The experience of growing up on a “stubborn” small farm in Co. Roscommon has inspired several stories in a new book.
Denis O’Higgins, of Agenty, Monaghan, has self-published his second book of short stories, The various fireplaces, Cuid a Dó, memories, meanderings, history and traditionsWith contributions from his wife Josephine and daughter Bruna.
“Many of these stories are inspired by the experiences of that bygone era when all farm work was completed by hand and the use of a horse and buggy was the closest thing to mechanization on our farm,” Dennis explained.
“Due to my father’s untimely death at the age of 45, I was asked to take on the additional share of never-ending agricultural work.
“In later years, my environmental work led me to settle in Monaghan, where I now reside, in retirement, with Josephine, a native of Co Monaghan, who also grew up on a small farm, and with Bronagh whenever she occasionally returns from her exploits abroad.”
Other writing flows from memories, experiences and reminiscences from family camping days around Ireland and occasional stays in Scotland and France.
“Because we have accumulated so many memories and stories over the years, we decided to store them between the covers of a book we published in 2018,” Dennis said.
“Stories of local history and traditions continued to flow our way.
“We see that stories take on a character of their own and are therefore worth preserving and sharing.
“We have made the decision to self-publish all of our additional collections Fireplace Miscellaneous Part Two.“
The book highlights local characters, mysteries, and interesting places and customs.
The practice of having ‘stations’ in local homes, the excitement of wafer ice cream, and the workings of ‘lockards’ are remembered in Dublin.
There’s also an insight into the workings of honeybees and the tale of the lost postman.
Part Two
The book costs €10:00/£10:00 or €15:00 to publish.
They are stocked in stores in Braeside, Clontibret, Co. Monaghan; Sound Quality, Monaghan; Ned, Park Street, Monaghan; Poconos, Glaslough, Co. Monaghan; Good Craic, Rostrevor, Co. Down and McNally Filling Station, Cootehill Road, Monaghan.
All profits from the book will go to the SOSAD charity, which supports individuals and families across the country in managing their mental health and overcoming life’s challenges.
