This book would not have been possible without the support and guidance of a large number of people, who have my sincere gratitude. I would like to thank all the team at Educate.ie, who have been instrumental in getting this book to publication. Thanks also to editor Peter Malone for his work and advice, and designer Kieran O’Donoghue for adding life to the text. For their assistance and feedback I would particularly like to thank Anne Fenton and Ian Delaney. I would also like to acknowledge the management, staff and students of Regina Mundi College, Cork, who, in no small part, have been supportive of my efforts during the writing process. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the role of my grandparents, Jim and Mary Quinn, who encouraged my love and appreciation of history.
