An Irish Navvy: The Diary of an Exile

by Dónall Mac Amhlaigh, Donall Macamhlaigh

Originally published in 1964, this is Donall MacAmhlaigh's own story as a navvy or unskilled workman in post World War II England. Here is backbreaking, blister-making work, followed by pints of the black stuff in the Admiral Rodney and many other pubs. Workless and foodless days, the hardships of work camps, lonesome partings after trips home, periods of intense isolation and occasional bitterness-this is an honest account of how the average Irish laborer worked and lived in and contributed to the country of the ancient enemy.

Genres: Ireland, Biography, History

Paperback

First published January 1, 1960

Reviews

[Fiona Greatrix · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a little bias giving this 5 stars as it was written by my late Uncle. Still it gave me great insight into what he and a lot of my Irish side of the family went thru when they first came to England.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's an autobiographical story following six years of Donall MacAmhlaigh's life as he left Ireland to go work as a navvy in England in the 1950s, and the struggles he has leaving home (for the first time and after subsequent visits home) and the vibrant and complex Irish culture he finds abroad. His observations on people and culture are intelligent, the stories he relates are interesting and witty, and he has a good way with words. I particularly like the insight that this story gives into a different era and culture. The last chapter, following on the heels of the entire book, was particularly poignant. I would re-read this.

Also, that song McAlpine's Fusiliers makes so much more sense now.

[Ophelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was gifted this book by a local at the Irish pub in Northampton where I used to work. He had known MacAmhlaigh and told me many stories about the experiences of the Irish coming over to work in England.
An Irish Navvy was definitely insightful, and the honest and self-assured manner in which MacAmlaigh shared his opinions was refreshingly honest.
Probably because the book is made up of direct transcripts from his journal, it did feel as though the narrative had little direction, however. The mood of the book, as interesting as it was, could not wholly make up for a lack of story or structure.

[Malene Clementsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for a class - it was super interesting. I really enjoyed it!

[AT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating social history of navvying in England in the 1950s. Leabhar ar dóigh. Stair an-tabhachtach!

[BlueMonster · Rating 2 out of 5]

Plain and simple. Rough and grey. Honest.

[Un Moine Vexé]

Suimiúil mar cháipéis staire.