This book, the outcome of twenty-five years of research, focuses on the lives and times of Lavins, Callerys, O'Haras, and Flynns-unpretentious families who have lived for generations in Ireland's western province of Connacht. Through good times and bad, shaped by social and religious circumstances, they managed to eke out modest livelihoods in their respective communities.

While much has been written about the dynastic clans of Connacht (O'Hara and O'Flynn included)-their rise to power, their decline brought about by endless conflict with their kinsmen and invaders, and their final collapse following the confiscation of their lands-little has been passed down about the families of lesser status to which the Lavins and Callerys belonged. Needless to say, they were among the great majority of families who, over the centuries, had become dispossessed of their lands, casualties of the endless hostilities that plagued the Gaelic tribal social system to which they belonged.

As my research evolved, my curiosity increased. I was not content with simply knowing the names of my ancestors; I was eager to know about the quality of their lives and the times in which they lived.