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Henry, William

William Henry is an historian, archaeologist and author from Galway City. His other books include the highly acclaimed biography 'Eamonn Ceannt: Supreme Sacrifice'. 'Coffin Ship', 'Blood for Blood: The Black and Tan War in Galway', 'Hidden Galway' and 'Famine: Galway's Darkest Years.

Blood For Blood: The Black and Tan War in Galway A vivid account of events during the War on Independence all across County Galway based on a comprehensive collection of primary sources. €14.99

Coffin Ship - Wreck of the Brig St. John Story of the sinking of the brig St. John off the coast of Massachusetts in October 1849 €14.99

Eamonn Ceannt: Irish Revolutionary The only biography of 1916 leader and signatory of the Proclamation, Eamonn Ceannt. Part of the Irish Revolutionaries series. €14.99

Famine: Galway's Darkest Years This book introduces the reader to the origins and effects of the Irish Famine, focusing on Galway and the surrounding areas of Tuam, Loughrea, Ballinasloe, Athenry, Gort, Oranmore, Clifden and more. Being a port town and the main population centre in Connacht, Galway witnessed the daily influx of human wretchedness and the suffering of destitute people seeking 'salvation' in the feared workhouse. The human misery that began appearing in the streets of Galway in 1846 shocked the authorities and terrified its inhabitants. The only escape route for many people was to place themselves at the mercy of the sea and the long perilous voyage on board one of the many dreaded 'coffin ships' which served Galway during those years. The journey was long and hazardous, and proved fatal for many thousands of people such was their weakened state, and for them there was only a 'watery grave.' The rebellion of 1848 and some violent incidents are included, as is the life of some of the immigrants who made it to the new world. €14.99

Pathway to Rebellion: Galway in 1916 In 'Pathway to Rebellion' Willie Henry traces the origins of the rebellion of 1916 in Co. Galway back over a century. He argues that their rebellious past encouraged the Galway Volunteers to take a stand during the Rising, when many other parts of the country failed to do so. While Galway's people did not make the same blood sacrifice as Dublin, they were not lacking in courage. Many of the men were without arms, while others only had pikes. Nevertheless, they were prepared to fight, although aware that their rebellious actions could mean death in battle or before a firing squad. Despite this they stood by their convictions and showed unquestionable commitment to the idea of a free Ireland. Following the Rising those who were captured were assaulted, subjected to verbal abuse by the public and their captors and condemned to imprisonment. Some managed to evade capture, but were forced to go on the run. However, in the aftermath of the leaders' executions, public opinion changed dramatically and the traitors of yesterday were suddenly the heroes of today. The homecoming of those who were imprisoned was in total contrast to their departure. The entire story of Galway in 1916 is in this book, making it the definitive story of the rebellion in the west. €4.99

The Autograph Tree Between the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century, Lady Augusta Gregory welcomed numerous distinguished literary and artistic friends to her home in Coole Park. Many of these visitors were invited to carve their initials onto a wonderful 160-year-old copper beech tree in her walled garden, which became known as ‘the Autograph Tree’. This book contains profiles of the signatories. The book is also a history of the Irish Literary Revival told through their biographical accounts. €14.99

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