Hello all,
I’m delighted to report that my new book, The West’s Awake is out now on ebook, paperback and large print. You can get it here:The West’s Awake
It was such a beautiful day on Friday, myself and Mr Grainger took a spin down to Cobh and while we were there we made a video. He plays the Uilleann Pipes, (if you’ve read some of my books you’ll have heard of them) and so I asked him to play the melody of The West’s Awake on the pipes, which he did. (he’s very obliging that way!) So this video is me talking a little but about Cobh and the places mentioned in the book, and Diarmuid playing The West’s Awake. The song was written by Thomas Davis, an Irish patriot, and it is quoted in the book. It refers to the rise of Connaught, the western province of the Ireland, in the fight for Irish freedom. But in the case of my book, it refers to the Irish-Americans who, through their efforts, financial, political and military, gave such support to those who resisted British Empirical rule in Ireland.
One of my favourite lines from that song is,
‘I’m sure the great God never planned, for slumbering slaves, a home so grand.’
I hope you enjoy the video. Apologies for the dodgy camerawork, I’m not exactly Spielberg, but you’ll get the idea!
Diarmuid is pronounced like Deer and mud stuck together. Diarmuid in Irish mythology was one of Fionn MacCumhaill’s (Finn McCool’s) warriors, a member of Na Fianna. He was famous for stealing Fionn’s intended, Gráinne, out from under his nose. Diarmuid was young and handsome, and Fionn was pushing on in years by the time he decided he was interested, so who could blame her really? They say that all men called Diarmuid have a mark on their face, a sort of a magical love spot, that once seen, makes all women fall in love with them. My husband has it, and his father, after whom he was named had it too. Luckily the effect seems to wear off after marriage, (like a lot of things!! 🙂 how inconvenient it would be if all women fell instantly in love with him?! This one is in love with him, and that will do him fine!
So, thank you all for your support, for the interest you have shown in this series. I’m overwhelmed by all the lovely reviews and comments. Harp Devereaux has found her way into readers hearts and I’m eternally grateful for that.
Have a smashing weekend folks,
That link again – THE WEST’S AWAKE
Le grá agus buiochas,
Jean and Diarmuid xxxx