Jersey City, New Jersey Feb 7, 2026  – Birthing the Republic of Ireland: An American Fenian’s Story presents a deeply human account of Ireland’s struggle for independence, told through the life of Frank Bradley—a young Irishman compelled to leave his homeland amid famine, violence, and political turmoil.

Forced from Derry by the brutal realities of British rule, Frank leaves behind his wife, family, and the only life he’s ever known. He carries with him a mix of fear and fragile hope—feelings shared by millions of Irish men and women whose lives were upended by the Potato Famine and systemic injustice.

Through Frank’s eyes, readers witness starvation, broken communities, and laws crafted to suppress the poor. Faith drives a wedge between neighbors, silence becomes a survival tool, and endurance is demanded daily. The story doesn’t soften history—it makes it personal.

Frank’s arrival in New York City isn’t an escape, but a new test. The streets are ruled by gangs, jobs are scarce, and prejudice is overt; “No Irish need apply” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a reality. Survival requires resilience, courage, and a willingness to stand one’s ground in an unforgiving world.

Author Mary Ann Keough tells this history with clear, approachable language rooted in lived experience. She traces the formation of the Fenian Brotherhood, showing how ordinary laborers became revolutionaries and how ancient Irish legends fueled modern resistance. Each chapter links individual sacrifice to the shaping of a national identity.

Birthing the Republic of Ireland: An American Fenian’s Story is more than historical fiction. It’s a meditation on resistance, identity, and the personal cost of justice—illustrating how ordinary lives helped forge an Irish Republic.

Media Information

Author: Mary Ann Keough
Website: maryannkeough.com

For interviews, review copies, or further details, please visit the author’s website.