LATEST NEWS, 08-'10: The latest Irish American News Ohio is out in shops & is now posted on-line too. It's packed full of interesting writing...from Julianna's bit on 'Liquid Gold', to Terry Kenneally's Ghost Light & Terry Reilly's 'certificate of your Irishness' as well as Michael Finn's historical look at the Battle of the Boyne. Additionally, Cathal writes about Bloody Sunday and Saville's 'Innocent' verdict plus there's info on festivals, adverts of Irish interest & more. Good reading indeed!

LATEST NEWS, 07-'10: July issues of the Irish American News Ohio are available at selected locations around the state. Personal tributes, interesting columns, photographs and a calendar of events highlight this 43rd edition of Ohio's Irish newspaper. The on-line edition is now posted. [www.ianohio.com]

LATEST NEWS, 06-'10: Finally, both Consumed In Freedom's Flame and Blood On The Shamrock are available for downloading as Kindle edition e-books on Amazon.com.

LATEST NEWS, 06-'10: The 'BIG' June issue of IANOhio will be arriving in shops & on-line any day now. Editor John O'Brien has put together his great 2010 FESTIVAL issue with adverts and information about all the wonderful Irish summer festivals in and around Ohio. It's a must-not-miss calendar of things to do and places to go for celebrating and enjoying your Irishness. Tucked away inside are Cathal's reflections on Easter, 1916 and Cincinnati's new Irish Hertiage Centre's tribute to that historic week.

LATEST NEWS: Available autumn '10:...FEAR NOT THE STORM: The Story of Tom Cullen, An Irish Revolutionary is a true-life novel, a gently fictionalised biography, about an obscure young man who became part of Ireland's leadership as it struggled for freedom from Britain's rule in the early years of the twentieth century. Cullen's baptism of fire occured while serving as a young Irish Volunteer and member of the Irish Republican Army during Dublin's 1916 Easter Uprising. After his arrest, internment in Wales and finally his release by the British authorities, he returned home. In short time, Tom became a valued confident of Michael Collins. During Ireland's War for Independence (1919-1921), Cullen, a West Wicklow man, embarked upon a life full of danger and intrigue. Serving as Collins's Assistant Director of Intelligence, he matched wits with some of Britain's most dangerous spies and ruthless assassins. In his biography of Michael Collins, Irish historian Tim Pat Coogan states, "...Tom Cullen...with [Frank] Thornton and [Liam] Tobin...completed the [Collins's] intelligence team which broke the [Dublin] Castle's spy system." A seasoned veteran by the autumn of 1921, Cullen, now one of Collins's closest asociates, rose to the rank of major-general in Ireland's new Free State army. After Michael's tragic death in 1922, it was Tom Cullen who led the procession carrying his dear comrade's coffin to its final resting place in Dublin's Glasnevin cemetery. It was the determined accomplishments of this little-known, heroic Irish revolutionary that forms the center-piece of Cathal Liam's new book. For indeed, Ireland's independence could not have been achieved without the sacrifices of such 'behind-the-scene' individuals. Tom Cullen's story deserves to be told and now, at last, Fear Not The Storm pays tribute to a life so richly lived. [Copies of Cathal's new book will be on sale in October, 2010 for $16. Many websites are taking advance orders, some at reduced prices.]

LATEST NEWS, 04-'10: The April issue of the Irish American News Ohio is available at vendor locations today, 1 April. All your favourite columnists plus many extras including Cathal's description of the opening of the new Irish Hertiage Center of Greater Cincinnati as well his tribute to Ireland's wonderful playright & author John B. Keane. Visit www.ianohio.com to read the latest on-line edition.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT...BLOOD ON THE SHAMROCK: A Novel of Ireland's Civil War

"The follow-up to his critically acclaimed novel, Consumed In Freeom's Flame, protagonist and fictional Irishman, Aran Roe O'Neill returns in this historically accurate factional tale of Ireland's Civil War. As one of Collin's inner circle, the newly married protagonist sees his own life unravel along with those around him as [Cathal] Liam's superbly researched book brings alive one of Ireland's darkest hours. Armed with murderous subplots, along with romance, heroism and betrayal galore, this is certainly one of the most dynamic and enjoyable retellings of the Irish Civil War that I have ever read." Joe Kavanagh, Irish Connections magazine, (New York, NY), Autumn, 2006 (Volume 7/No.3)

"It's always encouraging when customers buy a book, then return looking for more by the same author. Many readers who ordered the historical novel Blood On The Shamrock from our latest catalog are coming back for the author's [Cathal Liam's] earlier novel Consumed In Freedom's Flame." Irish Books and Media newsletter, (Minneapolis, MN), November, 2006

"Through Cathal's strong, well drawn characters the important personages and events that shaped Ireland's history from the early part of the 19th centruy through the years of civil war ending in the mid 1920s become vivid and alive. Many famous scenes from Irish history are described in such detail that the reader can sense the emotions that must have been felt at the time. History aficionados will appreciate the scholarship and research that support the narrative. Quotations from Irish patriots, and passages from songs and poems precede each chapter, helping to invoke the spirit of the times." Mary Smith, The Richmond Claddagh, (Richmond, VA), October, 2006

"Blood On The Shamrock is the sequel to Consumed In Freedom's Flame, Cathal Liam's [new] historical novel about Ireland's Civil War in the 1920's. Fictional hero Aran Roe O'Neill continues in the struggle for Irish self-governance and independence. In this complex network of loyalties and treachery, he faces foes both from within and outside the ranks of Irish patriots. For those who may have missed the first novel, Blood On The Shamrock stands very nicely on its own as a great historical novel. It is greatly enhanced by an introductory list of cast of characters, in order of appearance by chapter, the prologue, which quotes the Declaration of Arbroath and Proclamation of Poblacht na hEireann, and the glossary. Frequent quotations from poems and songs also help to place the novel's tone and action core. The reader will quickly become caught up in the life and cause of Aran, which is 'at one with the cause of Pearse, Connolly and Collins.' Twentieth century Irish political reality evolves through the pages, with many references to its cultural and historical heritage. Blood On The Shamrock is immediate and personal; it will serve to enlighten many readers about the latter days of the Irish Civil War. Ending in the 1960's, Blood On The Shamrock is a complete read in and of itself. But one wonders (and hopes!) if there will be another novel to the present day?" Midwest Book Review, (Oregon, WI), September, 2006

"Cathal Liam takes the central character of his War of Independence novel Consumed In Freedom's Flame and carries the story onward through the tragic months of the Irish Civil War. In his Forward, Mr. Liam remarks on the fact that very few serious attempts have been made to take this terrible and convoluted period of Irish history into the realms of fiction. He lists a mere seven writers form Sean O'Casey in 1924 to Morgan Llywelyn in 2001. Approaching his task strickly, he lists his cast of characters in some detail, between the historic personalities who appear and his fictional central characters who carry the story forward. Mr. Liam sticks closely to historic fact in dealing with major events and includes a glossary and a good bibliography. He is one of few novelists who considers footnotes detailing the factual record as necesary to his story. But then, this is a story of which many Irish families have a version...God grant peace to them all." ...from a review by Mary O'Sullivan, Ireland of the Welcomes, (Dublin, Ireland), September/October, 2006

"This is a full-blown romantic, adventurous historical novel, that perhaps invites comparison with books by Leon Uris and more recently Morgan Llywelyn." Books Ireland, (Dublin, Ireland), September, 2006

"When I began this review, I was afraid I wouldn't do justice to a book of this scope and power. How is [Cathal] Liam able to capture that period [Ireland's Civil War] so well? I believe there are two answers to that: by scrupulous research and by giving life to the many heroic sized people of that age. Cathal Liam has created such realistic and believable fictional characters that they seamlessly interact with the historical ones. Blood On The Shamrock...is a book of great proportions. It focuses on the slice of Irish history from 1922 to 1923, but it encompasses the complexities, frustrations, beauty and mystery of human actions." ...from a review by Frank West, Irish American News, (Chicago, IL), August, 2006

"The story opens with the ambush at Beal na Blath and then looks back to the events leading to the rejection of the Treaty and the outbreak of civil war. It is apparent that the author has carried out extensive research to convey a feeling for the period. Interweaving actual characters with fictional companions throws an interesting light on the events and on the emotions that might have been experienced by such as Michael Collins and Cathal Brugha, and as a sequel to an earlier novel it achieves a continuity of narrative." ...from a review by Pauline Ferrie, The Irish Emigrant, (Galway, Ireland), July, 2006

"That's where I love this book. While I do enjoy reading history, it can be bland at times. Facts, dates and names are important, but can be rough on the eyes. Liam mixed it [fact and fiction] to perfection. When I picked up the book, my main desire was for the history. Michael Collins, Eamon de Valera, the [Anglo-Irish treaty] negotiations with the British and the civil war were the topics that interested me. I wanted more knowledge of the period. I was pleased to discover that was what Liam pushed." ...from an interview by Scott Powers, Irish American News, (Chicago, IL), July, 2006

FOREVER GREEN: IRELAND NOW & AGAIN, published in 2003, was chosen as travel-essay "HONORABLE MENTION" for Book of the Year by ForeWord Magazine

Forever Green: Ireland Now & Again, features an introduction by the noted Irish-American artist Edmund Sullivan, while one of Mr. Sullivan's wonderful west-of-Ireland paintings graces its front cover. The book is a thoughtful blend of history, travelogue, literature, essay, memoir and poetry that is Irish through and through. I like to think of it as 'Irish stew' for the heart and soul. If your local bookseller does not have it on the shelf, ask them to order you a copy or two. Your request should be in-stock in less than a week. The book makes a great gift for anyone going to or having recently visited Ireland. You may also order a copy through this website or on-line from any number of other reliable book distributors. I thank you in advance for your support of my writing and for letting your friends know about this new title. God bless and all the best, always, Cathal Liam

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT...

FOREVER GREEN: Ireland Now & Again

"A native of Ireland or a person of Irish descent will identify with the feelings and ideas explored by Cathal Liam in Forever Green. For the rest of us, the events in Ireland may be a mystery. Liam provides us with a concise background to help unravel the confusion and opens a window for understanding. He give us the bones rather than a complete skeleton. With a few colorful insertions to make Ireland more appealing and seductive, this collection of short descriptions and explanations attempts to examine some of the historical events that have led to the violence in Northern Ireland. In Liam's subtle effort to encourage a sane political solution, he has borrowed for others and himself to include brief tales and descriptions, poems, and commentaries. He refers to the Easter Rebellion of 1916 and the Good Friday Peace Accord in 1998 as climactic moments in the process linking the urges for independence and the cries for peace. He recalls the violent deaths of Irish leaders Patrick Henry Pearse, Robert Emmet, and Michael Collins in these pleadings. But if you wish to digress from the political controversies, Liam has not forgotten the beautiful and lush green Irish countryside nor, for that matter, the Irish pubs for which he has included a comprehensive survey. For a trip focusing on the pubs, follow his itinerary. As the Irish say, Slainte! Or as the Bostonians say, Cheers!" Nancy Dunham, OHIOana Quarterly (Columbus, OH), Volume XLVII, Number 1, Spring, 2004

"In contrast to Liam's superb debut novel, Consumed In Freedom's Flame, his latest work is a collection of non-fiction essays and poems examining an eclectic range of Irish issues. From a vastly diverse range of fasinating tales - such as how Saint Valentine's remains came to be residing in an obscure Dublin church - to essays on Ireland's past, present and presumed future, Forever Green is as educational as it is entertaining. The author's obvious passion for his subject matter, vast knowledge of Irish esoterica and innate ability to spin a yarn with the effortless talent of an Irish seanchai (storyteller), make for an easy read filled with wry humor and the keen observations of one who retains his objectivity despite his intimate familiarity and immersion in the Irish culture. Although I did not have the luxury myself, the collection is - as the author says himself - an ideal book for picking up and reading for a few minutes each day, for contained within its pages are a unique and enthralling take on the essence of the Emerald Isle." Joe Kavanagh, Irish Connections (New York, NY), Winter (Vol. 4/No. 5), 2003

"Cathal Liam is an entertaining writer who moves from political commentary to poetry to storytelling and back again, all in the same book! This is a wonderful, rollicking and passionate journey through the soul of Ireland and Irish-America." Terry Golway, author of Irish Rebel: John Devoy and America's Fight for Ireland's Freedom; For The Cause Of Liberty: A Thousand Years of Ireland's Heroes & the new, best-selling So Others Might Live: A History of New York's Bravest--The FDNY from 1700 to the Present

"With his deft prose and deep knowledge of Ireland - then and now - Cathal Liam has captured the evoling face of 20th-century Irish politics, history, and culture, as well as the isle's collective persona. His ability to relate the past to the present in Forever Green: Ireland Now & Again makes this book a must for anyone interested in not only Ireland's past and present, but also its future. An engrossing and entertaining work." Peter F. Stevens, Editor of The Boston Irish Reporter & author of The Voyage Of The Catalpa: A Perilous Journey and Six Irish Rebels' Escape to Freedom

"The dream of a free and united Ireland continues to haunt the Irish at home, as well as expatriates such as this Cincinnati author. Bookended by the 1916 rebellion and the Good Friday accord of 1998, this collection of anecdotes, travel narratives, Irish poetry and excerpts from Liam's novel Consumed in Freedom's Flame is a reminder of the difficulty in bringing peace to a land rife with distrust." Rob Stout, The Cincinnati Enquirer (Cincinnati, OH), June 3, 2003

"Subtitled 'Ireland Now & Again', Cathal Liam's [new] book looks both backwards and forwards, back to an Ireland of heroic rebellion and sectarian strife, an Ireland of turf fires and traditional values, and forward to an Ireland where old shops have been replaced by 'plastic' pubs, where co-operation between the two factions in the North may eventually lead to the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. The collection of essays and poems would seem to be aimed primarily at an Irish American audience, and Mr. Liam does a good job in explaining the ongoing difficulties with the peace process. His choice of words in describing the British colonisation of Ireland, however, give some idea of the basis of his political beliefs. He talks of life in Ireland at the turn of the 20th century 'with the ever-present threat of the Stranger's lash lurking overhead'. In an extract from his historical novel, Consumed In Freedom's Flame, his young hero Aran Roe O'Neill is 'outraged and incensed at the Saxon Stranger's seven-hundred-year-plus dominance of his homeland'. However he has a commendable grasp of the events of the past five years in the North as well as an obvious love for Ireland which emerges in his descriptions of Galway city, of Croagh Patrick and of a day on the bog in the Irish midlands." Pauline Ferrie, The Irish Emigrant (Galway, Ireland), June, 2003

"Cincinnati-based author Cathal Liam follows up his novel, Consumed In Freedom's Flame, with his collection of commentaries on Ireland's progress through the 20th century from 1916 up to the Good Friday agreement. Subtitled Ireland Now & Again, Liam's paperback includes an introduction from popular Irish landscape artist Edmund Sullivan and in a commentary on the back cover, journalist and author Terry Golway describes Forever Green as a 'wonderful, rollicking and passionate journey through the soul of Ireland and Irish-America.'" The Irish Echo (New York, NY), July 16-22, 2003

"Forever Green is a book that is '...a rich stew of imaginative stories, political commentary and original poems.' An aspect of the book that I particularly like is that the author is passionate about his beliefs, but he is gentle in presenting them. The author, Cathal Liam, states the premise of the book. That premise is: Ireland's golden heritage and the flexibility of its people are, and will continue to, make the future one of hope and optimism. He says he is '...full of hope for a better tomorrow. The Good Friday Agreement offers...an opportunity for peace, justice, and a unity unknown in Ireland for a thousand years. It is a means to an end, like Michael Collins's stepping stones, rather than an end...itself...there is still a long row to hoe, but just reflect on how far we have come in the last one hundred years.'" Frank West, Irish American News (Chicago, IL), July, 2003

"Cathal Liam offers up an eclectic (at times downright scattered) collection of writing in Forever Green: Ireland Now & Again. There's political commentary, poetry and history ranging from the 1916 rising to the 1998 Good Friday agreement. All in all Liam explores Ireland with a clear eye. He has a soft spot in his heart for the Emerald Isle, yet he's also unafraid to be critical. Away from the political end of things, Liam offers several off-the-beaten-track portraits of Ireland and its people. 'Instead of reading this modest volume in a single go, digest it leisurely...maybe a story or two a day for a fortnight. Rather than polishing it off as you might typically do, I hope you would savor the stories, adding to each your own thoughts and musings,' he [Liam] writes. It's good advice. The same goes for the Introduction by Irish-American artist Edmund Sullivan, whose gorgeous painting adorns Liam's book cover." Tom Deignan, Irish America (New York, NY), August/September, 2003

"Local author Cathal Liam is Forever Green. His love affair with Ireland continues with his latest book, a collection of stories, political commentary and poems. The assortment is every bit as rich as the title promises. Liam brings his spiritual home to the city where he lives..." Brandon Brady, CityBeat (Cincinnati, OH), August 6-12, 2003

"...Forever Green: Ireland Now & Again is an anthology of writings by Cathal Liam ranging from mind-expanding stories to political commentary and fluid poetry (including thematically appropiate poems by others as well as Liam's own verse). Remembering the Ireland of decades gone by, and scrutinizing political happenings in the Ireland of today, Forever Green is a compelling, emotional and heartfelt work embracing the continual flux of Irish culture up to the modern day." Midwest Book Review, Small Press Bookwatch (Oregon, WI), September, 2003

"A collection of the author's essays, commentaries and poems reflecting his memories, opinions and hopes for the Ireland he holds close to his heart. If you have the opportunity of attending a reading by Cathal Liam - seize it!" Mary O'Sullivan, Ireland of the Welcomes (Dublin, Ireland), November-December, 2003

POWERFUL NOVEL TELLS STORY OF IRELAND'S STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE...NOW IN ITS 7TH PRINTING (5TH IN PAPERBACK)...

CONSUMED IN FREEDOM'S FLAME: A Novel of Ireland's Struggle for Freedom 1916-1921 was nominated for the 2001 Book-of-the-Year award by ForeWord Magazine (Traverse City, MI). When all the dust had settled, the title received the bronze medal for historical fiction. First-time novelist Cathal Liam stated his delight with the book's award replying, "History is meant to inspire the living and honour the dead. As for Ireland, she needs more of the former while having too many of the later." St. Padraic Press

“Historical fiction is a slippery slope, too often fraught with disconnects between the fictional characters and those real figures of history, too often missing the naturalness of behavior and language; too often erring on either the side of pure history or of fictional device. But, Cincinnati author Cathal Liam has trod deftly in his Consumed in Freedom’s Flame. This is a book full of romance and adventure woven against the heartrending struggle of the Irish people for independence. In every case, the scenarios created by Liam ring as true as if a cache of long-hidden partisan letters has been unearthed.” —Carole L. Philipps, The Cincinnati Post (Cincinnati, OH), December 16, 2000

“The Irish have always had more history than they knew what to do with. Essayist and poet Cathal Liam has joined such fiction writers as Morgan Llewelyn and Liam O’Flaherty by assembling a comprehensive and intelligent piece of historical fiction for the general reader as well as those who can recite ‘The Bold Fenian Men’ at a moment’s notice. One does not have to read too far into the narrative to know what Liam understands how to capture an era filled with colorful and tragic men and women. As a result, ‘Freedom’s Flame’ is as compelling as the events it recounts.” —Rob Stout, The Patriot Ledger (Quincy, MA), June 16-17, 2001

“Unabashed support for the men and women who fought for Irish freedom in the early years of the 20th century is a rarity in these politically correct and revisionists times. Cathal Liam...sets himself against the tide in a story that follows the life of Aran Roe O’Neill, a fictitious rebel who finds himself in the thick of the 1916 Rising and subsequent events.” —The Irish Echo (New York, NY), October 11-17, 2000

“This meticulously researched and well-written novel, Consumed in Freedom’s Flame, not only evokes the authenticity of a fascinating period of Irish history, 1916-1921, but sustains constant interest and more than a little suspense. It is a lively and evocative read!” —T. Ryle Dwyer, historian & author of Big Fellow, Long Fellow:A Joint Biography of Collins and deValera, among others (Tralee, Ireland)

“Ireland was never in the mainstream of European history but the story of its fight for freedom can take its place with the legends of all great Rebellions. Consumed in Freedom’s Flame captures the passion and drama necessary for the breaking of chains.” —Ronnie O’Gorman, Managing Editor, Galway Advertiser (Galway, Ireland)