The Execution, Life and Times of Patrick O'Donnell: The Last Days of a Condemned Man

History tells us that Patrick O'Donnell was hanged in Newgate Prison in December 1883 for the murder of James Carey, the infamous Phoenix Park Killer and notorious Irish informer. History however tells us almost nothing of his remarkable life. Letters of clemency sent to his trial by Victor Hugo and US President Chester A. Arthur hint at an extraordinary life for an Irish peasant.

Explore his life and times through this unique work of creative fiction, entwined with historical fact; from the Great Hunger to the typhoid sheds of Quebec; from his service in the Confederate army and capture at Chattanooga in 1863 to the O'Donnell massacre at Wiggan's Patch, Pennsylvania; and ultimately to that fateful day off the coast of Port Elizabeth when he put three bullets into Carey. The last days of this condemned man were spent recording his life in a series of letters which remained undiscovered for 133 years - recently uncovered and published for the first time herein.

British agent, hero of Ireland, or something else altogether?