Historians of the Great Famine have long lamented the lack of local research reflected in the paucity of regional studies and how areas well served by local historians confirmed the popular impression that the crisis was less severe in other unresearched areas. The reality is that the Great Famine, most notably north Connaught – especially north Mayo and west Sligo, effectively Killala diocese – was just as severe as places like Skibbereen but that story has yet to be told.

This comprehensive study tells that story for the first time, reports on what happened, suggests motives and perspectives and relates the part Killala clergy of all denominations played in the unfolding of those terrible years. The story is told through the lens of a generous archive, mainly of local papers, that suggests Killala diocese was one of the most horrific (and neglected) theatres of death in that disastrous period of Irish history.