Reviews

"Despite being under the yoke of colonialism, many Irish came out to Rhodesia and quickly settled and often prospered, but the MIA rallied those who wanted to retain something of their heritage and came to stand for a certain diversity of experience. This Miscellany provides rich insights on the history of the MIA offering another lens through which to perceive a different layer of Zimbabwe's complex history. A compelling read for those interested in the history of the MIA which to this day remains a vibrant Irish Association." - HE Liam MacGabhann Ambassador of Ireland to South AfricaThis book is to be warmly welcomed. It is an important and timely contribution to our knowledge of the greatest under developed resource Ireland possesses---her Diaspora. Though the Irish had of necessity to work under a colonial regime it is a demonstrable fact that they left the continent better than they found it. After the winds of change had blown though the continent in the sixties how many of the new leaders and old freedom fighters were found to have been educated by Irish missionaries? They did this not for reasons of colonial aggrandisement but, in the words of the Irish poet, Tom Kettle: ... for a dream born in a herdsman's shed, And the secret scriptures of the poor. Their work was worthy and so is this book." - Tim Pat Coogan, Irish historian, writer and broadcaster