And That's How It All Started

Book excerpt: Stoney McGurrin in his debut book, brings us on the adventure of his life time. Having spent months in hospital as a four year old, where he almost lost his arm; only to have it saved by a famous French surgeon Dr. Chance, he left Leitrim as a teenager on ship across the Atlantic to New York City. The stories are exciting, sad, happy and true; from 1941 to the present, from pencil to paper. "Very informative as far as history of Irish people making it in New York City. Great to learn of how civil rights has made us better people. His traveling south, taught me to appreciate what I have today." - Ann Hernandez, New York, USA "A great read, the author captures glimpses of life of bygone eras, all the while never short of good characters and incredible situations. I really enjoyed the book." - Kieran Moran, The Bronx, New York, USA "A roller coaster read. Should be on the curriculum in high schools. This book would be banned in Ireland in the 1960s. The author would be in the good company of Oscar Wilde, Salman Rushdie and Brendan Behan." - Michael D. McAndrew, Journalist Midwest Radio, Mayo, Ireland "My wife and I read it in bed. We laughed, we cried; insights into sex, drugs, crime, hard work, history and politics. We did not sleep the night we read it. We waited a long time for a book like this, well done to Stoney and John for this production." Pat and Phil Burke, Co. Tipperary, Ireland "Entertaining, educational, enlightening, ecstatic, erotic and enjoyable!" - Lizzy Tabor, Massachusetts, USA 'I've known Stoney for over 40 years - and over that time he has regaled me with his stories and memories many times. It's great to see them documented on the printed page - captured in time. Stories that take us from Dowra, Co Leitrim across to the United States - stories of innocence and ignorance, of hurt and healing, of grit, determination and success - told in Stoney's inimitable voice." - Carl Corcoran, Veteran Broadcaster, Dublin, Ireland