The supposed “narrative of Rev. Patrick Stirling, M.A., of Drenton, Sangamon Co., Ill., U.S.A., formerly of Ardkeen, Co. Down,” telling his experiences in the Ards of Down (district between Strangford Lough and the sea) during the rising. Presbyterian-Nationalist bias. Strong character study. Faithful descriptions of scenery. The study of the Government spy is especially noteworthy.
⸺ A BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK. Pp. 319. (Long). 1906.
A swaggering young bravo—a faint imitation of Barry Lyndon—tells his adventures in Dublin and on the Continent in the days of the drinking, gambling, out-at-elbows squireens (end of eighteenth century). The hero is thus described:—“I should like to have seen the man who at cards, drinking punch, riding or selling a horse, deludhering a woman, or winging his man had any advantage of Rody Blake” (p. 12). A facetious, swashbuckler tone is adopted throughout.
⸺ RODY BLAKE.
The preceding book seems to have been publ. also under this title, or possibly this is a sequel, but I failed to come across it, in spite of much research.
KELLY, Eleanor F. Resides in Dublin. She is a constant contributor to Catholic periodicals here and in the States.
⸺ BLIND MAUREEN; and other Stories. Pp. 160. (Washbourne). 2s. n.d. (1913).
Ten short stories reprinted from The Catholic Fireside, and other Catholic magazines. High moral tone, characterisation good, dialogue (often in dialect) natural. St. Antony plays a prominent part. “The Fate of the Priest Hunter” is a tale of 18th century persecution in Ireland.
⸺ OUR LADY INTERCEDES. Pp. 210. (Washbourne). 2s. 6d. 1913.
Twelve stories, several of which are Irish, devoted to showing the care of the Blessed Virgin for those who invoke her. One relates to Cromwellian times, but for the most part the stories relate to the present time.