Acknowledgements

Many people, both in Ireland and in this country, gave me help in researching The Bright One.

I wish particularly to thank Veronica Steele, who answered scores of questions and also accompanied me to the scenes of her childhood in the West of Ireland.

I also wish to thank Veronica’s mother, Mrs Mary Corbett, who looked back for me over a lifetime of more than ninety years, and Mary’s son, Paddy Corbett, who shared his reminiscences and sang and recorded songs for me.

I also wish to include other kind friends in County Clare who gave us such warm hospitality.

Once again, I thank my son, Anthony Rhodes, who accompanied me on my research trips. With the utmost patience he took me wherever I wanted to go, and joined in in all my research.