"In the Shadow of the Ombu Tree"

Dear Conrad
I am delighted to find this new website. My interest in Uruguay goes back 65 years, as a result of a story told to me by my mother. My greatgrandparents, John and Catherine (Doyle) Cardiff, eloped to Uruguay in the 1860's. They had five children there, one of them my grandmother, Sarah. They returned to Ireland after some years and had a further four children. John deserted his family and returned to Uruguay where he was killed in violent circumstances.

My wife, Margaret and I visited Santa Catalina, Soriano, in 2001, the place where they settled. We were made very welcome indeed. One of the results of this visit is my novel "In the Shadow of the Ombu Tree" published in Ireland in 2005, which is based loosely on their lives during those turbulent times. I am stil investigating the possibility of a Spanish language edition.

The other result is the friendships we have formed with many people in Uruguay. We returned in 2006 with our daughter and son in law, and four small grandchildren, to present the book to these friends and to acquaint the children with the home of their ancestors. This was a wonderful experience for all of us.

Arising out of this trip, we are expecting a large contingent from Old Christians, Carrasco, in Skerries for St. Patrick's Day 2008. We will have some rugby and futbol and we expect, some good fun. All are welcome to join us.

My details: Hugh Fitzgerald Ryan. Occupation: Novelist, artist and retired teacher of English.
Born Skerries, Co. Dublin, Ireland, 11th June 1941
Email hfryan@eircom.net 00353 (0)1 8490820

I look forward to keeping in contact with www.uruguayirlanda.com

Sincerely

Hugh F. Ryan