This book is a story with strands of history recording the life and times of Bernard Burke written by Fr. Tony King. He was born in Omey Island in the parish of Clifden and after the local school went to St. Jarlath’s Tuam. Ordained in Maynooth in 1813 and he worked in Tuam until 1821 and served Archbishops Oliver Kelly and later John MacHale in the diocese.

His great relationship with the other church leaders in Westport and with the local business people and Lord Sligo enabled all to work together to try to deal with the poverty and famine throughout the area. He built St. Mary’s Church and did major work on the church in Drummin and Lecanvey. He supported Daniel O’Connell and the Catholic Association. He served as P.P in Kilmeena 1830-34.
He dedicated his life to the welfare of the people and to provide education.
He made strong representations to the civil authorities to address the destitution of the people to provide work schemes and a train link to Westport. He built the Convent and invited the Mercy Sisters to Westport in 1843 and later the Christian Brothers. He was a gracious man, reserved and determined and he faced many challenges.