Notes on the Forgotten and the Famous

This collection brings together a wide-ranging series of essays, many of which have been previously published in respected Irish interest magazines such as Ireland’s Own and Ireland’s Eye. The subjects vary—from celebrated names like Bob Dylan, Rosa Parks, and Nikola Tesla to lesser-known but equally compelling figures such as Kay McNulty and Maeve Kyle. What links them all is a commitment to storytelling that is accessible, engaging, and rooted in real-world relevance.

Many of these stories began with a date—a centenary, a death, an overlooked birthday—and grew into explorations of legacy and impact. Others were sparked by new films, emerging scholarship, or public debate. All were written with the general reader in mind: curious, thoughtful, and drawn to the deeper layers behind familiar names or long-forgotten footnotes.

While the tone is informal and journalistic, the ambition is clear—to shine a light on stories worth revisiting and people worth remembering.