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A Criminal and an Irishman  By  cover art

A Criminal and an Irishman

By: Patrick Nee, Richard Farrell, Michael Blythe
Narrated by: R. C. Bray
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Publisher's summary

A Criminal and an Irishman is the story of Pat Nee's life as an Irish immigrant and Southie son, a Marine, a convicted IRA gun smuggler, and a former violent rival and then associate of Whitey Bulger. His narrative transports the listener into the criminal underworld, inside planning and preparation for an armored car heist, inside gang wars and revenge killings. Nee details his evolution from tough street kid to armed robber to dangerous potential killer, and discloses for the first time how he used his underworld connections and know-how as a secret, Boston-based operative for the Irish Republican Army.

For years, Pat smuggled weapons and money from the United States to Ireland - in the bottoms of coffins, behind false panels of vans - leading up to a transatlantic shipment of seven and a half tons of munitions aboard the fishing trawler Valhalla. No other Southie underworld figure can match Pat's reputation for resolve and authenticity.

©2006, 2007 Patrick Nee, Richard Farrell, Michael Blythe and Thomas Lyons (P)2011 Patrick Nee, Richard Farrell, Michael Blythe and Thomas Lyons

Critic reviews

"A profane, often brutal memoir . . . Nee maintained an uneasy alliance with [Whitey] Bulger while persuing his personal cause -- raising money and smuggling weapons for the Irish Republican Army." ( The Boston Herald)
"Nee commits some horrible crimes, from attempted murder to armed robbery. Yet even as he chases someone with a rifle through South Boston, he's the sort of guy you want to root for." ( The Lawrence Eagle-Tribune)

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What listeners say about A Criminal and an Irishman

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Interesting for fans of the genre

Being a criminal and an Irishman myself, I found it interesting. However, not sure how much it would appeal to a general audience

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Well worth a listen!

This was an interesting glimpse into the Irish struggle for independence. If you want to learn more about American support for Irish independence this is a must read!

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Irish

As an Irishman I know what it is to be Irish. Others who are not Irish should read this book to know what the true meaning of being an Irishman . Well done Patrick Nee!!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A must listen for proud Irish Americans.

An incredible testimony of a proud American and Irish Nationalist! Eire go brach! Couldn't put it down

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Memorable and relatable.

Incredible story, with perfect narration. Worth every second. Day one: I listened to fifteen minutes, turned off. Day two: finished it without pausing and it kept my full undivided attention. Will absolutely recommend to family and friends!

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  • Overall
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Good Overview

Good overview of an interesting and violent time in Boston's history, there's more to the story that isn't given here. It's definitely worth a listen though

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well worth it!

was a very well told story. I loved it. highly recommend. pat nee is a stand up guy

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Great storytelling and narration.

Great storytelling and narration. Mr Bray excelled in his Boston accents. Intetesting side to a story that we as Americans never hear.

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Narrator makes the book

Great narration really bought this book to life. A few moments 'skipped' in the Audio book and I even re-wound to check. Not sure if that was an original recording issue or a download one.
The men spoken of in this book are criminals. No getting around it. If it was easier to take than earn, then that was their choice. That of course lent me to have no real feeling towards them. A couple of recalled events such as the poor lady who didn't cope well with a robbery, were enjoyable.
This book will educate some on what some Irish went thru in the past and I still find it difficult to understand how such a very small island can be split in two. Having been to Ireland myself, it just doesn't make sense at all and must still cause tensions.
I enjoyed this book and really appreciate the effort that R.C. Bray put into the accents. It makes books so much easier on the ears when they put that extra effort in.

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Interesting Story and Great Narration

It's interesting to listen to a behind the scenes account from someone who lived it. Great Story, Awesome Narration. If you are into mob stories, the IRA, History, or even just Boston, then this is def worth the listen.

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