Malta Press release.
https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2012-07-08/news/on-the-receiving-end-one-man-four-battles-312707/
John Ebel--Chicago USA
Natalie in Canada: Living in Canada, my children have a lot to learn about Irish history and my son has just reached a good age (10) for great discussion and understanding. Paddy has given me the most positive and beautiful opportunity for a wonderful opening into this subject with it all being focused around his own family. The long dicussions around the fire are wonderful and my son's next book talk presentation at School in October is based on this book. Having survived such horrific and tragic times, which I cannot even begin to imagine, Paddy has made so much good by sharing this. What is it they say, if you reach through to one person, the job has been worthwhile, well, together you have managed to reach far far much more. Truthfully, I am at loss for words to describe how this book makes me. I am so upset that one endured so much. The alternating waves of emotion are difficult. I ramble to Paddy about it in my prayers knowing he can hear me. Thank you again Mary for sharing this wonderful and yet tragic story, and I am so glad that you and Paddy met. Love Natalie, Ryan and Kiera. | |||
| J. McG::Fabulous read!!! Heart warming story x | |||
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| C Donnelly Message:: A Great Read |
Rosin McMenimen:: This is a life changing read. Bits keep coming back to me you should put together discussion group I know some of my family my sister mum and nephew have been greatly affected by reading this book.we had kept quoting bits of bk to each other and asking eachother or feelings. And reaction. How did packie cope keeping this to himself this book is astounding
Toni Forrester Mary I bought it for my husband. He thought it was excellent and has been spreading the word.
Ann O'Hanlon Read this in one evening - couldn't put it down - amazing story from a modest wee man.
Hi all! Can really recommend this book - a great read. Very emotional but a great history lesson for me who didn't do history at school! The website is lovely too. Enjoy!5 stars Unputdownable, 4 Sep 2011By Eliza This review is from: A Long Road To Freedom: The Life of Patrick McCrystal (Paperback) A Long Road to Freedom kept me captivated until I just had to put it down..and that was because I had reached the end of the story. I am not normally one to talk about war or to listen about war...never mind read a book about war, but Packie's story touched my heart with such intensity I felt a myriad of emotion for him - fear for his life, compassion for his lost youth and innocence, a deep sadness for what he endured and the sights he saw, for what he was ordered to do, and gratitude and joy for his return to his beloved homeland and the mammy he loved so much. But most of all, I felt a sense of pride in his courage, a sense of comradeship in his spirit, and a yearning to have his dear gotten wisdom reach the hearts of all that hold onto hatred and revenge, and all those who turn away with fear in their hearts. Thank you, Packie, for the part you played in my freedom. And thank you, Mary McCartan, for preserving his story. I am so happy he was given a voice.
5 stars One mans quiet fight for peace, By C. Beatty This review is from: A Long Road To Freedom: The Life of Patrick McCrystal (Paperback)This man, one of lifes true unassuming gentlemen never spoke of the troubles he endured - he never bragged; never complained; never asked for help - he had his own mechanism for dealing with the hardship he encountered.During the war, he watched his comrades die around him and he further suffered when as a prisoner of war he helped bury tens of thousands of innocent German civilians killed during Dresden. Then after the war, he suffered in silence when he knew his own community would not welcome his exploits; and then during Northern Ireland's own troubled history, he again suffered at the hands of terrorists when he had to bury his daughter Geraldine - he coped by remaining strong, silent but always cracked a joked or three to lift the spirits of his comrades, his friends and his family. This book is not written like a hollywood blockbuster - its the true hard tale of one mans personal experience - an experience he never wanted to reveal.
Eliza White Buffalo posted on A Long Road To Freedom's Wall.
"Big love and respect to Packie McCrystal who taught us it is never too late to lift your wings and take flight."
So enjoyed the book...congrats! Will review in Donegal Democrat and let you
know. Coincidentally, my late granduncle was a 'Faugha a Ballagh' and is buried
in Italy! See attached poem published a decade ago... While
researching my paternal family tree in Cavan, I discovered that Tommy Galligan
had been killed in Italy, having fought in North Africa. The Fusiliers motto
was ‘Faugh a Ballagh!’ – Clear the Way!) Frank Gilligan
IN MEMORY OF RIFLEMAN T.GALLIGAN
Army NO: 992905
I see you looking down your barrel,
As the hare explodes past Butler’s Hill,
But suddenly, as you squeeze the trigger,
A sandblast brings you back to hell.
Your tongue is dry and your heart is pounding,
Like when you sailed from Glasgow docks,
Your friends from Killeshandra laughing,
“We’ll soon be hunting the Desert Fox!”
On Two Tree Hill, you see Crossdoney,
Marahill and Ballinagh,
Your mother telling all the neighbours,
That her goson’s in Tunisia.
Did you see Simeto river,
Did you see the Salso run,
Were you back along Lough Oughter,
Running with your dog and gun?
As the German mortars pounded,
On the Mount Cassino slopes,
Did you hear wee Sammy laughing,
“I doubt we’ll hardly see the Pope?”
I see your caubeen on the roadside,
The hackle not a Patrick’s blue,
But stained like leaves in Killykeen,
A deep corroded copper hue.
Faugh a Ballagh, Faugh a Ballagh,
Clear the way, boys, clear the way,
Here’s the rifleman from Cavan,
Give him room this Judgement Day.
Angela McMenamin commented "Unputdownable, 4 Sep 2011 Angela wrote: "pg155>"He who asks no questions is never told a lie".pg89 "Bear witness to a heroism &devotion that will long be famous in history" Never remember a history class in school not even about the famine .aok? xo reading through burny eyes."
Roslyn Bell commented on "A Long Road To freedom".Roslyn wrote: "Touching true story beautifully written. Highly recommended read."
YES, it
was just wonderful! Not being so very knowledgeable about Irish history but
knowing quite a bit of WWII history, I found your book extremely interesting
and very well written with wonderfully descriptive language.
My wife commented how intently I was reading as I am not a voracious reader
normally stopping frequently midway through a book.Again very well done and thanks.
Regards, Jim McKane. Canada
5.0 out of 5 stars Truly remarkable story of courage and honour, 9 Sep 2011This review is from: A Long Road To Freedom: The Life of Patrick McCrystal (Paperback)This is an outstanding book that is written with a real sense of pride and honour. For those of us who were fortunate to have known Paddy, it is evident that his sense of humour and unique knack for story telling has not been lost in translation. Mary McCartan has truly captured his fun loving spirit.Paddy was like many men of his generation in that he did not speak of the terrible sufferings he endured, and since this book has been published I have been speaking to many people that tell me that their father or grandfathers endured the same Youth, but had died without passing on their story.If you are interested in the History of WW2 then you will love this book. Mary has obviously researched her history, and Paddy’s impeccable memory, right up to the ripe old age of 91 makes this a very interesting read for history buffs.For those of you who are just interested in reading about a humble man, who after putting up a brave fight during the War, had to face the loss of a precious daughter when Civil War in NI came to his very own Town, this will prove an emotional read.Having known the man Paddy was, and having finally been able to understand his plight, I feel very, very proud of him. He was, and still is, very much loved by all. I just hope his message of Peace can spread to all and make a difference!!Well done Mary and thank-you for sharing this story with us!!!!
Like the website and the overall look - There are big themes covered on the home page and I thought it might be an idea to have a quote from Paddy, to get a sense of the man and his insight into what happened Best wishes Cyril
That was put so beautifully, you've brought a happy tear to my eye.....Thank you.
He always was a people person...sooo happy drinking tea in his kitchen, with grand-kid's everywhere,& a revolving door of non-stop friend's & family. Always at the heart of the conversation, with a glint in his eye & always up to speed with whatever was current...He knew what was important in life...people...friends & family. Hope I live my life with half the dignity of me Granda, a real man in every sense of the word. Simply a beautiful man.
Joe (Packie's grandson) x
Amazon Review 5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating story!, 30 Aug 2011 This review is from: A Long Road To Freedom: The Life of Patrick McCrystal (Paperback) I loved this book so much I read it again! Truly Outstanding! The kind of book everyone should read at least once in there lifetime! - Mark
Eoghan: That was the first book I have ever read voluntarily and it was very intense as the story was full of happiness and sorrow and loss but I am very happy that I have read this book if only more people were like him the world would have been a better place god rest g uncle Packie and may Kate lay in peace too.
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