The Ryan Road: From Counties Wexford And Galway To New York And Far North Queensland

The common man of our forbears' day knew little in the way of comfort. They were often forced to relinquish the only comfort afforded them-that which was familiar. They turned adversity into opportunity,if not for themselves then for those who would follow. Many were herded like cattle into the hulls of schooners. All were glad for the promise of work in order to fill their empty stomachs, if not their souls. As hours gave way to years, did they close their eyes and envision the place where the cool breeze had kissed their cheeks Did they try to fill their nostrils with the aroma of burning peat, offering them the warmth of their long-gone mother's arms Were their matured brains ever able to exorcise the phantoms of the Famine This is the story of John and Sarah O'Flaherty Ryan and of their descendants who defended their respective countries during both World Wars.