Search results for ""gill""

In 2005, at the age of 20, Andy Lee decided he was going to try to make it in the harsh and unforgiving world of professional boxing. Leaving home for the dust and faded glamour of Detroit, over the next ten years, under the guidance of the legendary Manny Steward, he set about honing his craft, winning fight after fight, and slowly ascending the professional ranks. Then, in 2012, his star ascendant, Lee suffered two devastating blows in quick succession: defeat in his first world championship bout and the sudden loss of Steward, his guide and confidant. Bereft, his career in jeopardy, the path to redemption would test every hard-won lesson of the previous decade. ‘Not so much a memoir as a lyrical treatise on the great themes: defeat, death, persistence, redemption, and the importance of friendship and family’ Sunday Times

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A Taste of Home is a food story from Ballyknocken House, nestled in the gentle rolling hills of County Wicklow, where generations of Catherine Fulvio’s family have lived and farmed for over 100 years. Combining modern Irish food with farm-to-fork principles, Catherine takes on traditional recipes and gives them her own twist to reflect the abundance of ingredients available on her doorstep. Recipes include all the classic family dishes you’ve seen Catherine cook on TV and many more such as Beef and Stout Pies with Potato Pastry Topping, Lamb Wellington with Wild Garlic, Farmhouse Soups with Soda Bread Catherine’s ‘To Die For’ Lemon Meringue Pie. Using simple, fresh ingredients and set against the timeless backdrop of the Irish countryside, Catherine’s delicious, wholesome recipes celebrate the best ingredients Ireland has to offer.

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This superb account of life on the Great Blasket Island off the west coast of Kerry, written as the nineteenth century draws to its close and the dawn of a new era trespasses on the lives of its small community, is both a shocking and captivating read. Here is the first complete translation of Tomás O’Crohan’s autobiography An tOileánach, first published in 1929. This edition is based on Professor Seán Ó Coileáin’s definitive 2002 Irish language edition. It contains many passages omitted from the previous English language translation by Robin Flower from the 1930s, some of which were thought too earthy for the times. Tomás O’Crohan, a fisherman who, at around the age of forty, has taught himself to read and write in his own native tongue, depicts in unaffected, vivid language a very unforgiving landscape of human experience. The Islander reflects life as it was on the Blaskets, raw, real and extremely challenging.

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Since first publication 20 years ago, there has been both change and stability among favourite Irish names for children. This book lists and glosses more than 200 of the most popular Irish names for boys and girls. It gives a short, authoritative commentary on each headline name, offers a complete list of alternative spellings and anglicised forms, and contains notes on the origins of each name with particular reference to the original holders. It is comprehensively indexed and cross-referenced. The stability in the names arises from the fact that the 200 odd favourite names of 20 years ago are still in place. What has changed, however, is the pecking order within the overall list. Forenames of formerly Irish origin have advanced in recent times at the expense of names of English origin, so that, for instance, Seán, Connor and Cian are among the top 5 boys’ names while all top 5 girls’ names are purely Irish: Aoife, Ciara, Saoirse, Caoimhe and Niamh.

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With some of Ireland’s most beautiful and untamed scenery, 400km of rugged coastline and enticingly peaceful roads, what better way to explore County Kerry than by bike? These scenic cycles will guide you along popular routes and bring you to hidden gems. In a county famous for its climbs, some of the country’s most spectacular ascents, summit views and descents feature, including the Conor Pass and Ballaghbeama. Each route description is illustrated with colour maps, photos, a gradient graph and key facts and statistics. Information is provided on the natural landmarks and historical sites you’ll see along the way. With over 2,500km of road covered, the graded routes suit all abilities, from casual to experienced cyclists. So take a trip through majestic mountains and along wild seashores: a cycle in Kerry will take your breath away in every sense. Also available: 'Cycle Munster – Great Road Routes'

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A guide to some of the best walking routes in the region, with lucid descriptions and additional information to enhance the walkers' enjoyment and appreciation of the place. Each route, prefaced with a quick-reference summary, is illustrated with a clear sketch map.

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Much of Mark Mehigan's twenties read like a how-to' manual: How to get very drunk without raising people's suspicions you might be an alcoholic. Although outwardly successful, nearing 30 he was hurtling towards a nervous breakdown and using payday loans to fund a burgeoning cocaine habit.Eventually Mark became sick and tired of being sick and tired. His only choice was to finally relinquish control and ask for help. In doing so he discovered contentment and freedom. This new way of life embraced letting stuff go. Giving things up. It meant trying to find out how to live without relying on destructive behavioural patterns to cope with life.Mark's story is one of hope: everything genuinely can get better. Perhaps Mark's story can be the spark that ignites that journey for you, or at the very least a guidebook on how not to mess up your life. Either way, it's definitely not a self-help book.

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Twins Flo and Eddie are staying with their grandad while their mum travels for work. Nosing around in Grandad's attic, they find a villainous-looking duck frozen inside a special, temperature-controlled chamber. Eddie accidentally presses the DEFROST button and releases super-villain Evil Duck!It turns out that Grandad, AKA Fearless Frank, is a retired superhero duck who captured his nemesis Evil Duck many moons ago, saving society from his sinister schemes. But now Evil Duck has escaped, and Grandad is too old to recapture him alone, Eddie and Flo are going to have to help him track the super-villain down before he gets back to his evil ways!

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A Teacher's Calendar for 2021 from teacher and creator of the popular Facebook page, When's it Hometime?The Teacher's Life Desk Calendar contains cartoons that hilariously capture the ups and down of life as a teacher. Filled with funny observations of classroom antics, it will have teachers smiling in sympathy and laughing out loud throughout the school year.It is the perfect Thank You' present for every teacher.

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The Dingle, Iveragh and Beara peninsulas dominate the spectacular landscape of southwest Ireland. Their rugged peaks, dramatic ridges, captivating valleys, glittering lakes and stunning Atlantic coastline form a treasure chest of walking options. This guide describes exhilarating walks in each peninsula, accompanied by the author's photographs and specially drawn maps. These walks provide a range of options, both for those familiar with the region and for first-time visitors. This region attracts thousands of walkers annually and, since most routes are not signposted or waymarked, an up-to-date guidebook is essential. The walk descriptions also include material on the fauna, flora, folklore, history, geology and place names of the area.

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A sweeping, accessible history of Ireland adapted from Dr Jonathan Bardon’s BBC series This authoritative and comprehensive history of Ireland, written by Dr Jonathan Bardon and completed by his former editor Fergal Tobin, covers the entire history of the island from the Ice Age to the Peace Process in 100 short episodes. In this thoughtful analysis of Irish society, Bardon integrates the significant cultural and literary history of Ireland with its political and social histories. Based on the hugely popular BBC series A Short History of Ireland, each episode stands alone, providing a snippet of Irish history in five minutes’ reading. In turn, reading each episode in sequence from beginning to end provides a magisterial history of Europe’s most western land. Complete with a new introduction and epilogue, A History of Ireland in 100 Episodes is for anyone looking for a short but authoritative history of the island of Ireland.

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Nature produces energy by slow, cool, implosive means - by a centripeta inward motion, while our presnt culture uses explosive centrifugal (outwards) movement, which is wasteful and many times less powerful and effective. It aslo uses up the Earth's resources and pollutes her ecosystems. This volume describes different kinds of energy machines which depend on the principle of implosion: a spring water-producing machine a tornado home energy generator a Klimator which produces mountain-quality air the biotechnical submarine a technique for producing power from ocean deeps

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With quiet roads, striking scenery and brimming with 5,000 years of heritage, north Leinster is a marvellous region to discover by bike. These thirty routes, exploring coast, lake, river and canal routes, vary in distance and difficulty and are graded to suit all abilities. Greenways along canals and old railway lines are ideal for novices and families, while the adventurous can take a challenge through the mountains of Louth’s breathtaking Cooley Peninsula. Each cycle is prefaced with summary information and illustrated with photos, a custom-drawn map and a gradient graph. Anecdotes, history and profiles of interesting locals are included throughout, adding colour to coffee breaks in the sleepy villages and medieval towns that dot the picturesque landscape. All but one of the routes are looped back to the train stations from which they started, making for perfect days out. Visit the early Christian settlement of Monasterboice or the original home of the Book of Kells. Take in spectacular views across Dublin Bay or the legendary Hill of Tara. This practical and informative guide covers the scenic and the curious in this land of saints and scholars.

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Dominic and Grainne are a husband-and-wife team who understand that, although health and fitness are largely sold to us by younger people, they are not the preserve of the young. Being healthy is fundamental to every stage of life. Their holistic approach integrates all aspects of wellness: mobility, exercise, sleep, nutrition and stress management. By the time they met, Grainne had tragically lost her first husband to sudden adult death syndrome. In the aftermath of this trauma, she moved to Rome to study cooking and rekindled her love of yoga. By reconnecting with her body, she slowly began to heal her soul. Meanwhile, Dominic’s devotion to education and training had left him well read and in great shape but lacking the emotional intelligence needed to give him balance. When their paths crossed, they brought harmony to each other's lives. They both bring their own passion, life experience and expertise to this sensible, balanced guide to physical and mental well-being. Explaining why mobility is the foundation of fitness, they provide key stretches that will allow you to act as your own physio, regaining your childhood movement pattern so you can get the most out of the clearly illustrated workout plans. Showing that healthy eating doesn't have to be something you do until you fall off the wagon, they teach the fundamentals of good nutrition and provide healthy recipes that will allow the whole family to enjoy tasty food while eating well for life. From improving your sleep to developing resilience to stress, they also share tips for self-care to help you cope in times of pressure and feel calmer every day. This is a book for everyone who wants a complete guide to moving well, training well, and nourishing your body both inside and out.

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Whether ruined or opulent, castles have the power to fire the imagination. For almost a millennium, they have studded the Irish countryside. The concept of using building methods to protect territory was introduced from overseas in the twelfth century, when the Irish term caislean began to appear in manuscripts. By the sixteenth century, Ireland had become the most castellated country in Europe.In this latest book, Tarquin Blake takes us on a breathtaking tour of Anglo-Norman fortresses, medieval towers, fortified houses and the neo-Gothic piles of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The castles - including lesser-known gems like Fiddaun Castle in County Galway as well as luxury hotels such as Ashford Castle in County Mayo - are captured in atmospheric photos and brought to life through the true stories of the families whose adventures, struggles and ambitions are reflected in the fortified residences they constructed. By pairing the castles' romantic appearances with in-depth tales of siege, intrigue, conflict and capture, Blake reveals our rich past and startling architectural legacy. Exploring Ireland's Castles is sure to delight any history buff or armchair traveller.

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Need inspiration for a great family day out? Here are thirty imaginative and varied walks specially designed to appeal to children, all within County Dublin. Explore some of the county's finest landscapes and historical attractions - including Ardgillan Castle, the Hell Fire Club, Bull Island and Killiney Hill - or enjoy the delights of the city and its suburbs, strolling by the Dodder, the Grand Canal or through Marlay Park.The walks are accompanied by clear directions and packed with ideas for pit stops to keep curious kids excited. Tales of folklore, historical snippets and information about the flora and fauna along the way are sure to keep them enthralled while they stay active. With detailed maps and practical information, you'll have all you need to enjoy a fun, affordable family day out. So open the front door and discover the adventure, history and nature waiting on your doorstep.

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`Ireland’s heritage is being steadily whittled away by human exploitation, pollution and other aspects of modern development. This could represent a serious loss to the nation.’ Irish Government Report, June 1969 Nature in Ireland is disappearing at an alarming rate. Overfishing, industrial-scale farming and pollution have decimated wildlife habitats and populations. In a single lifetime, vast shoals of herring, rivers bursting with salmon, and bogs alive with flocks of curlew and geese have all become folk memories. Coastal and rural communities are struggling to survive; the foundations of our tourism and agricultural sectors are being undermined. The lack of political engagement frequently sees the state in the European Court of Justice for environmental issues. Pádraic Fogarty authoritatively charts how this grim failure to manage our natural resources has impoverished our country. But all is not lost: he also reveals possibilities for the future, describing how we can fill our seas with fish, farm in tune with nature, and create forests that benefit both people and wildlife. He makes a persuasive case for the return of long-lost species like wild boar, cranes and wolves, showing how the interests of the country and its nature can be reconciled. A provocative call to arms, Whittled Away presents an alternative path that could lead us all to a brighter future.

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Life is an ocean and love is a boat, In troubled waters that keeps us afloat ...This lively collection uncovers for the first time how the best Irish love songs came to be. This is for anyone who ever wondered who the 'Galway Girl' was, or if there was a real-life 'Nancy Spain'. Learn the often surprising, sometimes bittersweet, but always absorbing stories of the real women who inspired some of the world's finest love songs.

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The Easter Rebellion of 1916 was one of the first comprehensively documented political rebellions in the twentieth century. A generation of extraordinary revolutionaries left behind iconic photographs, manuscripts, personal notebooks, letters of insurgents and civilians, and political cartoons. Now, for the first time, this material is gathered together in a riveting exploration of this violent and tragic event. By exploring some of the lesser-known dimensions, such as the role of Ireland's revolutionary women, the experience of the civilian population, and personal papers of ordinary volunteers, this sympathetic study does not obscure the grim realities of political violence.The indelible imprint of the events of Easter Week 1916 on Irish people across the world is authoritatively portrayed.

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In 1922 a journalist commented on British tenacity to General Bruce, leader of the British Everest Expedition. Bruce replied with a single word: 'Shackleton'. Ernest Shackleton is one of history's great explorers, an extraordinary Edwardian character who pioneered the path to the South Pole and became a leading figure in Antarctic discovery. His incredible adventures on four expeditions to the Antarctic have captivated generations. A restless adventurer from an Irish background, he joined the Empire's last great endeavour of exploration - to reach the South Pole with Scott on the Discovery expedition. A clash with Scott led to Shackleton being ordered home and a bitter feud. Shackleton's riposte was the Nimrod expedition, which uncovered the route to the Pole, achieved the first fixing of the South Magnetic Pole, and honed the acclaimed leadership skills which kept despair at bay and encouraged men to overcome unimaginable hardship on the Endurance expedition. But Shackleton was a flawed character whose chaotic private life contrasted with celebrity status as the leading explorer. Persistent money problems left his men unpaid and his family with debts.This first comprehensive biography in a generation brings a fresh perspective to the heroic age of Polar exploration dominated by Shackleton's complex, compelling and enduringly fascinating story.

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Everything you ever wanted to know about the Irish Women’s soccer team, from national games to international fame! This must-have unofficial souvenir of the Irish Women’s soccer team charts their unstoppable rise – all the way to the World Cup! Get to know all the key players, the captain and the coach with in-depth profiles. Test your knowledge with match stats and facts. Travel with the team to the World Cup and relive all the glorious games. Get ready for all the games, goals and girl power young fans could ever need!

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Anne Doyle has a dark side: an affinity for the ghoulish, unexplainable and supernatural. Reincarnated as the mistress of macabre, Ireland’s best-loved newsreader delights in presenting Tales of the Otherworld, a fabulously frightful anthology of Irish ghost stories that have thrilled, unnerved and, for better or worse, stayed with her over the years. Discover the very best of Irish ghost writing, from national treasures such as W.B. Yeats and Bram Stoker to contemporary work from Deirdre Sullivan and Roisín O’Donnell, each accompanied by charming, witty commentary from Anne herself. Reading this collection is like having an ice cube plucked straight from Anne’s vodka soda and dropped down the back of your neck.

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The 1930s in Ireland is often remembered as a bleak period of economic stagnation and unemployment. But, 1932, hailed by the Irish Press as a ‘new era’, was an early glimmer of the modernity that Ireland would later reach, with key events including Olympic gold medals and the rise of Jack Doyle, the Eucharistic Congress, a so-called gold rush and the election of Éamon de Valera, all hinting at Ireland’s future success. The soundtrack scoring all this change was the jazz craze, loosening the conservative moral order of the time. Bringing new forms of dress, lifestyle and behaviour, it excited a younger generation for the future, while leaving an older generation wary of such rapid change. A Year of Glory and Gold is an energetic biography of a bright year in Ireland’s history, combining deep archival research with spirited storytelling by one of Ireland’s best-loved social historians.

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A psychiatrist’s travels through the history of mental illness – Who is ‘mad’? Who is not? And who decides? In this fascinating new exploration of mental illness, Professor Brendan Kelly examines ‘madness’ in history and how we have responded to it over the centuries. We travel from the psychiatric institutions of India to Victorian scientific studies of the brain. Covering institutionalisation, lobotomy and the Nazis’ ‘Aktion T4’, as well as Freud, psychoanalysis, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and neuroscience, Professor Kelly examines the shift from ‘psychobabble’ to ‘neurobabble’ in recent times. In Search of Madness is an all-encompassing history of one of the most basic fears to haunt the human psyche, and it concludes with a passionate manifesto for change: four proposals to make mental health services more effective, accessible and just.

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A fascinating history of Irishmen, woven through the clothes they wear. Taking the clothes they wore as a starting point, Paul Galvin skilfully weaves together a collection of stories of Irish men who defined the culture and mood of their time. In ‘Push’ he tells the story of the legendary Walker Brothers – cyclists and soldiers who pedalled through a storm for Ireland at the 1912 Stockholm Games. In ‘Born Mad’, discover another side to Samuel Beckett – sartor and prolific sportsman who had knockout power as a champion boxer in school. In ‘Boland’ we learn about Harry Boland’s background as a trained tailor, and in ‘Jack’ we encounter Jack B. Yeats at the Olympic Games in Paris. These are just some of men who have inspired Paul’s own fashion collections and whom he writes about here in a fascinating collection that shines a light on how history is woven into the clothes Irishmen wear.

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A beautiful and hopeful book for when life isn’t what you expect it to be. In March 2017, Niamh Fitzpatrick’s life fell apart overnight. Her beloved sister Dara was killed in a helicopter crash. Soon afterwards, Niamh’s marriage disintegrated, and she feared she would lose her house, beside her remaining family. Life as she knew it had ended and the cumulative loss, in terms of impact, was staggering. A psychologist for many years, Niamh guides clients on their journey to overcome the worst of times in their lives. She had to draw on this skillset herself, first to survive and then, in time, begin to thrive after such significant loss. Tell Me the Truth About Loss documents a psychologist’s journey through loss, grief and the hardest of times, finding hope along the way. ‘Niamh’s words will resonate with anyone who has suffered loss but ultimately she offers hope.’ Anne Dunne, Irish Independent Review ‘Tell Me the Truth About Loss is as much about the enduring power of love as it as an honest – and often raw – journey through the grief that engulfed Niamh’ Maria Moynihan, Irish Farmer’s Journal ‘There aren’t enough books like this one – and its existence will be a comfort to many’ Nadine O’Regan, Sunday Business Post Magazine

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From 1950 to the present day, there have been almost 900 long-term missing people in Ireland. The equivalent of a vibrant village, all gone, vanished without a trace. Where did they go? Are they dead or still alive somewhere? How many have been murdered? How many killers have got away with their crimes? RTÉ journalist Barry Cummins has reported on the unsolved cases of Ireland’s missing for decades. In this new edition of his bestselling book, he examines the latest leads and developments of Ireland’s most high-profile missing cases, including the women who disappeared under eerily similar circumstances in the 1990s and whose bodies have never been found. Written with the assistance of the gardaí and the families concerned, Missing is a comprehensive and shocking account of the cases that have in turn fascinated, puzzled and horrified the Irish public. It also examines the possibility that there may be a serial killer out there who has gone to extraordinary lengths to evade justice, leaving open the possibility that they could strike again. ‘A chilling but authoritative book which is meticulously researched’ Sunday Independent

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Professional Organiser Sarah Reynolds has been helping clients find their hidden home organisation skills for years. She has seen the benefits and freedom organisation has brought to their lives and here she shares her secrets. This life-changing book will transform your approach to clutter and tidying-up so that getting and staying organised is easy and you get the maximum space, functionality and joy out of your home. Discover: Why clutter builds up and the psychological blocks stopping you from tackling it Where and how to start on your journey to an organised home The art of throwing things away without regret Sarah's clients have found that when their house is in order, change occurs in other parts of their life too. An organised home will give you the energy and motivation to create the life you want and move on from whatever is holding you back. Step by step, room by room, discover the art of creating a home for stress-free living. Make this the year you get organised! ‘If there’s one book you need for 2018 it’s this’ Pat Kenny

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‘“Mrs Byrne, you’ve a beautiful, very pale, ginger-haired baby boy with a wonky eye.” As she was handed me by the midwife, my mother wept for all the wrong reasons. She could have shagged a platypus and I still would have come out better than this.’ So begins Jason Byrne’s Adventures of a Wonky-Eyed Boy, a laugh-out-loud memoir that captures the childhood adventures of an accident-prone youngster in 1970s and 1980s suburban Dublin. It was a time when your brother persuaded you to eat the grease behind the cooker by telling you it was caramel, your house was blown up by lightning, your dad mixed up the toothpaste and the ‘arse-cream’, and you fell asleep on Sunday nights to the sound of one of the neighbours – who were all named Paddy – drunkenly singing ‘Magic Moments’ in the good front room. All of this while trying to stop your wonky eye from giving the game away. Jason Byrne’s childhood adventures are nostalgic, heart-warming and, above all, hilarious. ‘When you read this you’ll realise Jason might actually be the normal one in his family,’ John Bishop. ‘I loved this book so much I wanted to cover it in wallpaper and write to all my pen pals about it! Amy Huberman ‘A comedy god,’ The Mirror. ‘Outright king of live comedy,’ The Times.

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Destined to be a classic, the first children’s book from Kathleen Watkins (aka Nanakit) brings to life the Pigín stories she created for her five beloved grandchildren. Have you met Pigín? Pigín lives in Howth, a beautiful seaside town on Dublin Bay, and he is a very popular pig about town. He is friendly, curious, impeccably dressed and has the nicest manners a pig could possibly have. Join Pigín and his friends, Sammy Seal, Sally Seagull, the Badger of Ballsbridge and the fairies who live in Howth Castle, on their many adventures. Story 1: Pigs Can’t Fly, but They Can Swim! Story 2: Pigín’s Magical Midnight Adventure Story 3: A Day to Wear a Top Hat In these three stories Pigín learns how to swim, goes on a magic carpet ride and even gets to meet the President of Ireland! But best of all is coming home to tell Nanakit all about it 'Genuinely whimsical' Kirkus Review 'A delight' The Sunday Times 'A beautiful book. Just lovely, warm and kindly' Ryan Tubridy 'Adorable and prettily illustrated' Irish Mail on Sunday 'Gorgeous book and written with real warmth and affection!' Marty Whelan 'Delightful ... great fun!' Sunday Independent

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This remarkable book provides an account of the history of Ireland like we’ve never seen before. Told through the prism of the lives of twenty-one extraordinary women, it offers an alternative vision of Irish history, one that puts the spotlight on women whose contributions have been forgotten or overlooked. From the oldest woman in Ireland, whose bones were found beneath the Poulnabrone dolmen, to the modern-day founder of a 3D printing company, this book introduces us to amazing women whose stories were shaped by the centuries in which they lived. “An engrossing selection of capsule biographies of some of those whose work is well worth remembering,” Five stars, Mary Carr, The Irish Mail on Sunday. “A brilliant way of bringing to life the lives of women who would otherwise be forgotten or who might not have been known at all. [Through Her Eyes] covers such an incredible spectrum of women; there are 21 extraordinary stories – and brilliantly told. Patrick Geoghegan, Talking History, Newstalk “This well-researched book looks at Irish history from the Neolithic to the digital era through the lives of 21 women. Standout figures include Lady Sligo, Hester Catherine Browne, who did much to help her tenants during the Great Famine, Letitia and Naomi Overend, who left their Airfield farm to the State, and Jemma Redmond, a biotechnologist who 3D-printed human tissues.” Brian Maye, The Irish Times “I was delighted and learned so much from Through Her Eyes: a history of Ireland in 21 women. It will inform my next trip to Ireland when I will seek out those places associated with many of these remarkable women.” Dr Dymphna Lonergan, Tinteán, Australia “Anyone with an interest in Irish history will be excited to have a new piece added to the puzzle. Through Her Eyes tells the tale of 21 women who helped shape modern Ireland, but whose names and whose accomplishments have been forgotten by most. Sunday Business Post “Clodagh Finn delivers a celebration of womanhood… rare, inspiring women whose message is clear for everyone out there – if you have a dream, seize it, and let the naysayers go hang.” David Lawlor, Irish Daily

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A Nation Is Born celebrates a formative period in the history of the Irish state: the fifteen years during which we emerged from the rubble of wars and violence and set up as a fledgling country while establishing a diplomatic presence on the world stage. The photos presented here have been painstakingly hand-colourised by photographer John O’Byrne, infusing energy into this often-overlooked time: the election of the country’s first governments; the mammoth Shannon hydroelectric scheme; a stunning Eucharistic Congress; scenes of cottage industry and rural Irish life; and ending with the uncertain rumblings of war in Europe. With over 150 photographs gathered from archives around the country, accompanied by insightful and accessible commentary by historian Michael B. Barry, A Nation Is Born brings a fresh perspective on our history and our past to life in a compellingly real way.

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Freddie wakes up grumpy after a bad night’s sleep. Late for school, his day just seems to go from bad to worse. When Nana tries to help him at dinner time, Freddie snaps at her. She explains that being tired makes everything feel worse, but she knows just the trick to help him get to sleep. Tomorrow will be a better day! In his fourth picture book, which contains mindfulness tools proven to help children manage difficult feelings, musician and mindfulness expert Niall Breslin (Bressie) shares another valuable lesson for children (and parents!) – all brought to life by Sheena Dempsey’s gorgeous illustrations. It will bring calm to bedtime by teaching children a body scan meditation technique for an easy countdown to sleep. The book also contains information for parents on the benefits of proper sleep for children and how best to achieve it. Niall Breslin’s Mindful Moments for Children are available as mini podcasts, and include a body scan episode to share with your child. Praise for the Mindful Moments series: 'A book with an important message' Irish Independent 'The sort of book that could be genuinely helpful to an anxious child' The Irish Times ‘Bressie presents a difficult subject – mental well-being – in a cheerful, child centred way’ RTÉ Guide

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It’s Katie’s 17th birthday – the dancefloor is packed, the drink is flowing and Rave-fess, the Raven’s Hill School confession site, is alight with gossip. Then a huge fight breaks out, sending guests fleeing. When Frankie, Jess and Sorcha go back to help Katie clear up her wrecked house before her parents get home, they find more than broken bottles … There’s a body on the living room floor. The gripping teen thriller that will keep everyone guessing.

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When Riley’s dad dies suddenly, leaving behind a mountain of debt, the life she’s used to starts crumbling around her. Suddenly finding herself homeless, Riley tries to keep up appearances at school, hiding the truth from her lovely but clueless friend Sophie and spiteful, suspicious Vanessa. But as strangers step up to help her and her mum, Riley realises that sometimes it is those you least expect who will change your life for the better … The Truth About Riley is the timely and thought-provoking new story for young readers from one of Ireland’s best-loved storytellers.

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‘If we all looked just the same how boring life would be. The things that make me different are the things that make me me!’ Little Emer doesn’t like it when she’s teased for having brown skin and fuzzy hair. She wishes she could look like everyone else. But with a little help from mum, Emer soon learns that we’re all the same but different - and life is better that way!

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Peacemaker, politician, Nobel laureate: John Hume was a titan of Irish political history and a key architect of the Good Friday Agreement, bringing peace to Northern Ireland after decades of conflict. But who was the real John Hume? What motivated the former history teacher to reach beyond political lines? What sustained him during the bloody years of violence and how did he convince the IRA to end its long-running campaign? How did he persuade presidents and prime ministers to take risks and back his vision for Northern Ireland? How should John Hume be remembered? Stephen Walker combines over 100 interviews with many of Hume’s colleagues, critics and family members, with never-before-published interviews with Hume himself to present a comprehensive portrait of one of the most significant political figures in Northern Ireland and around the world.

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Concern. Compassion. Doubt. Despair. Anger. Hope. Imagine juggling these feelings every day in a situation where your ability to manage them could be the difference between life and death. For Dr Chris Luke, a consultant in emergency medicine, these experiences are an intrinsic part of the job - ranging from rage at a system that often leaves vulnerable people waiting anxiously, to the incomparable satisfaction of relieving patients’ suffering and distress and making a real difference in people’s lives and in society. Here, Dr Luke reveals his own rollercoaster journey from orphanage boy to one of the leading emergency physicians in the country. Luke’s recollections and reflections on a life spent on the frontline - grappling with his own health issues, burnout and sometimes despair at a dysfunctional system - make for compelling reading. A Life in Trauma is a frank, remarkable account of a career spent helping others, sometimes at a painful personal cost, and ultimately offers a positive outlook on the potential of Ireland’s healthcare system in the future.

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Meet the Friendship Fairies – sisters Emme, Holly and Jess. They’re just like regular girls, always messing and having fun, but they’re also fairies. Their mum works as a spy and she has a new case to crack – and this time she’s taking the Friendship Fairies along with her, to a little island off Connemara! All the girls know is that they’re going out to sea and that they need to take their swimsuits … Can Emme, Holly and Jess help their mum solve the mystery? This is the fourth book in the bestselling Friendship Fairies series by much-loved TV presenter Lucy Kennedy – magic, friendship and fun for readers aged 6+, with illustrations throughout by Phillip Cullen. ‘A real balm for kids … the timeliness and kindness just ooze out of the pages’ Ryan Tubridy ‘TV presenter Lucy Kennedy brings her trademark sense of fun to her debut children’s book’ The Irish Times ‘Charming’ The Sunday World ‘Adorable’ RSVP ‘An instant hit’ Woman’s Way

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An irresistibly fun story about a forgetful president and his ever-ready pigeon! The president has some VERY important documents to sign at Dublin Castle, but without his glasses, how will he do it? Luckily, the presidential pigeon knows exactly what's happened and follows the presidential car to Dublin Castle, taking in a bird's eye view of the city on his way. But the pigeon gets stuck in traffic on O'Connell Street ... meets some tourists taking selfies ... and even beats a Viking ship in a boat race! Will he ever catch up with the president to deliver his glasses in time

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Sunday Business Post Book of the Year Blindboy Boatclub is one half of the Rubberbandits, Ireland’s foremost satirist and now the talented author of a collection of brilliant short stories and visual art. Published to critical acclaim, his first collection is powered by big themes and even bigger ideas. There are stories about a van fuelled by Cork people’s accents, Tipperary’s first ISIS recruit, a sexually aggressive banshee and a fridge dragged heroically through the streets of Limerick. The Gospel According to Blindboy questions and challenges the complacencies and contradictions at the heart of modern Ireland. Whip-smart, provocative and animated by his unmistakable dark wit, it is one of the most original collections of short stories to emerge in recent years. ‘Mad, wild, hysterical, and all completely under the writer’s control – this is a brilliant debut.’ Kevin Barry ‘There is genius in this book, warped genius. Like you’d expect from a man who for his day job wears a plastic bag on his head but something beyond that too. Oddly in keeping with the tradition of great Irish writers.’ Russell Brand ‘If you’ve ever witnessed (there’s no other word for it) a Rubberbandits video you’ll be anxious (there’s no other word for it) to read this collection of short stories from one of the originators. I hesitate to use the word author as the experience is as close to reading a traditional short story as being burnt by a blow torch. Essential, funny and disturbing.’ Danny Boyle ‘One of Ireland’s finest and most intelligent comic minds delivers stories so blisteringly funny and sharp your fingers might bleed. In language so delicious you can taste it, we’re shown holy and unholy Ireland: a land of lock-ins, nettle stings, stone-mad Cork birds, gas cunts and Guiney’s jeans. No one is safe – we all have the unmerciful piss ripped out of us and there’s no escape from the emotional gut punches, expertly dealt.’ Tara Flynn ‘Demented, dishevelled and deeply surreal - Blindboy Boatclub's book will shock and delight.’ Irish Independent ‘It's not for the faint-hearted.’ Joe.ie ‘You won’t be disappointed. It will take you to places unexpected.’ Ryan Tubridy

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In 2012, Joe Barr almost died from altitude sickness on the infamous 11,000-ft Wolf Creek Pass in a Race Across America attempt. The infamous 3,200-mile race is non-stop, ultra-cycling at its most extreme. In 2014, Joe returned and received the coveted Finisher’s medal, and in 2019, at the age of 60, he went back again and won his category. This story of extreme perseverance begins on a yellow Raleigh Chopper on the streets of Co. Derry, where Joe, trying to escape the harsh everyday reality of the Troubles as a young Catholic boy in an all-Protestant school, went on long bicycle rides into the countryside, dreaming of one day taking part in cycling’s grand tours. When his baby son was diagnosed with cancer, Joe got on the bike with a different purpose and won his first endurance race, the 1,300-mile, non-stop Race Around Ireland. Since then, Joe has won major World Cup races all over the world. This is a story of unimaginable grit, and of what it takes to keep going despite countless obstacles and to persevere when failure seems inevitable.

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The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s most famous and most popular driving route, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Stretching from west Cork right up to Donegal, it is a place of incredible, breath taking scenery, with beautiful places to stay, delicious food and great craic. This little book is both a guide to and a souvenir of one of the world’s most spectacular areas.

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The Science of Happiness is a relatively new area of scientific research and in this timely book, leading psychiatrist Professor Brendan Kelly sifts through the most up-to-date findings to arrive at a comprehensive set of principles and strategies that are scientifically proven to increase happiness levels. Firstly, Professor Kelly examines the global research that reveals current trends in happiness: for example, those with right-wing political views are happier than those on the left; having a baby increases your happiness levels for two years; 47 is the age of greatest unhappiness; and Finland is the happiest country. He then explains the six over-arching principles of a happy life and seven strategies for achieving it – without having to switch political allegiance or move to Finland. Although happiness cannot be purposely built, we can create the circumstances in which happiness is more likely to flourish and so increase our well-being. To this end, the various strategies outlined in this book combine research evidence with scientific, psychological and even spiritual advice in order to chart a happier path through our complex world. ‘Brendan Kelly does a superb job at tackling that most bedevilling of things - happiness. One thing is for sure, reading this book will bring happiness a step closer in your life!’ Professor Luke O’Neill

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In today’s economy, where one-job careers are increasingly a thing of the past, workplace benefits are increasingly hard to come by, and the achievement of major life goals – like buying a house or starting a family – often depends on your ability to save, it’s more important than ever that we understand how to get the absolute most from our money. In How to Be Good with Money, author, TV host and financial planner Eoin McGee shares his complete programme for financial well-being. This book is for anyone wondering how best to spend their money, how best to get out of debt and start saving for the things that really matter to them, and how to look after their financial future and retire early.

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A look back at the big events of the very strange year that was 2020 – from coronavirus to viral jokes and home-schooling fun. How will you do in the Big Quiz of the Year? Were you watching out for wacky weather? Have you written your Toy Show wishlist? Crammed full of trivia, quizzes, games and fascinating facts, this year's annual will also include an interview with super scientist Luke O’Neill. This definitive bumper book of the year covers all the unusual things that happened in 2020, as well as history, sport, jokes, riddles and pages for you to fill in your own record of the very strange year gone by. The Great Big Irish Annual 2021 will be on the top of Christmas lists in every home!

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Little Debbie is not having a good day. First, she can’t find her shoes, then she forgets her pencils. Later that day, she just can’t get her spellings right – if only all homework were as easy as maths! But throughout the day, Debbie encounters people who stop and help. Their time and their care show Debbie how much they believe in her – and how much she’s worth believing in. And soon Debbie realises that she also has the magic to make a difference too … I Believe in You is a picture book with a powerful message from Deborah Somorin, the author of the memoir Believing in Me.

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The book tells the history of Northern Ireland from the Third Home Rule Bill right through to Derry Girls. Covering all aspects of the beginnings of Northern Ireland as a separate state, to gerrymandering and World War II, and on to the emergence of the Troubles and finally peace, this book is a guide to all the dramatic events of the past 100 years. Leaders such as Terrence O’Neill, Gerry Fitt, Ian Paisley, Gerry Adams, David Trimble and John Hume are profiled, along with terrorist organisations and political parties. The cultural history of Northern Ireland is also celebrated, from Seamus Heaney to Derry Girls and Game of Thrones.

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