When I took this project on, I don’t think I had any idea of what lay ahead. Thankfully, it turns out I have a fantastic network of colleagues, friends and family who supported me every step of the way. Not only that, but they endured my vacant expression as I retreated into my head – thinking of something I had not included in a particular chapter, among other things – and my general lack of craic for a few months. I will make up for it. Although I am not able to thank everyone, there are some people whom I would like to particularly acknowledge. I work with amazing people at Queen’s University Belfast, and their support has been tremendous. In particular, I would like to thank Professor Sally Wheeler and Dr Ciar?n O’Kelly, who inspired me to research in this area. They read and reread material from the earliest inceptions. and their endless patience with me will not be forgotten. I thank Dr Bruce Wardhaugh, who, along with Professor Dave Cowan, guided me through the book proposal process, assuring me that this was something that people would be interested in reading. Finally, I would like to mention Dr Anne- Marie McAlinden and Dr Luke Moffett, who between them reviewed endless material, answered my numerous stupid questions and provided great support. I hope I will be in the position to return the favour. To my friends who kept in contact even when I abandoned all technology and social media in the dying days of the project, thank you for continuing to text and call, feeding me and generally making me turn up to things. I am very lucky! In particular, I am grateful to Clare, Michelle, Donal, Sarah, Aisling, Charles, Anne E, Russell and Faith – also to Rory and Ann, who provided food and checked in almost daily to see how things were progressing.