this book is the most moving book I have ever read. It tells the story of a young man making his way in life. Born in Donegal, Ireland working his way through Scotland and the USA. It will move you to tears and lead you to book after book from this very talented writer.

This is one of the most memorable books I have ever read. The writer tells the story of growing up in Donegal and his exit to scotland in search of work. You are drawn into his life and the people he loved. There is an honesty in the writing that moves you to tears.

This story is truly autobiographical of my grandfather's early life and is very moving and effective. His early years in Donegal were difficult and fraught with the perils of poverty. Nevertheless, Grandpa overcame is lack of formal education and humble beginnings to be a successful author. His later years were no less difficult as he struggled for decades with the debilitation of MS, but he raised, with my grandmother, three amazingly strong and successful women. This autobiographical novel teaches us all abouth the indomitable strength of the human will and spirit.

Absolutely the most tragic heartbreaking tale i have ever read.A starkly evocative description of irish rural life,a story of lost love and innocence betrayed, set almost a century ago.Find it,read it,and weep at the storytelling of this great unsung author.Magnificent.

Pretty much everybody knows that St. Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland, but scholars have ignored the legend because scientists believe snakes and reptiles just never made it across the land bridge from England before the two islands were divided at the end of the last Ice Age. That is why it is up to Shelia MacGill-Callahan to tell the tale of "The Last Snake in Ireland," who just happened to be the biggest, oldest and sneakiest snake in Ireland. St. Patrick had used up all of the snake magic in his bell so it was going to take something different to get this last snake off the Emerald Isle. The battle of wits quickly becomes a battle of wills and although we all know that St. Patrick is going to win in the end, MacGill-Callahan does come up with a very interesting twist at the end of this imaginative tale illustrated by Will Hillenbrand. Certainly you know some child (or adult) whose ancestors hail form Ireland who would enjoy learning "the rest" of the legend of St. Patrick. Especially if they have ever been to Scotland...

"Everyone knows that Patrick sent the snakes out of Ireland because they were so naughty folks were sick and tired of having them around. He'd tried for years to make them behave, but they just laughed at him. Then he found a gang of them teasing his old lame dog, Finbar, and he lost his temper." Enough was enough. Patrick rang his magic bell and like the Pied Piper, charmed every snake from every corner of Ireland, and led them all into the sea. All except one, "the biggest, oldest, sneakiest snake in all of Ireland." And that nasty old snake vowed to make Patrick's life miserable. Wherever Patrick went, the snake was there to torment him, peeking in windows, hanging from tree branches and tapping him on the head, stealing drinks from his mug when he wasn't looking, and even curling up in his bed. This rascally old snake had to go, and finally after thinking and thinking, Patrick came up with a plan..... Sheila MacGill-Callahan takes an old Irish legend, adds a little silly fun and a lot of humor, and comes up with a thoroughly entertaining and charming story that shouldn't be missed. Her engaging text, complete with lilting Irish rhythm begs to be read aloud, and is enhanced by Will Hillenbrand's bright, bold artwork. Together, this dynamic duo weaves a magical tale, with a surprise ending, that brings out the Irish in all of us. Perfect for youngsters 4-8, The Last Snake In Ireland is a rip roarin' good read that's just right for St Patrick's Day, and is just as enjoyable any other day of the year too.

I just finished reading this book about two minutes ago and I really liked it. My intention was to get some knowledge about Ireland, but I found more information about snakes and later the Loch Ness monster. I dont' want to ruin the book for those of you who want to read it. The pictures are very colorful and entertaining. If you are looking for information on Ireland, this isn't the book, but it is a good myth.