The Bike, The Bog & The Graveyard
Denny Mulvihill
Whether climbing Croagh Patrick or cycling the length and breadth of Ireland, Denny Mulvihill was always up for a challenge; a man with a big heart and a good sense of humour. In The Bike, The Bog & The Graveyard, Denny invites readers to join him on a journey of a different kind; through his life as he recounts good and bad times.
Growing up in rural Shanagolden in the 1940s and ’50s, times were tough and he had a fraught relationship with his father. Following an apprenticeship as a mechanic, Denny honed his skills as a heavy-duty plant fitter which led to work with various companies, including the legendary ‘Green Murphy’ in London.
After a disastrous few months in Nigeria, he vowed never to return. Yet with money tight – and spotting a job advertisement at just the right time – Denny once again took the plunge and returned. From eating bush rabbit to witnessing the aftermath of war, Denny recalls his experiences in the Nigerian bush. Further travels brought him to Saudi Arabia, where he encountered the strict religious police, the Mutawa, and witnessed some of Saudi’s harshest rules.
After retiring as a fitter, Denny joined his wife Mary Theresa in the family funeral business, Kelly’s Undertakers. Together they helped countless local families through their darkest hours. Heartbreaking stories of burying young and old are recalled with compassion, alongside a few light-hearted tales from Denny’s years as an undertaker.
The Bike, The Bog & The Graveyard is an honest, heartfelt account of an ordinary man – who faced many difficulties both during his childhood and in later life, as a husband and father. A skilled mechanic always in demand, an undertaker always in need, and a cyclist who was rarely off his bike. All sides of Denny Mulvihill are here in these pages.
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8 reviews for The Bike, The Bog & The Graveyard
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Margaret Costello (verified owner) –
It was a great story!! sad sometimes….but real! Loved it!! Leaves a lasting impression!!
Norris Mary Theresa (verified owner) –
Highly recommend this book. It is honest, entertaining and very inspiring. One of the best books I have read.
Barbara Kelly (verified owner) –
The book describes what life was like growing up in Shanagolden, Co. Limerick. Sadly, not all memories are happy ones. There is an account of what it was like working in the bush in Nigeria and the culture shock of working in Saudi Arabia, under Sharia law and the watchful eye of the Mutawa. Denis recalls some anecdotes when working in the undertaking business – always with respect for the deceased. He pays tribute to his wife Mary, who helped steer the ship through troubled waters and calm seas. Throughout his life Denis had a passion for cycling and both he and Mary raised thousands of euros for various charitable causes. His final message is “when life throws lemons at you – make lemonade!” Always talk to someone about your troubles and don’t bottle them up!
Viv Condon (verified owner) –
An inspirational and very personal story. Denny’s journey feels honest and relatable, making it easy to connect with the emotions, struggles, and triumphs shared in the book. The writing flows smoothly, keeping the story enjoyable and engaging from beginning to end. Overall, it is a great read that inspires, uplifts, and leaves a lasting impression.
Helen Broderick –
This book is a narrative tale of the author’s life from early childhood to present day. Although written in colloquial language, it resonates with a country wide readership demographic of the forties and to present day Ireland. It’s a witty, charming and often humorous read that evokes memories of an age that included the Silent Generation (born 1928-1945) or the older end of the Baby Boomer age (born 1946-1964). The reality of life during that time and up to present day is clearly and honestly defined in this book. Demanding to be read in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommended as a great read, it’s a book that will appeal to all, young and older.