A Life's Catch

"A Life's Catch" is an autobiographical account which gives a beautifully graphic description of Irish rural life in the late 1930s to early 1950s, encompassing leisure activities, schooling, religion and family life in that era. "A Life's Catch" recounts the author's family history and varied career offering insights into the workings of various institutions that have impacted significantly on the development of the Irish economy of today.

The autobiographical account provides the basis for the book to extend beyond the author's life.

This includes a fascinating insight into the mining history of Arigna in counties Roscommon and Leitrim from the 1600s onwards as well as a concise but compelling description of angling.

Many anglers and non-anglers alike may be interested in the account of the Atlantic salmon and how its watery world can be a barometer of our management of the environment.This concern about the environment is carried through to a timely section on climate change.

This is followed by an assessment of the social issues confronting Ireland today and a consideration of the role of family and religion in helping to confront these issues. The concluding chapter and many quotes scattered throughout the book offer insights and reflections from many diverse sources on how one might live a more satisfying and full life.