The Blacksmith Legacy

About the Book

Opening in the 1800’s, this is a family story spanning over one hundred years and three generations. Two brothers, Johnny and Patrick, grew in opposite directions. One chooses the traditional rewards of marriage, family and farm, while the other seeks adventure. The scene moves from the gentle rolling farmland of County Cavan to the rugged ocean cliffs of Kerry and a man named Michael. Eventually, the plot takes the reader to New York City where the three men are impacted by Mollie, a determined fifteen-year-old. It is a story of family struggle, triumphs and sad farewells.

About the Author

Currently an advisor for adults returning to college, Dr. Finn is a former elementary and special education teacher, Principal, school administrator, and Assistant Professor of Education. Her doctoral degree is from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has traveled extensively including a two-year teaching assignment in Sydney, Australia. After visiting Ireland on numerous occasions, she began to research her family tree. This research, conducted over a period of twelve years, led to the collection of family stories and eventually this book. Margaret lives in New York City and Ft. Myers, Florida with her husband, Warren and family. Pat Hennessy of Dingle sketched the cover of this book. A well-known and respected artist in the Dingle area, he lives and paints at his studio in Knocknahaw, Dingle. He has had several solo shows and has contributed to many other exhibitions. He tutored painting classes at Daon Scoil an Daingean from 1980 to 1993. Pat Hennessy, like the author of this book, is a great grandchild of Mikeen the Fisherman.