I Am of Kerry

Book excerpt: 'They say in Kerry that being born in Kerry is the greatest gift that God can bestow on any man, that when you belong to Kerry you know you have a head start on the other fellow.' - John B. Keane I am of Kerry explores the diversity and richness of a people who live or were born in The Kingdom. It is sometimes thought that Kerry people are moulded by the physical strains of mountains and angry seascapes, and that this wild, untamed structure intensifies their vision and inspiration. Valerie O'Sullivan's highly individual portraits of her chosen subjects captures them in full flow, featuring atmospheric photographs, a short biography and their own personal reflection, poem, personal thoughts - at once heart rending and humorous. Those featured are from many different walks of life, some well-known and synonymous with Kerry, others simply with a great story to tell, and include: Paidi O Se - manager of Kerry football team Fr Pat Aherne - Founder of Siamsa Tire Gabriel Fitzmaurice - Writer John Moriarty - Writer and Mystic Liam O Maonlai - singer Brendan Kennelly - poet All royalties will be donated to the Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, Tralee.