Mayo islander publishes a treasury of memories

A SPECIAL collection of memories has been published by Clare Island man Chris O'Grady.

In Clare Island - A Brief Treasury of Memories, Chris recounts not just his own life since he was born on the island in 1932, but also catalogues the evolution over a century of this most beautiful of inhabited islands off Mayo's west coast.

He details the life his forebears were born into, where the islanders were dependent on each other for their survival.

For succeeding generations, rampant emigration dominated the island of its youth. Chris also wanted to go and find a better, easier life elsewhere but family circumstances dictated otherwise. Accepting his destiny, he focused on how to make life better, not just for his own family but for all islanders.

Combining a love of his native place with an admirable work ethic, over many decades Chris has been to the forefront of key development on Clare Island, which are discussed, along with giving a general overview of life on Clare Island.

Clare Island - A Brief Treasury of Memories will be officially launched next weekend. Chris will be signing books on Sunday, December 10, at 5 p.m. at McLoughlin's Bookshop in Westport and all are welcome.

The book is available in Westport at Duffy's Bookshop, McLoughlin's (bookshop and online), and Tertulia (Westport Quay and online), in Louisburgh at Books@One and in Castlebar at Castle Bookshop.