One of the greatest authors about “old Ireland” is my friend Alice Taylor, whose first book, “To School Through the Fields,” was published in 1988. It became an instant success throughout Europe and America and was the biggest best seller in Ireland’s history. This book has been followed by eight more, and I have copies of each in my home library. They can be checked out of the Newton Public Library for enjoyable, relaxing reading at its best.
Alice was born near New Market in County Cork, Ireland, on Feb. 28, 1938. Eight generations preceded her on the family farm, known as Lisnasheoga. Her first several books capture the colors, rhythms and memories of times gone by. The Boston Herald’s review of her first book mentions it as one of the most richly evocative portraits of childhood ever written. This is exactly the way I felt when I ran across her writings at the library prior to our family’s first big tour of Ireland in July 1995. This was the first time I met Alice — right there in her little village.
There were four brothers and two sisters, all born in their little farm cottage. Her writings include memories of the whole family — her even-tempered mother, and her father who was sometimes short of patience and could call a spade a spade. Also included were memories of her rural school days, which are delightful.
When Alice and her husband, Gabriel, were married, they moved to Innishannon, where they helped run the family store. Their four sons — Mike, Geroid, Sean and Diarmuid — were born in the attached family home from 1962 to 1971. Their daughter Lena came along in 1979. She was just married Sept. 25, 2009, to a handsome young Irish lad. Alice lost her dear husband in November 2005 but continues her writing at the old home place.
My dear late wife, Mary, and I had been to Ireland on three previous trips, the first just a brief stop at Shannon in December 1957 on our return home from my Army tour in Germany. We joined the International Friendship Force tour of Ireland in 1987 and again in 1993, along with visits to other countries. This is when we started making plans to take our whole family to Ireland. Our month-long voyage took place in July 1995.
While our clan spent extra time shopping at the Blarney Woolen Mills and kissing the famous Blarney stone, I headed south for the little village of Innishannon, where Alice lived with her family. We met at her historic family general store, which also served as the local post office. I video recorded our visit, and she then signed all of her books with nice little notations.
This is where my continuing visits by mail began. I sent several of my own Olden Days stories to Alice and some photos of Innishannon from a large, historic, late-1800s photo book of Ireland. Alice was always most cordial with return notes on Ireland picture postcards, with her standard P.S.: “I’m still using the letter opener with your picture on my daily mail.” Imagine, striking up a long-time friendship with such a famous author from the old sod!
Most of my family, relatives and Rotary friends had the chance to browse through Alice’s autographed books during the month’s stay at our large five-bedroom cottage near Oranmore. Every day, my grandchildren Matthew and Ashley would pick out a favorite chapter for me to read before heading away from our “home” there on Galway Bay with an ancient castle across the water. What great insights into those olden days back when Alice was a youngster.
Alice’s first book has 36 interesting chapters centered around her younger days in their thatched roof cottage without electricity or any modern conveniences. Her father farmed with horses, and their three-mile ride to the village was in a horse-drawn “trap.” This book reminded me so much of my younger days, except my dad had a 1928 Chevrolet. A radio and weekly newspaper, along with news from the neighbors, was the main communication.
In July 2006, I took 10 more members of my family on another journey to rural Ireland, staying at a large cottage out on Galway Bay. It was an ideal time of year and the weather was perfect, except for an occasional soft rain. Using our cottage as headquarters, we traveled in every direction, taking in loads of historic sites. Aside from a jam-packed, fun-filled train trip to Dublin, we stuck primarily to the beauty and history of the rural areas. One day we asked an elderly lady if she really believed in Leprechauns, and her reply was, “No, I don’t, but you can be sure they are out there!” Irish wit and humor, tied in with the great knowledge that their land is unbelievable!
A drive to Innishannon found my friend Alice awaiting our visit. After tea and crumpets in her spacious kitchen, we took a walk in her lovely flower garden and later ate a huge apple pie, fresh from the oven. I captured 30 minutes of video memories of our visit for the family to enjoy in years ahead.
At some time, we expect an Iowa visit from Alice. But we keep in touch these days by phone and e-mail. Her latest book, “The Parish,” by Brandon Books states: “Her writing is balm to the soul in these mad, consumer-driven times.” I heartily recommend this as great reading to my family and friends. Check them out at the library.