Vividly narrated by Don’s son Fergus, this is the first account of an Irish citizen as a POW along the infamous River Kwai, offering fresh insights into a chapter of history that the world presumes it knows.

This poignant and thoroughly researched story is crafted to resonate with a wide Irish audience, from general readers to history enthusiasts alike, and with those further afield who hold a fascination with war history and the iconic River Kwai. Elements of love, mystery and survival broaden its appeal, ensuring a connection with a diverse readership.

Ballybunion to the River Kwai is more than a biography; it’s a journey through the darkest times to find light, love and resilience. It’s a story that promises to touch hearts, provoke thought, and, perhaps most importantly, remind us of the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Fergus Kennedy is a retired family doctor with a lifelong passion for history. He was born and raised in Waterford and received his medical degree from University College Dublin in 1977. He emigrated to Canada in 1982, and for over thirty years has lived on Vancouver Island with his wife and family. He has been researching his father’s experiences as a prisoner of war in Japan throughout his adult life.

More Information
ISBN 9781804583326
Author Fergus Kennedy
Publisher Gill Books
Publication date 8 May 2025
Format Paperback
Weight 0.650000
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Ballybunion to the River Kwai (An Irish Memoir)

An Irishman’s Story of Survival on the Death Railway.

Ballybunion to the River Kwai is the remarkable story of Don Kennedy’s harrowing experience as an Irish prisoner of war under the Japanese from 1942–45. 

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