A Criminal and an Irishman

The Inside Story of the Boston Mob - IRA Connection

By: Patrick Nee, Richard Farrell, Michael Blythe

Narrated by: R. C. Bray

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)

Truthful and honest

What made the experience of listening to A Criminal and an Irishman the most enjoyable?

I loved this book and I highly recommend it!

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

Very honest, straight facts.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, and I listened to it a second time right after finishing the first one.

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

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

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!!!

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!