A HUSBAND AND wife’s lives are tracked in a new book that follows their journeys emigrating from Ireland.

We’ve Come a Long Way is about Brendan and Mary Kennedy, aged 90 and 89 respectively, who grew up in separate parts of Ireland in the late 1930s.

Brendan hails from West Kerry, while Mary originates from Nenagh, Co Tipperary. The two both made their way over to England at separate times in their lives: Mary, one of nine children, was sent away at the age of 14.

Brendan, who grew up in an isolated Irish-speaking community in Co Kerry, made his way over to Scotland as one of the ‘Tunnel Tigers’ – a group of Irish workers that worked on the tunnels that brought electricity to the Scottish Highlands. 

Both Brendan and Mary wanted their stories to be recorded. Within the book, the two reflect on their upbringings, emigration, and how they remained connected with their Irish heritage as they left the island behind them. 

Brendan also talks about the power of the Catholic Church in his youth and his great-aunt, the storyteller Peig Sayers, alongside his time playing in the GAA (and a brief stint for Aston Villa). The book reflects on anti-Irish sentiment faced by the two after the Birmingham pub bombings of 1974.

Aston Villa Player David James, MBE, with Brendan Kennedy. As a young man a career for Brendan with Aston Villa was cut short by injury. The Kennedy Family The Kennedy Family

We’ve Come a Long Way has been written by two friends, Irishwomen Máire Milner and Ann Smyth, who are aged in their 60s. Both women have had a difficult number of years, with Ann losing her son and Máire losing her husband. They came together to work on the retelling of the Kennedys’ story, neither having written a book before. 

The book is the product of many interviews with the couple and a lot of research – the co-authors praised the local librarians and OPW workers who aided them in discovering more about the Kennedys’ families and the circumstances in Ireland at the times they were discussing. 

The book was launched in Dingle at the end of August, where there was a large turnout. The Kennedys travelled over on the ferry to attend, and were joined by their children, grandchildren, and their extended families who still live in Ireland. 

On Thursday, it will have its launch in Chapters in Dublin. 

Co-authors Máire Milner and Ann Smyth pictured with their copies of the book.

Speaking to The Journal, co-authors Máire and Ann reflected on their time spent working on the book and having it published, as well as the Kennedys’ reaction to the finished work.

“It’s been very difficult time for both of us,” Ann said, “I know everyone has their different ways of dealing with grief and trauma, the pressures of life, and so on, but we just found with this we could suit ourselves. You know, we stepped in and out of it when we had time. It kept us occupied, and we also had a lot of fun.

“We’d lots of fun and lots of laughs. And the Kennedys were amazing – they’re a great bunch, and we did have a lot of fun along the way as well.”

And what do the Kennedys think of their history being mapped in the book?

“They’re thrilled,” Ann said. “They’re very proud. I think, certainly the children are very proud of their mam and dad, and it’s a great legacy for the family to pass down.”

Asked what the most rewarding part of the project was, Máire said, “Presenting it back to Mary and Brendan as their story. That was probably the most rewarding part. And also, my friendship with Ann, which developed over that year.”

“Lots of people have projects they start, and it’s rewarding, and fun, and it recedes then. If you told me [about the book's publication] a year ago, I wouldn’t have believed you. It was organic the way the whole thing came around,” Máire added. 

Brendan and Mary Kennedy pictured at the Dingle launch of We've Come a Long Way, which charts their lives.

We’ve Come a Long Way will have its Dublin launch on Thursday, 4 September at Chapters at 6:30pm. 

The book is available to purchase in store and online at: Chapters Bookstore, Dublin; An Café Litearthra, Dingle; Dingle Bookshop; Bookmark, Drogheda & Ashbourne; Forge Field Farm Shop, Termonfeckin.

All proceeds after costs will be equally split between the Irish Cancer Society and the Birmingham Irish Association.