Author who lived in Limerick briefly tells forgotten sea stories in fourth novel

AN AUTHOR who lived in Limerick briefly and worked at a well-known plant in the county is releasing his fourth historically-focused book.

Michael Gerard worked at the Irish Cement plant in Mungret and lived in Limerick prior to settling in America in 1985.

Originally from Kilkelly, Co Mayo, he is a longtime resident of Beaufort, South Carolina, USA.

He has recently published a new book and his fourth to date, a historical novel about two Irish master mariners who won important naval battle victories for their adopted homelands and helped them achieve national independence: Commodore John Barry and Admiral William Brown.

“I hope all is well in Limerick, as it is here in America,” Michael said.

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“This year, I am back with a book that pays homage to Ireland’s seafaring legacy. It is a story of the immense spirit possessed by the Irish, ready to shine once given the opportunity.

“From meagre beginnings in the Ireland of the 1700’s two young boys emigrated in hopes of finding better lives at sea and in foreign lands.

“The story of these remarkable Irishmen who did not forget Ireland in her hour of need, they sent money home to support family and freedom fighting organisations.”

His other three books; The Kimberley File, Ireland’s Final Rebellion and An American Dream and The Irish Merchant of Alicante; also have Irish links and Michael has a keen interest in history-focused societies in America and in Ireland.

“Limerick does get a mention in the author bio, for being my home during my early working career at the cement plant in Mungret,” Michael continued.

“Having the inclination to roam, [I] lived in Galway, Cork, Limerick and Dublin before I left Ireland’s shores in the late 1970’s.

After stints in other European countries and in Africa, I finally settled in America in 1985.”

His books are available in print, e-book, and audio editions on Amazon and IngramSpark.