“The People you meet on the Reek” out for publication late Spring 2026
“The People you meet on the Reek” is a memoir shaped by repeated climbs of Croagh Patrick over a thirty year period. It reflects upon Irish Identity, family stories, faith, emigration and the Diaspora.
The People you meet on the Reek was written for my children. To preserve the stories and struggles of their ancestors. Stories of Irish people and their lives lived in Manchester. Journeys across the Irish Sea with the welcome of coming home. The quiet dignity of being the descendants of immigrants.
The ancient celts knew about the ‘Thin places’ of Ireland and their healing and restorative powers.
Within the book the author explores encountering these “Thin Places” in unexpected locations
The book promises to be a journey of reflection with humour and joy contained within its pages
The intended date of publication is Spring 2026. It may be in time for St Patrick’s day. If not I hope to have published the book long before St Brigids day 2027. I hope this book will make a good companion for future trips to the Emerald Isle
About the Author
Patrick has made repeated trips to climb Croagh Patrick since he was age twenty one on a journey to claim his Irish Identity. Contained within this story is the story of the Diaspora. It is a shared story of loving the land of our ancestors even though we may have lived on foreign soil.
Informal Reviews
“This story is so beautiful i was hooked after chapter two”
— EM USA“The manuscript has given me enormous pleasure. It is eloquent, beautifully written and deeply felt. The book moved me with its honesty its exploration of the diaspora and its lyricism”
— KH England “The writing is gorgeous and so evocative of a time that has passed”
— MAC Manchester
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Best Wishes Patrick
You can contact me by email Paddy@patrickconnollyauthor.com