Voice of Chicagoland's Irish-American Community
By Pat Hennessey
October 22, 2007
Parish the Thought – A Great Book
I am certainly not trying to take the place of our good friend and expert book reviewer, Frank West, to whom I have passed on all the information received from the author John Ruane. However, I would be remiss if I did not briefly comment on the book, since I know the Ruane family. The father, the late Bernie, was a great member of the Harry Boland hurling club, a native of Co. Galway and a fine gael in every sense of the word.
The time frame for this book was in the 1960’s and the location was St. Bede’s church on Chicago’s southwest side. Bernie and his fine family were, like all of us early exiles who arrived here in the late 40’s and 50’s, trying hard to make ends meet. Son John, the author, takes us back to those days; schools, churches, priests, family outings or lack of them, father’s work and his association with the GAA, sponsoring the promotion of Ireland’s national pastimes, hurling and gaelic football. The Ruanes’ homelife was a typical Irish-American home; happiness despite the fact we didn’t have the things we have and do today. We settled for much less and were still very happy.
In the midst of such happiness, sickness strikes the Mother—breast cancer—and after four years of suffering she went to her Eternal Reward. Bernie had to play two roles, father and mother of five. It proved to much for him and he passed leaving the young family almost alone. A terrible situation.
But typical of the Irish, they rallied to the cause and in a wonderful display of togetherness they raised enough money to pay the bills, keep the home and send the kids to school. Well known Chicago gaels like Malachy and Marie Mannion, Mike Riley, Con McAuliffe and others like the entire Harry Boland Club, rallied to the cause as they have been doing ever since for more such causes.
This great book is getting fine reviews from media and readers and is climbing on the Chicago best selling list of books. Our thanks to Malachy Mannion and author John Ruane for sending me books. For more information, write John Ruane, 425 East Crossville Road, Suite 117, Roswell, GA 30075 or Tel. 678-585-0176 or Fax 678-585-0177 or www.rcipr.com.
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