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Duty, and other Irish Comedies   By:

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Duty, and other Irish Comedies by Seumas O'Brien is a delightful collection of humorous tales set in the charming Irish countryside. The author's ability to capture the idiosyncrasies of the Irish culture and present them in a lighthearted manner is truly commendable.

The book is comprised of multiple short stories, each exploring various aspects of Irish life, from family dynamics to quaint village traditions. O'Brien's writing style is simple yet captivating, drawing the reader in with his vivid descriptions and witty dialogue. He effortlessly creates a sense of familiarity, making it easy to empathize with the characters and their relatable predicaments.

One of the standout stories in the collection is "Duty," from which the book takes its title. This particular tale follows the misadventures of a lovable bachelor named Sean as he navigates the expectations of his family and community to settle down. O'Brien infuses the narrative with a healthy dose of irony and sarcasm, highlighting the absurdity of societal pressure while never failing to entertain.

Another gem within this collection is "The Fiddle and the Fairies," a whimsical story that combines traditional Irish folklore with O'Brien's comedic touch. The protagonist, Paddy, finds himself in a surreal situation when he inadvertently angers a group of mischievous fairies. The ensuing chaos and Paddy's humorous attempts to appease the fairies provide moments of laughter and amusement.

In addition to its humor, the book also touches on deeper themes of love, friendship, and the importance of community. O'Brien masterfully weaves these elements into the fabric of each story, adding depth and heart to the overall collection. Readers will find themselves not only laughing but also reflecting on the values and traditions that make Irish culture so special.

While the book primarily focuses on comedy, it is not without some poignant moments that sneak up on the reader. O'Brien's ability to switch seamlessly between light-hearted humor and heartfelt emotions is what sets this collection apart. It tugs at your heartstrings, leaving you with a lingering warmth and a deeper appreciation for life's simple pleasures.

Duty, and other Irish Comedies is a must-read for anyone looking for a dose of laughter and a glimpse into the charming world of Irish humor. Seumas O'Brien's talent for storytelling shines through in every page, leaving the reader wanting more. This collection is a testament to the author's wit, keen observational skills, and love for his country's rich heritage.

First Page:

DUTY AND OTHER IRISH COMEDIES

[Illustration: FROM THE DRY POINT STUDY BY P. GRASSBY]

DUTY AND OTHER IRISH COMEDIES

BY

SEUMAS O'BRIEN

1916

CONTENTS

DUTY JURISPRUDENCE MAGNANIMITY MATCHMAKERS RETRIBUTION

DUTY

A COMEDY IN ONE ACT

CHARACTERS

HEAD CONSTABLE MULLIGAN A Member of the Royal Irish Constabulary SERGEANT DOOLEY A Member of the R.I.C. CONSTABLE HUGGINS A Member of the R.I.C. MICUS GOGGIN PADNA SWEENEY MRS. ELLEN COTTER A public house keeper

DUTY was produced for the first time at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin, December 17, 1913, with the following cast:

Head Constable Mulligan, R.I.C. ARTHUR SINCLAIR Sergeant Dooley, R.I.C. FRED O'DONOVAN Constable Huggins, R.I.C. SYDNEY J. MORGAN Micus Goggin J.M. KERRIGAN Padna Sweeney J.A. O'ROURKE Mrs. Ellen Cotter UNA O'CONNOR

DUTY

Back kitchen of a country public house. Micus and Padna seated at a table drinking from pewter pints. Mrs. Cotter enters in response to a call .

PADNA ( pointing to pint measures ) Fill 'em again, ma'am, please.

MRS. COTTER ( taking pints, and wiping table ) Fill 'em again, is it? Indeed I won't do any such thing.

MICUS Indeed you will, Mrs. Cotter... Continue reading book >>




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