Launch of Danny Dunne’s new book ‘The Road to Bethany’
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Niall Brennan was MC for the launch of The Road to Bethany.Image 2 of 10
Áine Hickey signs a copy of her book We Have Feelings for Danny. The proceeds from Áine’s book go to LARCC.Image 3 of 10
Danny with his daughter Rita.Image 4 of 10
Danny signing a copy of his book for Caroline O’Donoghue.Image 5 of 10
Cousins together again, the Dunnes and McGuires, from left: Pascal Dunne, Ann (McGuire) Anderson, Bob Dunne and Jimmy McGuire.Image 6 of 10
Eimhin Fitzgerald Doherty, Sighle Fitzgerald, newly appointed Irish Consul General to Boston, Frank Gillespie (Boston) and Betty Mimnagh Dunne.Image 7 of 10
Book sellers on the day: Dympna Cassells, Peter McCrum and Bridie Hannigan.Image 8 of 10
Sisters Theresa Newman and Frances Connolly, who are cousins of Danny, enjoying the launch.Image 9 of 10
Martini Dunne, Des Finnegan (Sydney, Australia) and Josephine Fowley.Image 10 of 10
Ruth Illingworth (right), who launched the book, with Nora Ryan from Gainstown.‘Engaging’, and ‘an enjoyable read’ that highlights a period in our recent past was how Ruth Illingworth described The Road to Bethany by Danny Dunne’s at the book’s official launch during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Mullingar Arts Centre.
During her speech, the historian focused on the Irish history in the years 1940-1945 and the social problems therein, poverty, tuberculosis, a system that denied further education for most children, as it was children from wealthy backgrounds who benefited from it.
She talked about farming, the seasons, religious practices and customs as well as great events in the calendar, such as Christmas, Easter and May Day.
As The Road to Bethany is told through the eyes of 10-year-old Margaret from London, a refugee from the Blitz, all of the above stand out to her through new eyes.
The Road to Bethany is available from Amazon.