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Irish Crossings: Caitlin & Paddy's Story
Beautiful and profoundly moving, Irish Crossings is a voyage of love, partings and new beginnings in the time of the Irish Potato Famine.
When the potato blight returns in 1847, Paddy’s father has no choice but to send him to live with his uncle in America. Paddy can leave Ireland, but he can’t leave Caitlin.
They marry on the eve of Paddy’s departure and embark on a journey across a beautiful country overwhelmed with heart-breaking sadness during the time of the great hunger.
A harrowing winter crossing takes them through the treacherous North Atlantic Ocean. But the slums of New York are not the end of the rainbow they were promised.
Through their voyage together they learn the true meaning of the Irish saying, ‘It is in the shelter of each other that people live.’
When the potato blight returns in 1847, Paddy’s father has no choice but to send him to live with his uncle in America. Paddy can leave Ireland, but he can’t leave Caitlin.
They marry on the eve of Paddy’s departure and embark on a journey across a beautiful country overwhelmed with heart-breaking sadness during the time of the great hunger.
A harrowing winter crossing takes them through the treacherous North Atlantic Ocean. But the slums of New York are not the end of the rainbow they were promised.
Through their voyage together they learn the true meaning of the Irish saying, ‘It is in the shelter of each other that people live.’
- GenresIreland
240 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2016
3 people are currently reading
748 people want to read
About the author
Terence O'Leary
14 books42 followersTerence O’Leary is an Irish/American author and speaker. He was born in Chicago Illinois, but has spent his adult life in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Mr. O’Leary is the author of nine critically acclaimed novels.
Mr. O’Leary is also a renowned speaker. He has traveled extensively in the Midwest giving a presentation on ‘The Potato Famine and the Coming of the Irish to America.’ The talk is based on his six years of research for his Irish Crossings Trilogy of books on the tragic Great Hunger.
Fallen Timbers, which is set in Michigan, is Mr. O’Leary’s latest novel.
Mr. O’Leary is also a renowned speaker. He has traveled extensively in the Midwest giving a presentation on ‘The Potato Famine and the Coming of the Irish to America.’ The talk is based on his six years of research for his Irish Crossings Trilogy of books on the tragic Great Hunger.
Fallen Timbers, which is set in Michigan, is Mr. O’Leary’s latest novel.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 2, 2017
I enjoyed reading Irish Crossings by Terence O'Leary. This book covered Caitlin and Paddy's story. I hope Irish Crossings is the first book in a long series.
June 3, 2025
"Beautiful and profoundly moving, Irish Crossings is a voyage of love, partings and new beginnings in the time of the Irish Potato Famine.
When the potato blight returns in 1847, Paddy’s father has no choice but to send him to live with his uncle in America. Paddy can leave Ireland, but he can’t leave Caitlin.
They marry on the eve of Paddy’s departure and embark on a journey across a beautiful country overwhelmed with heart-breaking sadness during the time of the great hunger.
A harrowing winter crossing takes them through the treacherous North Atlantic Ocean. But the slums of New York are not the end of the rainbow they were promised.
Through their voyage together they learn the true meaning of the Irish saying, ‘It is in the shelter of each other that people live.’"
The author succinctly tells the story that so many Irish families endured during the potato famine.
When the potato blight returns in 1847, Paddy’s father has no choice but to send him to live with his uncle in America. Paddy can leave Ireland, but he can’t leave Caitlin.
They marry on the eve of Paddy’s departure and embark on a journey across a beautiful country overwhelmed with heart-breaking sadness during the time of the great hunger.
A harrowing winter crossing takes them through the treacherous North Atlantic Ocean. But the slums of New York are not the end of the rainbow they were promised.
Through their voyage together they learn the true meaning of the Irish saying, ‘It is in the shelter of each other that people live.’"
The author succinctly tells the story that so many Irish families endured during the potato famine.
September 13, 2019
Entertaining book most of which I believe is true to life during the potato famine. I bought this and Danny’s story for my granddaughters who are part Irish. I never realized just how hard life was back then until I read these books. One chapter seemed out of place time wise. Some things were repeated. You will love Paddy and Caitlin.
January 23, 2021
An incredibly heart-wrenching, profound and beautiful story of immigration from Ireland to America!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews