The Eyes That Shone

Review & Buy Book

1. Michael Doherty, Entertainment Editor, RTE Guide (Ireland’s Radio & Television Guide)
2. Ruth Latta, Book Reviewer, Forever Young (Ottawa newspaper for seniors)
3. Gerald Tracey, News Editor, Eganville Leader (Upper Ottawa Valley newspaper)
4. Kristin Endermann, Book Reviewer, Ottawa Citizen (Ottawa daily newspaper)
5. 55 Plus Magazine, Nov/Dec 2010 Ottawa edition
6. Book Contest,Capital Style (magazine, autumn/winter 2010)

THE EYES THAT SHONE-From Ireland to Canada in the 1950s is the first completed project in the HERITAGE TIERWORKER series. The topics include: Stories about the origins and lives of the five related Donnelly families, and some of their neighbours, that lived more than 100 years ago on the small farms in the townland of Greaghnadarragh near Bailieborough on the border between County Meath and County Cavan in rural Ireland;

• Memories of life on small farms in Ireland before 1950 and before tractors and electrification, when growing food depended largely on human sweat and muscle;
• Schooldays in rural Ireland before the arrival of indoor plumbing, when the teacher was still in charge.
• Facts, and perhaps a few fantasies, about the history of Donnellys in Ulster, and some history of Nancy Milner’s family (the author’s in-laws) in Dublin, with links to origins of Milners in County Cork;
• Selective recollections about people, places and events in the Department of Public Works of Canada where the author worked as a professional engineer and senior public servant during the period 1957 to 1991;
• Intimate perspectives on living and dying, politics and religion, home and family, with a special section on happy days of childhood written at Christmas 2002 and 2003 by Nancy’s four children to honour the mother they loved and missed so much;
• Many old photographs, maps, and much more!
• Full INDEX of key people, places, and topics.

But a word of warning! This is not a saga filled with horrible tragedy and dysfunctional relationships, but rather a true celebration, even a love story, of Irish and Canadian people.

Read the book here: