Books Irish Heritage Irish culture and customs

Beat The Goatskin Till The Goat Cries:
Notes from a Kerry Village
by Gabriel Fitzmaurice

Fitzmaurice’s skilful storytelling and optimistic spirit enable him to render a charming yet accurate portrayal of the Emerald isle, particularly rural Ireland’s customs, education, sport, literature, music and song.
Growing up Irish has something of a fairy tale ring to it, but be aware that this is not a stereotypical stroll through leprechaun land. Fitzmaurice’s eye is affectionate and empathic, but it can be self-critical when the occasion demands. That’s because Fitzmaurice understands the heart of Ireland’s culture - her bards and Wrenboys, her musicians and singers, her footballers and hurlers, her poets and playwrights.
What resonates clearly from every page is the voice of the pub and the parish, the saint and the scholar, the seanachie and the chieftain.
Click here for Beat the Goatskin.

Black Potatoes
by Susan Campbell Bartolleti

Written for readers from sixth graders to high-school seniors, this is the compelling story of the Great Potato Famine which began in 1847 and the children and adults who suffered from starvation, disease and the loss of family and friends both from emigration and death. Illustrated with black and white engravings, it’s also the story of how the Irish people heroically held on to hope.
Click here for Black Potatoes.

Wed, Sep 1, 2010

Hurling

This game, which is often described as "the clash of the ash" is the oldest team sport in Ireland. It's played by two teams of 15 players to a side. The girl's version of the game is called Camogie and there are 12 players to a side. One player acts as a goalkeeper while the others try to hit a small leather ball called a sliotar past the goalkeeper. The stick they use is made from the wood of the ash tree. It's shaped a bit like a hockey stick and is called a hurley or camán.
Even in ancient times, there were very strict rules about how the game should be played. Throwing the ball is not allowed; it must be lifted off the ground with the hurley or foot; and to strike an opponent was punished with severe penalties. In today's game, the player is sent off the field.
To buy this Poster click Hurling.

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Can't Find it?!

Our Library is compiled from what we know and like. If you can't find what you're looking for read on.
• First: go to Amazon -
There's no escaping the fact that they are the largest catalog.
Note: There are multiple Amazons and they do not carry exactly the same items. Any one of the U.S., U.K. and Canada sites may not have the item but another Amazon will. Each site will ship anywhere in the world. Try them all before you give up.
Click here for Amazon.US.
Click here for Amazon.UK.
Click here for Amazon.Canada.
• Second: Amazon doesn't have it? Try Powells. They are the largest book source in New York and they have a good selection of 'out of print' books. Click here for Powells.
This link brings you to a list of 600 Irish titles; if you're looking for something else, just Search.
• Third: Still can't find It? Alright, try ALibris they are the place for 'books you never thought you'd find'. We've found everything we were after. Click here for ALibris.
• Last: Nothing Worked?
E-Mail us, we'll give it a go. Click for Russ & Bridget.

Celtic Bookmark

Elegant bookmark is made of silver over pewter. It measures 3" x 1". When in use, the pretty Celtic design sticks out of your book. Or choose Trinity Knot or Celtic Heart.

Click for Celtic Book mark.

This Web Site Bashed, Kicked & Glued together by Russ Haggerty.