The Man from Cape Clear
Conchúr Ó Síocháin
ISBN 1856350142
Mercier Press 1975

A translation by Riobárd P. Breatnach of Conchúr Ó Síocháin's Seanchas Cléire, The Man from Cape Clear is a collection of memories and musings, topography and tales, and contains a fund of seafaring yarns not to be found elsewhere. It discloses aspects of insular life, which should delight the inner eye of the world at large and enrich every Irishman's grasp of his heritage.

Conchúr Ó Síocháin lived all his days on Cape Clear Island, the southern outpost of an old and deep-rooted civilisation. He lived as a farmer and a fisherman and his story vividly portrays life on that island which has Fastnet Rock as its nearest neighbour. He was a gifted storyteller, a craftsman and a discerning folklorist. Here he tells of life on the island drawing on the ancient traditions and the tales handed down from the dim past. There is a sense of humour, precision and a great sense of community on every page. Ó Síocháin died in February 1941 and is buried beside Teampall Chiaráin on the island.

Written in English