Lowell Irish, coming to a bookstore near you!

It's official!  It's been over a year in progress, actually decades, but we've got the final word that the book I've been working on these long months will be published this March.  Lowell Irish is a collection of stories and reminiscences of Lowell's Irish community, from its beginnings in the Paddy Camps, through the trials and tribulations of settlement, during the pains of the Civil War, and leading to the rise of Lowell's Irish in business, service, and politics.  The final chapter is a series of personal accounts of growing up Irish in Lowell by members of the present Irish-American community.

I've been collecting stories like these for years in hopes of preserving what our ancestors strove so hard to build.  The history of Lowell's Irish community could fill volumes.  It was near impossible to choose which accounts and photos could be entered in a single volume.  It will be to someone else to write volume two.

We've already planned the first book signing for Thursday, March 10th at Long Meadow Golf Club, 165 Havilah Street, Lowell, MA 01852 at 6:30 pm.  There will be live Irish fiddle and guitar music, stepdancing and appetizers.  Please don't feel the need to purchase a book, just come to share a bit of craic!  (That's Irish for fun!)

Part of the proceeds from the sales of the book will benefit St. Patrick School and Restoration Fund.  (Ordering the book directly from me will enable me to send more proceeds to our charities.  Price yet to be determined from History Press.)