New book on Kilrush area

THERE will be witty stories and local characters a plenty contained in the pages of a brand new book on the Kilrush area which is to be launched this Friday in The Courtyard in Ferns. The book, entitled ‘It’s Never Lonely Around the Fields of Kilrush’, is the result of several recorded conversations between Kilrush men Joe Tobin and Jim Ryan and commits to record a significant period of the history of farming and rural life in the mid twentieth century. The book contains plenty of wise words and witty stories and is sure to be a hit in particular with those who remember the era described in the pages.

Joe worked for many farmers and agricultural contractors in the Kilrush area for many decades and is renowned as a great source of knowledge on the industry. Meanwhile, Jim comes from a well-known farming family and is well known in organisations such as Macra na Feirme and the Shorthorn Society. Growing up, Jim saw his family embrace changes in farming tools and machinery and a central figure in some of the stories is Jim’s father, Jim Ryan senior, known to all as ‘ the Boss man’.

The book will be officially launched at The Courtyard on Friday night by none other than hurling legend Tony Doran along with sheep shearer and mental health advocate George Graham. All are invited to come along and copies of the book will be available on the night.