Irish Emigration Story Told In New Book

Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin, T.D., has launched a new book 'Coming Home' which tells the life stories of 36 Irish Emigrants who after decades away have returned to Ireland under the Safe-Home Programme.

The emigrants were forced to leave Ireland in the fifties and sixties either as children or teenagers to start new lives in the US, Britain, Europe and Australia. They have now returned to spend their later years in Ireland with the help of the Government supported Safe-Home Programme.

The Programme is a voluntary organisation, established by former Mayo T.D. Dr Jerry Cowley, which provides valuable assistance to elderly emigrants who want to return to Ireland. It has been supported by the Irish Government with grants of €1.1 million.

Launching the book at a reception in the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin, Minister Martin said the stories of the 36 men and women were the story of Irish Emigration.

"The stories are poignant accounts of the stark choices young people had to make in the Ireland of the not too distant past. It is a story of mixed emotions, our emigrants speak of their fears, the sadness and the challenges they faced as they left their loved ones and their homes for life in a strange land."

"The emigrants do not themselves speak of the courage it took to leave home at such a young age - but that bravery is evident to anyone who even just casually flicks through the individual stories which were compiled by author Frances Browner."

"Frances has ensured that the stories are very much in the own words of the emigrants. By allowing us to share their experiences the men and women involved are ensuring an important chapter in our history is not forgotten."

"Anyone who reads the book will be absolutely convinced of the policy of the Government to ensure Ireland continues its strong links with its communities abroad."

"It is my firm hope that a new generation of Irish people at home and abroad will read this book and learn more about events which are very much part of our history, and what we are", concluded Minister Martin.

Details of how to buy copies of 'Coming Home' are available on line at safehomeireland.com