Deadly! Irish History - The Normans

John Farrelly was born and raised in a village just outside Newry, Co. Down. After dropping out of art college because all he wanted to do was write stories and draw pictures, he became a freelance caricature artist. He always did a full day's work - he just spread it over the whole week. Finally, after a three-day siege, where no one was injured and all hostages were released, The O'Brien Press let him write stories and draw pictures.John died in October 2025.

‘Farrelly’s writing and drawings never miss a beat in this well-informed and witty account of the Celts … with comic strips, guess-the-answer sessions, roll-the-dice-to-see-which character-you-are games, how to make your own games board or roundhouse ... Great fun!’

• Introduction 6It’s the Fort That Counts – Before Castles 10Naughty Normans – Strongbow and the Norman Invasion 13We Moat Be Here For a While – Building a Castle 22An Irishman’s (Tower) House is His Castle – Tower Houses 36You’re Not Going Out in That! – Medieval Fashion 42Odd Jobs – Work and Trade 49This One Will Slay You – War and Fighting 58Medieval and Medigood – Crime and Punishment 74 You Want Me To Eat What?!? – Food and Drink 82Bleeding Good Humour – Medieval Medicine 90Winding Down – Fun and Leisure 100 Isobel, Hugh and Fionntán – Medieval Kids 109Séamus the Sinister Swordsman 120Visiting a Castle Ruin 132Normans’ Land – Legacy of the Normans 134Famous Irish Castles Map 138Timeline 139Answers 142