moved to Ireland from London in the 1970s, Lucy Madden began growing vegetables in the large Victorian walled garden of her home, the Hilton Park Estate, in Clones, Co. Monaghan. She soon fell in love with potato growing and put her work into practice for her guests, developing a huge repertoire of culinary options with home-grown spuds. A member of the Irish Food Writers' Guild of Ireland, Lucy is perhaps the best-placed cook and writer to complete the ultimate seasonal potato cookbook, which contains over 300 recipes for any occasion. From traditional potato dishes to wild potato desserts, this book is a perfect companion for anyone interested in knowing more about the most versatile and nourishing vegetable.

Over one hundred and sixty years ago Ireland's Great Famine began. Within five years, some two and a half million people had died. Thousands fled to the hated workhouses, hoping desperately for some relief.

Famine in Cork City sheds light on the horrific physical conditions of the inmates in one such workhouse, Cork Workhouse (now St Finbarr's Hospital), and explores the tragic effects of the famine as they unfolded in the city.

The Essential George Boole: Logic, Love, and Legacy is a captivating biography that explores the extraordinary life of George Boole, a self-taught English mathematician whose groundbreaking work laid the foundation for the digital age. Despite his humble beginnings and lack of formal education, Boole's passion for learning and his relentless pursuit of knowledge led him to master multiple languages, explore various scientific disciplines and ultimately revolutionise the field of mathematics.

This book not only showcases Boole's intellectual brilliance but also sheds light on his personal life, including his marriage to the remarkable Mary Everest, who hailed from a distinguished family. Together, they raised five talented daughters who left their own mark on the world in fields ranging from chemistry and mathematics to literature and medicine, creating a lasting legacy that spans generations.

Through a compelling narrative, the authors paint a vivid picture of Boole's life, from his early struggles to support his family to his rise as a respected professor and his untimely death at the height of his career. The Essential George Boole: Logic, Love, and Legacy is a testament to the power of perseverance, the beauty of the human mind, and the enduring impact one person can have on the world.