It isn't always easy raising a family without much money, but the O'Sullivans prove that it is not only possible, but that there is no price tag on fun and adventure. Father, Mother, Michael, Brigid and twins Francie and Liam share a warm and mirthful existence in their cottage at Bantry Bay—the fullness of which spills out into the Irish countryside round about. Michael and Brigid brave gypsies, bogs and lonely roads to sell a donkey in Kenmare for much needed cash, bringing back with them an outcast gypsy dog. It is this dog, Bran, who brings help to lost and hurting Francie and Liam when they have followed, in play, the English army too far from home. Bran also uncovers a secret which will enable Francie to be sent to Dublin for an operation on his foot. Here is a picture of an Ireland that once was; a story which is yet wonderfully timeless in its celebration of family love and hope.
Mother washed up the tea things and settled herself in a chair with her knitting. Michael fetched Father's pipe and tobacco and took a stool to sit beside him, whilst Brigid and her homemade rag doll shared the bench in the chimney corner with the twins. They made a nice picture, as they sat around the flickering fire. Michael, the eldest boy, had a round freckled face, merry eyes, and a mop of red hair; Brigid was the pretty one with red-gold curls and an elfin face. They chubby twins looked like sweet blond cherubs, though they often acted otherwise.
"How are ye feeling now, Father?" Mrs. O'Sullivan asked anxiously, when she'd finished counting stitches.
"Better, much better," Father said. "But I'm afraid I won't be able to go to Kenmare tomorrow to bring Farmer Flynn the donkey he wanted to buy from me."
"Will he mind, Father?" Michael asked.
Father smiled sadly. "He may not, son-o, but I do. He may buy some other donkey, and then where will be? Mother needs the money, doesn't she?"
Mother sighed a little, but she smiled bravely and said: "No harm, we'll manage." By the way her needles clicked the children could tell she did mind. There was always a lot to be bought and never much money to do it with.
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