Meini : The Blasket Nurse

by Leslie Matson

This is the life story of a remarkable woman, Meini Dunlevy. Born in Massachusetts of Kerry parents, Meini was reared in her grandparents' house in Dunquin. When she was nineteen, she eloped with an island widower to the Great Blasket, where she worked as a nurse and midwife for thirty-six years. Returning widowed to Dunquin, she died in 1967, aged 91. Meini's story, recorded by the author from her own accounts and those of her friends and relatives in Dunquin, is an evocation of a forceful, spicy personality and a compelling reconstruction of a way of life that has exercised an enduring fascination for readers.

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 6, 1900

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating insight into the life of Meini Dunleavy, a homemaker, nurse and midwife who lived on the Blasket Islands off the coast of County Kerry, Ireland. The rich tradition of the Gaeltacht is alive in this book. A must read for anyone interested in an Ireland long gone.

[John Cribbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book to come from the Blaskets. I find it incredible that Peig is so renowned while Méiní is so unknown. She is a contemporary of Peig and even discusses some of the same events with a little bit more spice. I feel Méiní possibly exaggerates more than Peig but in a way that's more enjoyable. Definitely more upbeat. She also talking about things like wedding night customs and love potions - things Peig avoided, probably because of the influence of Peig's son.

[Eve O'C · Rating 5 out of 5]

fascinating