* `The Loneliest Boy in the World - he has only seagulls as playmates.' 1949 newspaper article * Gearoid Cheaist O Cathain had a unique childhood - he was the last child brought up on the Blasket Islands of Ireland's southwest coast. The nearest in age was his uncle who was thirty years older. In this affectionate memoir, Gearoid recalls growing up on the island without a doctor, priest, school, church or electricity. Despite public perception of this small, vulnerable fishing community, he remembers a wonderful childhood, cherished by parents and neighbours. His memories are entwined with the beliefs and customs handed down through the generations and are an insight into life on the Blaskets. He speaks with authority of the difficulties and challenges facing the final generation on the island. The Blaskets, with their deserted, crumbling cottages, will live on, in part due to the invaluable memories of the last child of the Great Blasket Island. * Also available: From the Great Blasket to America by Michael Carney

About the Author

Gearoid Cheaist O Cathain is the only survivor of the islanders evacuated from the Great Blasket Island in 1953/54. In 1953, he moved with his parents to Dunquin. An accountant by profession, he enjoyed a varied career. He lives in Cork, works with Gael Taca promoting Irish, and occasionally lectures at University College Cork. Patricia Ahern is the author of Picture Poetry Mallow and the co-author of In Search of the Missing and The Lightkeeper. She has an MA in Women's Studies, a HDip in Journalism and Media Communications and a BA in English and Sociology. Born in Mallow, she now lives in Ballinhassig, County Cork.

Reviews

'Simply written but richly detailed.'

* Sunday Times *

'Fascinating, touching book.'

* The Wild Geese *

'Contributes significantly to the existing literature on Blasket living.'

* Sunday Independent *

'Simply written [ - ] O Cathain's observations of the more ordinary aspects of life are sharp and valuable.'

* The Irish Times *

'Remarkable.'

* The Irish Catholic *



Book Information
ISBN 9781848892071
Author Gearoid Cheaist O Cathain
Format Paperback
Page Count 232
Imprint The Collins Press
Publisher Gill
Weight(grams) 278g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 128mm * 17mm