The First Rose of Tralee

The First Rose of Tralee
Tralee 1840s. It’s pre-the Great Famine of Ireland.
Daniel O’Connell is holding monster rallies and pushing for Repeal of the 1801 Union.
Mary O’Connor dreams of a life beyond poverty, and being a servant.
William Mulchinock lets go his dreams of being a poet to run the family estates.
When they meet they are dazzled by love.
The young lovers are caught up in the politics of the time.
Can their love survive political turmoil and bridge the great divide between rich and poor?

‘O’Reilly’s well-drawn characters keep the pages turning

Irish Independent

O’Reilly paints a compelling picture…descriptions like “a skein of barnacle geese…like stitches sewn into the air” were a joy to read.

Historical Novel Society

O’Reilly weaves a tale of love and loss as charming as the song that inspired its title

Sunday Independent

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