Pádraig Standún is widely considered as one of the most accomplished novelists in contemporary Irish-language literature. Since the beginning of the eighties he has closely examined both Irish people in general and Gaeltacht communities in particular. In his latest book he takes on a new challenge: the history and lore of the area where he has been stationed as a curate since 1995: Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo.

Within this book are accounts of proselytism in the nineteenth century, accounts of the lives of the ordinary people in olden times and an account of the War of Independence in the area, as well as a history of the buildings, the institutions and the people that still call Tourmakeady home. Tourmakeady natives, both at home and abroad, will find plenty to think and reminisce about in this book.