Irish Navvy: The Diary of an Exile (English and Irish Edition) - Softcover

MacAmhlaigh, Donall

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0710028547 ISBN 13: 9780710028549

Publisher: Routledge

Synopsis

Originally published in 1964, this is Donall MacAmhlaigh's own story as a navvy or unskilled workman in post World War II England. Here is backbreaking, blister-making work, followed by pints of the black stuff in the Admiral Rodney and many other pubs. Workless and foodless days, the hardships of work camps, lonesome partings after trips home, periods of intense isolation and occasional bitterness-this is an honest account of how the average Irish laborer worked and lived in and contributed to the country of the ancient enemy.

About this title

About the Author

Donall MacAmhlaigh from Galway moved with his family to Kilkenny when aged fourteen. Later he returned, joined the army and left in 1951 after three years at Renmore Army Barracks, Galway, and emigrated to England. He died in 1989.

Review

'This book is a must for anybody who can relate to, possibly re-live experiences, "building up and tearing England down" ' Irish Edition 'One of the most authentic voices of the Irish in Britain' Ireland's Own '[Donall MacAmhlaigh's] experience mirrored that of an entire generation of Irish people who left these shores because they could not find a life at home. This book is their voice, brilliantly raised' Ireland on Sunday

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• ISBN 10: 0710028547
• ISBN 13: 9780710028549
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English