This is the story of a remarkable man's efforts to help starving people
during the Irish Great Famine. It reveals their terrible experiences
inside and outside one of the national 'workhouses' and throws new light
on the relationship between class, religion, and poverty in Ireland
before independence.
John O'Sullivan (1807-1874) was an independent-minded priest who clashed
with bishops and landlords. He kept journals that have not been
published. The author mines these and other sources, including
eyewitness accounts, UK archives and Kerry's workhouse minutes, for new
insights into aspects of Irish society, including politics, proselytism,
and the status of women.