Redeem the Lines

PRAISE FOR REDEEM THE LINES“As a middle-aged man born and living in Ireland. I can attest that the story line, with fascinating detail about Nate and Patrick, almost mirrors in reverse the journey of many Irishmen to the USA. Mike Murphy tells a gripping story of underworld situations as well as life in rural and urban Ireland in the 1990s.Reading some of the sections took me back to bars and nightclubs I visited and historical family situations I experienced.The story is descriptive and superbly crafted and provides honest backdrops for a changing and historical period in transatlantic travel and the situations people faced to try build a better life and livelihood.”—NIALL CULL, CEO, DLR Leisure, Dublin, Ireland“Redeem the Lines is an eye opening and inspiring read. The friendship of Patrick and Nate occurs during a time of troubled cultural lines in 1990s Boston. Through Patrick and Nate’s differences, their souls bond and show how human relationships can grow through conflict resolution and open minds.”—CHENOA MAXWELL, livelimitlessly.com“Michael Murphy has expanded the saga of Patrick and Nate from the neighborhoods of Boston to the far reaches of Connemara, Ireland. Their exploits are at times bleak, often darkly humorous, and always compelling. Redemption comes in different ways, and Murphy weaves a complex tale of old loyalties challenged in a more modern world.”—CHRISTOPHER MURRAY, Boston Attorney“Redeem the Lines is an engaging sequel to Neighborhood Lines, the story of Nate and Patrick, two young men coming of age in a city with strong racial and economic boundaries. As they transition into adulthood, the excitement doesn’t slow down on this thrilling ride through the inner city of Boston.”—CORNELL MILLS, Roxbury, Boston, Massachusetts“Redeem the Lines is a compelling story and a must-read. It tells the story of two young men from working class backgrounds whose lives intertwine over the years. The battle to overcome their inner demons is a war against themselves. Reading Murphy’s book has left me reflecting about my own existence and about Dublin in the 80s.”—COLM PIERCE, colmpiercephotography.com, Dublin, Ireland“Nate and Patrick, the lead characters in this story, have pushed me to think about what I truly stand for, as well as what I have come to tolerate in my world. Michael Patrick Murphy couldn’t have written such an insightful tale had it not been for his own personal transformation.Growing up Irish Catholic, I recall Father Sean Walsh as the only clergy member who didn’t threaten me with damnation for my sins. He told me that redemption was a power to change for the better that I This is a work of fiction. Although most of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in the novel are based on actual historical counterparts, the dialogue and thoughts of these characters are products of the author’s imagination.Published by River Grove BooksAustin, TXwww.rivergrovebooks.comCopyright © 2023 Michael MurphyAll rights reserved. The following images are reproduced under license from Alamy, Inc. All rights reserved.Page vi: Paul Revere monument at Paul Revere Mall in the North End of Boston. Massachusetts. Sean Pavone/Alamy Stock Photo.Page 6: Funeral for victim of police beating. Jim West/Alamy Stock Photo.Page 10: Jail cell at American Police Hall of Fame Titusville, Florida. Ilene MacDonald/Alamy Stock Photo.Page 89: Roundstone, Co Galway, Ireland, the harbour with a regatta and a traditional pub. Design Pics Inc/Alamy Stock Photo.Page 128: Quay Street, Galway, Ireland. Fabrizio Troiani/ Alamy Stock Photo.Page 163: The Clarence Hotel in Dubling owned by U2 band members Bono and The Edge. Tim Cuff/Alamy Stock Photo.Page 216: China Town in Boston. Enrico Della Pietra/Alamy Stock Photo.Page 225: 1980s Combat zone adult entertainment area Washington Essex Boston Massachusetts USA. ClassicStock/Alamy Stock Photo.Page 251: Boston skyline with outdoor basketball courts and baseball field in the foreground. Alan Myers/Alamy Stock Photo.Page 309: Photograph taken during the aftermath of the London Docklands bombing. The London Docklands bombing (also known as the South Quay bombing or erroneously referred to as the Canary Wharf bombing) occurred on 9 February, 1996, when the Provisions Irish Republican Army (IRA) detonated a powerful truck bomb in South Quay (which is outside Canary Wharf). World History Archive/Alamy Stock Photo.Page 183: This image is reproduced under license from Colm Pierce, www.colmpiercephotography.comThe following images are reproduced under license from Getty Images. All rights reserved.Page 16: Democratic presidential candidate Bill Clinton. Tim Clary.Page 18: The Eire Pub. Rick Friedman.Page 30: Irish Boxers work out at the Petronelli Brothers gym in Brockton. Midea News Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images.Page 33: First day of ceasefire in Northern Ireland. Mathieu Polak.Page 52: Press conference displays cache of arms transported by Valhalla Boat. Boston Globe.Page 99: Ireland starts easing level 5 COVID-19 restrictions. NurPhoto.Page 105: Mountain sheep, Od Bog Road, Connemara, Ireland. Tim Graham.Page 130: Boston police department anti-gang violence unit. Boston Globe.Page 132: Jury studies Tiffany Moore Crime Scene. Boston Globe.Page 133: Boston Mayor Menino tours neighborhoods impacted by gang violence. Boston Globe.Page 183: James J. “whitey” Bulger named to FBI Ten Most Wanted fugitive list. Boston Globe.Thank you for purchasing an authorized edition of this book and for complying with copyright law. No part of this book may be reproduced,