Book launch – The Irish Merchant of Alicante: Historical record about Moore Hall
Book launch of The Irish Merchant of Alicante
Written by Mayo native Michael Gerard Kenny
Know as Gerry Kenny
Historical about Moore Hall
Gerry will give interview on Midwest radio on Wednesday 2nd of August 10.30am
Book Launch will take place on Thursday evening 3rd of August. Meet the author
Venue: The Ranch Bar, Claremorris, Co Mayo
Time: 8pm
The Moore’s were Protestants from Yorkshire who were ‘planted’ into County Mayo, Ireland, in the aftermath of the defeat of the Old Gaelic Chieftains, and the murderous rampage of Oliver Cromwell’s army. By the beginning of the eighteenth century the Moore’s had become Irish and Catholic. The harsh Penal Laws drove young George Moore to emigrate to Spain where he thrived and became a wealthy merchant. Relaxation of those Laws allowed him to return home, buy large tracts of land and build the magnificent Moore Hall on the shores of Lough Carra in his native County Mayo.
Michael Gerard weaves a compelling and entertaining narrative around the trials and tribulations of four generations of the Moore dynasty – a family who helped to shape the complex history of Ireland and were themselves shaped by that history. The four George Moore’s were unique individuals and all four left their mark on modern Ireland. Their siblings played an essential part in the Moore legacy and their contributions are highlighted as well.
The Irish Merchant of Alicante brings to life the landed gentry of Ireland, the peasant farmer tenants, the rebels, loyalists, politicians and cultural artists of that era – all of whom walked the delicate line between rising Catholic nationalism and the diminishing Protestant power of the minority elite. This story has all the ingredients to make it an epic historical novel.
Read on —
In Praise of The Irish Merchant of Alicante
Michael Gerard has penned an engrossing tale, a satisfying mixture of history and drama. He carries the reader to Spain and back to Ireland, through tumultuous events that showcases the indomitable Irish spirit. Great storytelling.
—Jason Ryan, bestselling nonfiction author of Jackpot, Hell Bent etc.
A masterful and fulfilling story depicting how “good landlords” like the Moore’s earned their deserved place in Mayo and Irish history. Keep a tissue and an Irish whiskey close at hand.
—Adrian Flannelly, the Voice of Irish Radio in New York for decades.
Just as he did with his last book, the beauty of Mayo shines through these pages. Read this wonderful story and visit Mayo to see it for yourself. Well Done Michael.
—Enda Kenny, former Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland and proud Mayoman.
