Athenry: A Famine Tale of Love and Survival

'Tell her I'll come back to her; tell her I'll find a way.' Ireland, Autumn 1845.

The potato blight turns green fields black overnight. A million will die. A million more will flee. But Liam O'Donaghue refuses to watch his family starve. In the shadow of Galway's cliffs, Liam has carved out a life training Connemara ponies while working on his landlord's estate and loving his wife Máire. When their newborn son arrives, their happiness seems complete. But when the Great Famine strikes with merciless fury, survival becomes the only currency that matters.

One desperate night. One choice that changes everything.

Torn from the only world he's ever known, Liam must find his way across unforgiving landscapes, oceans and continents. From the desperation of the famine, where a man's life is worth less than a bag of grain, to the abundance of Australian gold rushes, where he meets his friend Kumba. Together, they journey onward to the California gold rushes, chasing fortune and the hope of return. Meanwhile, Máire faces her own battle to keep their son alive in a land where hope itself has withered. From the green hills of Connemara to shores unknown, this is the story of love tested by impossible odds and the fierce determination of the Irish heart.

An epic historical saga of survival, sacrifice and the unbreakable bonds of family.

1148049573
Athenry: A Famine Tale of Love and Survival

'Tell her I'll come back to her; tell her I'll find a way.' Ireland, Autumn 1845.

The potato blight turns green fields black overnight. A million will die. A million more will flee. But Liam O'Donaghue refuses to watch his family starve. In the shadow of Galway's cliffs, Liam has carved out a life training Connemara ponies while working on his landlord's estate and loving his wife Máire. When their newborn son arrives, their happiness seems complete. But when the Great Famine strikes with merciless fury, survival becomes the only currency that matters.

One desperate night. One choice that changes everything.

Torn from the only world he's ever known, Liam must find his way across unforgiving landscapes, oceans and continents. From the desperation of the famine, where a man's life is worth less than a bag of grain, to the abundance of Australian gold rushes, where he meets his friend Kumba. Together, they journey onward to the California gold rushes, chasing fortune and the hope of return. Meanwhile, Máire faces her own battle to keep their son alive in a land where hope itself has withered. From the green hills of Connemara to shores unknown, this is the story of love tested by impossible odds and the fierce determination of the Irish heart.

An epic historical saga of survival, sacrifice and the unbreakable bonds of family.

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Athenry: A Famine Tale of Love and Survival

Athenry: A Famine Tale of Love and Survival

by Cathal Dunne
Athenry: A Famine Tale of Love and Survival

Athenry: A Famine Tale of Love and Survival

by Cathal Dunne

Paperback(Fully Revised ed.)

$24.00 
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Overview

'Tell her I'll come back to her; tell her I'll find a way.' Ireland, Autumn 1845.

The potato blight turns green fields black overnight. A million will die. A million more will flee. But Liam O'Donaghue refuses to watch his family starve. In the shadow of Galway's cliffs, Liam has carved out a life training Connemara ponies while working on his landlord's estate and loving his wife Máire. When their newborn son arrives, their happiness seems complete. But when the Great Famine strikes with merciless fury, survival becomes the only currency that matters.

One desperate night. One choice that changes everything.

Torn from the only world he's ever known, Liam must find his way across unforgiving landscapes, oceans and continents. From the desperation of the famine, where a man's life is worth less than a bag of grain, to the abundance of Australian gold rushes, where he meets his friend Kumba. Together, they journey onward to the California gold rushes, chasing fortune and the hope of return. Meanwhile, Máire faces her own battle to keep their son alive in a land where hope itself has withered. From the green hills of Connemara to shores unknown, this is the story of love tested by impossible odds and the fierce determination of the Irish heart.

An epic historical saga of survival, sacrifice and the unbreakable bonds of family.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781917453943
Publisher: Mercier Press
Publication date: 08/23/2025
Edition description: Fully Revised ed.
Pages: 384
Product dimensions: 5.32(w) x 8.47(h) x 0.85(d)

About the Author

Cathal Dunne is a professional singer, songwriter, pianist, author and storyteller. He holds a degree in Music from University College Cork. In 1979 he represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest with his own song, Happy Man. Originally from Cork City, he now resides inPittsburgh with his wife and family and continues to perform across America. This is his second book.
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