The Winds of Shallamere

Brief Synopsis of the Play - In 1867, the Great Famine was still vividly real in the minds of those who had survived its horrors. Peadar McNamara, a tenant farmer in his sixties, had managed to keep the wolf from the door and raise a family (James, Brid, and Thomas). His wife had died sixteen years previously, after giving birth to their youngest son. Despite having been evicted from Ross Mahon's estate, Peadar was fortunate when he wandered into the townland of Shallamere, in east Galway, and stumbled on a small holding which had become available. One Henry Dalton and his young family had just emigrated to America. The Daltons had been evicted by Thaddeus O'Loughlin, the agent for the local landlord, Lord Watson Simmons. Henry Dalton died shortly after arriving in America. His widow, Nora, and two young sons were fortunate to meet a prosperous trader from Maine, who raised Pat and Tadhg Dalton as his own. Samuel Carlton was good to the Daltons. They were well raised and educated. The brothers fought with the infamous 20th Maine Regiment of the Union Army, during the American Civil War, distinguishing themselves at Gettysburg. After the war, they were recruited by the Fenians and returned to Ireland; to help lead the Fenian Rising. The Daltons and the McNamaras become acquainted when they meet after the Rising has failed and as the Daltons make their way towards the coast, in an effort to meet a Fenian organiser, Jack O'Sullivan, who is arranging their safe return to New York. Unfortunately, O'Sullivan has other plans for the Daltons. Trying to avoid the 'peelers' who are in pursuit and negotiate the rugged landscape on foot, is taking its toll. The situation becomes more complicated when young Thomas McNamara develops a friendship with Kate O'Loughlin, the daughter of the Landlord's agent. Their association threatens the safety and security of all.