Maire O' Ciaragain


Book Description

The historical heart of the novel set in 15th Century Ireland, is framed through the fresh eyes of Kelly, an ordinary woman who runs a café in Banbridge, County Down. Down to earth, deeply religious, the community turn to her in times of need. Kelly has been troubled by dreams of a time gone by. Her son, when he starts to speak, recites names from her visions. Distressed, Kelly turns to a hypnotherapist, and all is revealed. Those she is close to today happen to be the souls that joined her in her life as Maire. She realizes she is here, now, in this life to give back to those who fought alongside her. That the love from her heart and her food is her thanks to them. Sustaining those that once sustained her. Is she delusional, or is this reality? Long ago a girl was born to rule a Sept in Fermanagh, Ireland. Brought up with a sweet and delicate childhood, everything changed upon turning twelve, where upon her father gave her empowering gifts. Maire O’ Ciaragain her beloved stallion, a tamed buzzard, her father’s Druid and Ivan- a mountain of a man; embark on journeys into the other realms and combative challenges which forge her unbreakable resolve. Others join in Maire‘s cause in Armagh, they form an enviable force of destruction and revenge. Their goal: to rid Ireland of the cruel and oppressive English Earls. Maire leads her clansmen into revolt and shrinks The Pale, even killing the father of her young child without guilt. All that cross Maire come to a dastardly end. She gains a notorious reputation and a respect by the British for never taking prisoners. After other skirmishes, a time of quiet arises over the land. Until an attempt to kill her supernatural animal companions is somewhat thwarted. The perpetrators meet a grisly firestorm. Peace reigns.




Women Warriors in History


Book Description

History paints war out to be a man's business, but there is an army of women warriors who stand between the lines of history books, waiting to be seen. This biographical dictionary tells the story of the females who armed themselves against threats to self, family, home and country. Spanning 17 periods of world history, it compiles the daring deeds of 1,622 female fighters, from Bronze Age archers and Viking raiders, to helicopter pilots and commanders of aircraft carriers. Entries summarize heroes such as the Old Testament judge Deborah, Joan of Arc, Elizabeth I, Aisha, Mary Spencer-Churchill, Calamity Jane, Cleopatra VII, Molly Pitcher, Aung San Suu Kyi and-- surprisingly-- Julia Child. Included are the famous stands the unheralded scrappers and risk-takers took up in fierce crises.




Irish Trivia on Tap


Book Description

What’s the traditional Irish cure for a hangover? What do Irish men and women hope to ward off by wearing an iron ring on the fourth finger? Which daughter of the Emerald Isle was hanged in Boston on accusations of being a witch? Think you know the answers to these tough questions? It’s time to test your IQ (Irish Quotient, that is) and find out. More fun than a U2 concert on St. Patrick’s Day, Irish Trivia on Tap is packed with over 600 questions that are guaranteed to help you get your Éire on and test your Celtic qualifications. This delightful book covers all aspects of Irish culture including arts and entertainment, food and drink, history and language, and superstitions and folklore. With special sections devoted to the natives of Dublin as well as the Irish in America, its quizzes leave no stone—Blarney or otherwise—unturned. In addition, this volume offers fascinating anecdotes about famous Irish authors, the custom of the Claddagh Ring, the history of Guinness, the origins of Halloween, and even a few recipes for delicious Irish fare. Whether you’re Irish by blood or only in spirit, you’ll find plenty here to enjoy. So grab your lucky shamrock, draw yourself a dram of Irish Trivia on Tap, and get ready for a craic-ing good time.




Druids Foundling


Book Description

A young girl is found by the druid, Halwn, holding the head of her dead mother. She grows up despising violence af any kind but is later to be cast into the role of a warrior after the invasion by Roman soldiers. Halwn must also battle against his spiritual beliefs as he sadly watches the changes in his foundling. Together they find within the depths of their souls strength and courage that neither knew they possessed as their destinies unfold. To some this will be a work of fiction. To others reality. And yet to others a little of both.




Historia Albigensium


Book Description

First English translation of important contemporary source for the history of the Cathar heresy and the Albigensian crusade.




Athlone 1900-1923


Book Description

Athlone 1900–1923 is perhaps the most detailed analysis ever completed of an Irish provincial town during this defining period in the country's history. Using a wide variety of local, national and international sources, this meticulously researched study provides the reader with a comprehensive history of the evolution of Irish nationalism in Athlone, drawing together all of the events, personalities and political philosophies that influenced not only the course of local politics, but also the fate of the Irish nation itself.




A Dictionary of English Surnames


Book Description

This classic dictionary explains the origins of over 16,000 names in current English use. It will be a source of fascination to everyone with an interest in names and their history.This classic dictionary answers questions such as these and explains the origins of over 16,000 names in current English use. It will be a source of fascination to everyone with an interest in names and their history.




On Board RMS Titanic


Book Description

'It would make the stones cry to hear those on board shrieking' - Daniel Buckley, third-class passenger For the first time, in this moving new book, Titanic's passengers and crewmen are permitted to tell the story of that lamentable disaster entirely in their own words. Included are letters, postcards, diary entries and memoirs that were written before, during and immediately after the maiden voyage itself. Many of the pre-sailing documents were composed by people who later lost their lives in the sinking and represent the last communications that these people ever had with their friends and loved ones at home. The subsequent letters and postcards give an unparalleled description of the events that occurred during the five days that Titanic was at sea, and the correspondence by survivors after the tragedy describes the horror of the disaster itself and the heartbreak they experienced at the loss of those they loved. This poignant compilation, by Titanic expert George Behe, also contains brief biographies of the passengers and crewmen, victims, as well as survivors, who wrote the documents in question.




The Irish Aboard Titanic


Book Description

The unspeakable tragedy of the Titanic disaster can only be fully appreciated through the tales of the people who were aboard on the night the ship went down. The Irish Aboard Titanic gives those people a voice, focusing on the Irish who were aboard the 'unsinkable' liner. In it are stories of agony, luck, self-sacrifice, dramatic escapes and heroes left behind. Senan Molony also records the heartache that continued long after that fateful night. In her wake the Titanic cast a long shadow over the families forced to endure the agonising wait to learn the fate of loved ones, over the lives of the survivors who had to start their lives anew and over those who lost relatives and friends. If you want to know about the Irish passengers and crew of the Titanic, this is the only book to have.




Titanic: Minute by Minute


Book Description

2.20am on 15th April 1912, the Titanic is plunging 12,000 feet to the ocean floor.Machinery, coal, crystal goblets, pianos and jewellery all tumbled through the dark water. Hundreds of passengers and crew remained trapped below decks – hundreds more would perish on the surface.This is the definitive chronology of the Titanic’s final hours, offering readers a real-time experience of one of the greatest dramas of twentieth century history.