Maria Burke, a public community nurse with Kinsale Primary Care, is celebrating the recent publication of her book In Nursing I Found Me, which was officially launched last Sunday evening at Ballinadee Community Hall.

‘It was truly an amazing night. I am so humbled’ said Maria.

‘I’m getting great feedback from those that have read it, so all I need now is to have a conversation with the Minister for Health. Honestly, I am blown away.

The support of the local community has been so empowering’. Maria’s book covers a lifetime of nursing from the age of 17, including her experiences in Australia and Saudi Arabia. Beginning a ‘conscious journey’ in 2014, 

The book is the story of her life, including her relationship with her brother Francis, who lives with Down Syndrome and she credits as the person who made her who she is today.

‘I am who I am for having the relationship I have and continue to have with Francis. He has taught me the realness of being present and being in the moment and that love truly works’.

The book comes about as Maria reflects on a lifetime of nursing, which has been peppered with ‘beautiful relations and connections’.

Maria the Nurse: In Nursing I Found Me is now available at Kerr’s Bookshop in Clonakilty, Field’s in Skibbereen, and O’Farrell’s, Bandon Books Plus, and Hickeys, all in Bandon town. The memoir can also be found online via Waterstones and Amazon.

Maria will also be holding a book signing in Bandon Books Plus on December 13th from 11am to 2pm, and all are welcome to attend.