A Road Less Travelled: Tales of the Irish Missionaries

From the Amazon rainforest to the South Pacific islands, and from India to the African plains, thousands of Irish missionaries devote themselves to the practical service of humanity. Working in dozens of countries around the globe, these missionaries have made an invaluable contribution to their adopted lands. Serving as pioneering health workers, as teachers of the poor (and sometimes as mentors to future world leaders), and as courageous advocates for marginalized peoples, Irish missionaries have left enduring and valuable legacies in fields as diverse as medicine, education, politics, ecology, and sport. In the course of their work, they face enormous challenges. They must adapt to the harsh environments of jungles, deserts, or city slum; wrestle with obscure languages; and offer respite to the victims of war, famine, or tribal violence. Some have paid a high price at the hands of bandits, hostile regimes, or tropical diseases. These men and women have had unique adventures, misadventures, and truly extraordinary experiences. This book provides vivid personal accounts of the most memorable experiences in their adopted homes. The stories they tell are amusing, informative, and in some cases harrowing - but always engrossing. *** "...a collection of narratives the purpose of which is not only to give voice to but to 'salute' Irish missionaries. The result is a veritable cornucopia of experiences representing but the surface of a rich history in need of further exploration." - Irish Literary Supplement, Spring 2013Ã?Â?Ã?Â?Ã?Â?Ã?Â?