The Great Famine in Tralee and North Kerry

Bryan MacMahon focuses on human stories rather than statistics as he depicts the unprecedented events, upheavals and challenges of the famine years through the eyes of those who were there and reveals information which has lain hidden and untapped for 170 years. This book gives an account of incidents in Tralee and North Kerry. It gives a detailed overview and a moving insight into the suffering endured by thousands in the area. The contemporary accounts allow the reader to relive the shocking events, and to understand the stark dilemmas faced by those who were not themselves directly affected by hunger or disease. Here too are the names and inquest details of some of the dead, and poignant descriptions of life in the workhouses of Tralee and Listowel. Included are stories of scandals and possible sexual abuse in the workhouse but also many examples of selfless humanitarian work.

Bryan MacMahon is originally from Ballyheigue, Co. Kerry, and now lives in Stillorgan, Co. Dublin, where he was a secondary school teacher for thirty years. He has contributed to 'The Irish Times' ('Irishman's Diary' columns), the 'Irish Independent', 'History Ireland', 'The Irish Sword', 'The Holly Bough' and many local historical society publications in Kerry and Dublin. He has also featured on 'Nationwide' (RTÉ TV), 'Sunday Miscellany' and 'The Business' (RTÉ Radio 1), and on 'Talking History' and 'The Moncrieff Show' (Newstalk). He has published six books on local and general history.