Tim Foley book sheds new light on Annascaul’s polar explorer

UK-BASED author Tim Foley is celebrating after the recent online release of his book, ‘Crean: the Extraordinary Life of an Irish Hero’, which focuses on his idol, Annascaul Antarctic explorer Tom Crean.

Mr Foley administrates the ‘Ireland Should Honour Tom Crean’ Facebook page and spearheaded a petition calling for an Irish Naval Vessel to be named in Crean’s honour.

Mr Foley said he has unearthed new information during 18 months of intensive research, calling on the help of archivists at home and abroad.

“For instance, who knew that Crean’s first naval outing as an 18-year-old, took him to South America and close to conflict in Nicaragua,” Mr Foley told The Kerryman. “The book covers the Ireland that he was born into as well as the Ireland that he returned to; both formed the man he was.”

It also explores Crean’s heroic exploits in Antarctica and contains accounts of those he saved.

The e-book version is available at www.smashwords.com/ books/view/875280. A print version will be available in the coming weeks, with a hardback version to be made available in September. Enquiries can be directed to info@tomcreanbook.com.