They were the medieval ancestors of two U.S. Presidents, but were they the ruthless, land grabbing rogues history has painted them, or did they simply take up arms in defence of the Irish clans they had sworn to protect from the bloodthirsty hordes that surrounded them? The love story, cradled in their saga, so enthralled another U.S. President that he devoted many hours in composing a long poem entitled: 'The Conquest of Ireland'. This historical novel is a tale of betrayal and love, slaughter, mayhem, and deception and you, the reader, will find it hard to believe it is closely based on a true story! **************************************** The book contains many references to the Pagan culture which, despite the naysayers, existed in Ireland during that period; including the reason for wearing vizards on Hallowe'en, which is based on local homelore. It is also an attempt to regain ownership of a tradition which once was uniquely Irish. The Dia Mother, who is referred to in this novel, was accepted by the Celtic Church as the feminine face of god. Her worship has survived in Ireland to the present day through the veneration of Mary, the Virgin Mother of Jesus Christ. Statues of whom can still be seen in grotto's in every town and city in Ireland. This novel is an honest attempt to shed light on a historical miscarriage of justice and restore some dignity to a slandered man. Denis Byrne, Ireland 2014