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J. Brian Kelly, whose maternal grandparents migrated to the U.S. in the late 1800s after the Great Hunger, was born in Philadelphia, PA. He lived in Brooklyn, NY, until the age of 11 when his family moved to rural Bucks County, PA. Educated in city and rural schools, both parochial and public, he graduated from Mount St. Mary's College in Emmitsburg, MD. He later served twenty years in the U.S. Navy as an intelligence officer and, following military retirement, he spent 15 years with the Department of Defense. His education and world travels gave him a well-rounded background in religion and culture.

As the author reflects ..."My maternal grandparents came to this country from Ireland during the period of 'Irish Need Not Apply' and found themselves to be the object of ridicule and discrimination. Because of their decision to 'Americanize' themselves, rarely, if ever, were there stories or discussions of Ireland around the house. It wasn't until late in life when, like millions of others, I found myself caught up in the global resurgence of interest in 'things Irish' did I begin to explore my background. It was then that I began to realize that my value set was influenced more by my Irish heritage than I had ever realized."

"It was in the mid-1990s, during a time when 'things Irish' were very popular in the U.S. that I decided to conduct research into Ireland and her history. This is my first effort but I am working on my second book which focuses on 'The Troubles' in Northern Ireland and what the prospects are for the future of that embattled region."

Available on the Internet or directly through Publish America ISBN 1-59286-666-2 Softcover $19.95 . Click here to contact the author Site last updated on 29 Aug 2008	Growing the Shamrock, Tuning the Fiddle Cúchulainn...Finn McCool...Brian Boru...Hugh O'Neill and Hugh O'Donnell....The Wild Geese...Wolfe Tone...Robert Emmet, Michael Dwyer, Father John Murphy and the Men of '98...Daniel O'Connell...James Connolly...Michael Collins...Eamon de Valera...Bobby Sands...Gerry Adams Follow these mythical, legendary and historic figures through time as they mold and shape the Celtic Tiger Sample pages	The author at Slieve League cliffs, Co. Donegal

	Ireland is known to most of the world as a magical land of enchantment, but few know of her long and troubled past and uncertain future. Ireland’s history is much like her weather - long periods of overcast and gloom interspersed with brief periods of sunshine. Her history has always been one of conflict and war. Examine now this glorious but troubled history, focusing on the key political and military events which shaped Ireland into what she is today - a nation divided - divided by geography, politics, and sectarianism. About the Author J. Brian Kelly, whose maternal grandparents migrated to the U.S. in the late 1800s after the Great Hunger, was born in Philadelphia, PA. He lived in Brooklyn, NY, until the age of 11 when his family moved to rural Bucks County, PA. Educated in city and rural schools, both parochial and public, he graduated from Mount St. Mary's College in Emmitsburg, MD. He later served twenty years in the U.S. Navy as an intelligence officer and, following military retirement, he spent 15 years with the Department of Defense. His education and world travels gave him a well-rounded background in religion and culture. As the author reflects ..."My maternal grandparents came to this country from Ireland during the period of 'Irish Need Not Apply' and found themselves to be the object of ridicule and discrimination. Because of their decision to 'Americanize' themselves, rarely, if ever, were there stories or discussions of Ireland around the house. It wasn't until late in life when, like millions of others, I found myself caught up in the global resurgence of interest in 'things Irish' did I begin to explore my background. It was then that I began to realize that my value set was influenced more by my Irish heritage than I had ever realized." "It was in the mid-1990s, during a time when 'things Irish' were very popular in the U.S. that I decided to conduct research into Ireland and her history. This is my first effort but I am working on my second book which focuses on 'The Troubles' in Northern Ireland and what the prospects are for the future of that embattled region." [Home] [Ireland] [Music]