Product Description

Bryan Gallagher's reminiscences of the Ireland of his youth, first heard on Radio 4's 'Home Truths', transport you to a world of boyhood pranks, playground politics and the confusion of growing up in a land that is every bit as magical and captivating as the stories he has to tell. "Barefoot in Mullyneeny" is Bryan Gallagher's evocative tale of a childhood remembered through the people and landscape of Fermanagh, near the beautiful shores of Lough Erne in Ireland. Bryan chronicles a time when all the big boys went to school in bare feet and secretly watched the Saturday night bands and dances in halls lit by Tilley lamps; where it was known to be nothing less than the biblical truth that if you put a horse-hair across the palm of your hand when you were about to be punished at school, the cane would split in two. Gallagher's writing will touch the hearts of those who long for the innocence of childhood and the simplicity of an era long past. Whether relating tales of murderous bicycle chases through the darkened streets of Cavan, of ghosts and fairy forts or the anguish of emigration, this remarkable memoir vividly recreates life in rural Ireland in the 1940s and 50s. For those who thought that life in Ireland was one of poverty and misery, "Barefoot in Mullyneeny" offers a view of the Ireland of yesteryear that combines the touching, homely nostalgia of Nigel Slater's "Toast" and Laurie Lee's "Cider with Rosie" with a humorous optimism that is unmistakably Ireland at its best.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #310669 in Books
• Published on: 2006-03-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 234 pages

Review
'[Bryan Gallagher] has a way with words. He can tell you a tale ! in a way which resonates so strongly and convincingly that you know you are getting something from the heart ! This is an utterly charming and beautiful book; each short tale is carefully crafted and rich in language and imagery ! I cannot recommend this collection highly enough.' Ulster Tatler 'Bryan Gallagher's reminiscences of the Ireland of his youth transport you to a world of boyhood pranks, playground politics and the confusion of growing up in a land that is every bit as magical and captivating as the stories he has to tell ! Gallagher's writing will touch the hearts of those who long for the innocence of childhood and the simplicity of the past ! this remarkable memoir vividly recreates life in rural Ireland in the 1940s and '50s.' The Western Mail Series '! a heart-warming memoir !' The Insight 'A remarkable snapshot of country life in Forties and Fifties Ireland that evokes many of the universal themes of childhood.' Sunday Express 'Gallagher writes beautifully in his memoir ... with obvious affection but without undue sentimentality ... Bryan Gallagher is still a master -- a master of the short story, and this is a gem of a book' Irish Voice 'Bryan Gallagher's memories of the Ireland of his youth, first heard on Radio Four's Home Truths, transport you to a world of boyhood pranks, playground politics and teh confusion of growing up in a magical land that is every bit as magical and captivating as the stories he tells.' Irish News

About the Author
Bryan Gallagher is a retired headmaster who has spent his whole life living in the county of Fermanagh, Ireland, near the beautiful shores of Lough Erne. Bryan lives with his wife Maeve in Enniskillen and they have five children: two daughters, Ciara and Rhiana, as well as three sons, Bryan Og, Declan and Garvan. Bryan still plays for his band, and the three boys join their father on stage on the very special occasions when the Starlight Band is reformed. Bryan Gallagher can now be heard as a regular columnist on Home Truths on Radio 4.

Customer Reviews

Lovely...
In this book Bryan Gallagher reminisces about his life growing up near the shores of Lough Erne in Fermanagh. Every chapter is quite short and contains a different story. It's a beautiful book and very easy to read. The innocence of the country people living in the 40s and 50s is told and shows how witty they were even when they were trying to be serious. I highly recommend this book. Anyone who enjoys this will also enjoy Frank Delaneys' 'Ireland' book.

Delightful read
Bryan Gallagher, an occasional contributor to the late John Peel's "Home Truths", on Radio 4, reminisces about growing up in rural County Fermanagh in the forties. A time of poverty, deprivation, ignorance and yet love, joy, humour and music. This was a sparse yet close-knit community, where schoolchildren more often than not went to school barefoot, where there was no radio, TV, phone, electricity. Cars were a rarity. One is struck by how recent it was and how much life has changed - but we've also lost something. You don't have to be Irish or old or to live in the country, to appreciate this - these short stories would appeal to anyone.

Wonderful timeless stories
Bryan Gallagher has brought together what amounts to a local history and beautiful storytelling. The stories have a timelessness and depth that fit every community. This isn't just about Ireland wherever you live you will connect with this gem.
Buy, dip into and enrich your life.