In the middle of the 19th century a disease hits potato crops across Europe, which has a devastating effect on small tenant farmers in Ireland. The Westminster government recognises it as ”the hand of God” and does not intervene. A million people die and a further two million people are forced to emigrate as refugees, mainly to the new world of the United States.This is the story of five people, three who emigrate to America and are swept up in the division of the country which leads to civil war. Brothers Pádraig and Caelan from Skibbereen travel to the New World and end up on opposite sides of the conflict. Mary arrives as a refugee in Five Points and is caught up in the turbulence of New York City.Peadar, Mary’s father, finds work on a Famine Road in County Cork. Cormac seeks refuge among Boleymen on the Sheep’s Head peninsula. Each in their own way and differing circumstance find love and discover its redemptive qualities.Pádraig O’Gorman divides his time between his home in Clonakilty, County Cork, Ireland and Vienna, Austria. He spent his life in contributing to development. Establishing a ‘not for profit’ community cooperative Cartref Ni Ltd in North Wales in 1991 to provide support to disabled people to live in their own home. Subsequently spending 20 years in international development, mostly in Asia but also the Caribbean and Eastern Europe working with local non- governmental organisations supporting people in need. Pádraig is a member of the Vienna Storytelling Collective shich meets monthly at Cafe Korb and a member o Spoken Word at deBarras pub at Clonakilty.Raphael Nicholas studied acting at the University Mozarteum Salzburg and worked for two years at Theater Magdeburg, followed by another two years at Theater der Jugend in Vienna. From 2013 to 2025 he was an ensemble member at TAG – Theater an der Gumpendorfer Straße, where he played leading and supporting roles in numerous productions. He is also a voice artist, musician, acting coach and works in film and television.
