Farinella’s account in his book: From the Emerald Ireland to the Black Forest - Irish Monks at the Roots of the European and German History – It vividly contributes to a better understanding of Europe’s historical roots and urges for a conscious care of them in the present.

-Prof. Dr. Jürgen Brautmeier

I am delighted to contribute to this important and timely publication, which underscores the long-standing connections between Ireland and Germany. Irish monks played a huge role not only in spreading Christianity throughout Europe but also in education and literacy. Their monasteries were centres of learning which preceded the founding of Europe’s first universities. Our strength lies in our common purpose or in the language of the monks, who set out all those centuries ago, “ní neart go cur le chéile”. “There is no strength without unity.”

-Michael Collins