New Release: Me Grandfather by Br Kilian Beirne
Leitrim Books is honoured to announce the republication of Me Grandfather: A Graphic Picture of Rural Ireland by Brother Kilian Beirne. Originally published in 1969, this memoir serves as a wonderfully preserved time capsule of early twentieth-century life near Drumshanbo. Brother Kilian, born Joseph Beirne, left County Leitrim in his youth to join the Brothers of Holy Cross in the United States, spending over a half-century as a dedicated educator at institutions across the country. Yet, his heart clearly remained tethered to the hearths and fields of his childhood. It is a distinct privilege for us to share Brother Kilian’s memories of a rural community anchored by faith, daily labour, and the enduring art of storytelling around the fire.
For decades, this volume has been a genuinely rare find. Upon its initial release, the book found a devoted audience among Irish emigrant communities—particularly in New Haven, Connecticut—who quickly bought out the original print run, eventually leaving even the Leitrim County Library with just a single, non-circulating copy. Featuring a new foreword by Brother Stephen LaMendola, C.S.C., who warmly recalls the author’s precise instruction and dry humour, this new edition restores access to a vanished agrarian world. We believe that modern readers, whether tracing their own Leitrim roots or simply seeking an authentic, welcoming voice, will find great resonance in these pages today.
To assist those who might wish to share Brother Kilian’s story within their own local circles, we have made two printable flyers available on our website. One provides a brief overview of his life and the memoir, while the other includes a simple QR code directing readers to where the book may be ordered. We warmly welcome anyone interested in passing along this piece of Leitrim’s history to download and share these resources as they see fit. Should you require a higher-resolution version of either flyer for printing, please feel free to contact us.
[Learn more and order your copy of Me Grandfather here]
