"Yes, we had hard times but we shared and relayed better . . . Today, unfortunately, people don't have the time to bid each other the time of day. Everybody seems to be rushing to the graveyard."
Certainly in no hurry there herself, Bridget Dirrane has decided to tell all, at the age of 103. The Aran islander, who was nurse, Cumann na mBan activist, hunger-striker in Mountjoy, emigrant to America, friend of the Kennedys, and wife twice over (her second husband being a younger brother of the first) has published her memoirs.
Now resident at St Francis's Home in Newcastle, Galway, Mrs Dirrane got a little help from some friends, principally the matron, Rose O'Connor.
Co-written with Blackwater Press author, Jack Mahon, and published in Galway recently by junior Minister, Mr Eamon O Cuiv, The Woman of Aran is obviously aimed at an Irish-American market, and there are helpful hints on longevity and some ancient cures, like cobwebs to stop bleeding and raw potatoes for warts, corns and chilblains.
The life and times of a slightly more colourful woman of the north-west bears the imprimatur of Des Kenny of Kenny's Bookshop in Galway. A Mayo woman, Biddy Early was born in 1780 and lived in the Donegal Rosses until her death in 1869. "One glance at this Satan and you will die," is how a priest warned his flock about her. For "Connacht Mary", as she was known, was cast out as a witch.
The Strumpet of Glenaree: Connacht Mary is Donegal-born author Bernard J. Byrne's first book.