Böcker av Michael Sands

I began this project after thinking that some tunes in the Irish tradition do not always get a chance to tell their story. Often many tunes don't even have a name - gan ainm - or it has been forgotten or are referred to as 'do you know this one?' or 'what do you call that one?' I asked my friends to suggest fifty random tune titles which came from the tradition already or were ones they had thought of themselves for a self composed tune. I decided then that the title of the tune could lead me anywhere; I would not necessarily bind myself to what that the tune's title may suggest. However, I did research some of the older tunes and their origin stories and some intrigued me so much I used those. For the original tunes I agreed that if the writer was happy to give me their inspiration for the tune I would stick reasonably close to that story. In short order I had my volunteers both old and new. What follows is the culmination of a lifetime in Irish Traditional Music and several months wondering why I ever started this madness in the first place! The poems come in various shapes and sizes and hopefully a wide range of emotions are to be found within. I strongly encourage you to read them aloud in a crowded room with a glass of something to keep you warm. I dedicate this work to my wife, Catherine and our children, Katie and Tóla. Tá grá agam daoibh go deo.

Michael's work opens a window to the spirit, to the depth of what it is to be Irish in the 21st century. His words show pedigree and provenance, a consciousness of roots and what he has inherited from our tradition, a continuance of legacy for which the Irish people are famed.Barry Kerr - musician, artist, singer & songwriter.

This is an epic Irish fantasy adventure set along the magical North Antrim Coast. It tells the tale of the fairies of Nut Hollow, an idyllic spot at the foot of the field where the river runs. They have lived happily these many years with only the occasional worry but all of a sudden worry knocks loudly upon their doors. Nefairious, the fairy gone bad is back, and he's in no mood for handshakes or cups of tea. He plans to claim Nut Hollow as his own and release his dastardly father, Neroh from captivity in the Fairy Thorn. Into this fairy war are thrown two little human girls, who are down at the foot of the field looking for an adventure. Little did they know that an adventure was looking for them!Of course, Katie and Dara befriend the fairies and swear to help them. But will it be enough what with the fussy old salmon, Saroist, the short tempered seal, Rachary, the evil crow Préak and a host of other animals and fairies thrown together in this battle for survival and journey of a lifetime?