New Book from Local Author Mary Lou Connolly

Growing Up IrishMary Lou (Sullivan) Connolly lived the first 14 years of her life on Newbury Street in the Hungry Hill neighborhood of Springfield, Massachusetts. Her unique experiences growing up in this primarily working class, Irish Catholic section of the city shaped her childhood. She decided to commit her wonderful memories to paper— hence, Growing Up Irish, Memories of a Hungry Hill Childhood.

In her book, Mary Lou shares stories of the characters and events that were an integral part of her childhood in the 50’s and 60’s, including memories of her Irish immigrant grandparents, her parents and three brothers, friends, and her Catholic education. Full of self-deprecating humor and warmth, this book is about a special childhood in a special time and place.

Mary Lou is a graduate of Cathedral High School in Springfield, St. Francis Nursing School in Hartford, Boston College (BSN), and Boston University (MSN). She practiced nursing in a variety of settings and ended her 40-plus year career managing a home health consulting business. 

After living in the Boston area for several years, she met and married her husband Barry and following a short stay in Dearborn, Michigan, moved to Del Mar, California where they raised their children Meaghan and Michael.

Growing Up Irish, Memories of a Hungry Hill Childhood can be purchased online.