An Irish Navvy
Summary
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An Irish Navvy by Donall Macamhlaigh
Irish construction workers in post-war Britain are celebrated in song and story. Donall MacAmhlaigh kept a diary as he worked the sites, danced in Irish halls, drank in Irish pubs and lived the life of the roving Irish navvy. Work was hard, dirty and dangerous, followed by pints in the Admiral Rodney, the Shamrock, the Cattle Market Tavern and others. Living conditions were basic at best. This vivid picture of an Irish navvy's life in England in the 1950s mirrors that of an entire generation who left Ireland without education or hope. Days without food or work, the hardships of work camps, lonesome partings after trips home, periods of intense isolation and bitter reflection were all part of the experience.Donall MacAmhlaigh from Galway moved with his family to Kilkenny when aged fourteen. Later he joined the army but left in 1951 and emigrated to England. By choice he settled in Northampton, married, had children and wielded the pick and shovel all his working life. He died in 1989.
SKU | GOR008795394 |
ISBN 13 | 9781848891883 |
ISBN 10 | 1848891881 |
Title | An Irish Navvy |
Author | Donall Macamhlaigh |
Condition | Very good |
Binding Type | Paperback |
Publisher | Gill |
Year published | 2013-07-01 |
Number of pages | 176 |
Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
Note | This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us |