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A Life’s Catch
by Dermot Layden
Format: Hardback
Publication date: 8th February, 2008
ISBN: 978-1-906018-42-9
Price: €17
Beautifully presented in hardback and with all profits from the sale of the book donated to charity, A Life’s Catch gives a beautifully graphic description of rural life in the late 1930s to early 1950s, which encompasses leisure activities, schooling, religion and family life in that era. It recounts the author’s family history and varied career, offering insights into the workings of various institutions that have impacted significantly on the development of the Irish economy of today.
The book also touches on Ireland’s economic development in the pre-Celtic Tiger era, the natural world, spirituality and current social issues. The autobiographical account provides the basis for the book to extend beyond the author’s life. This includes a fascinating insight into the mining history of Arigna in counties Roscommon and Leitrim from the 1600s onwards as well as a concise but compelling description of angling. Many anglers and non-anglers alike may be interested in the account of the Atlantic salmon and how its watery world can be a barometer of our management of the environment. This concern about our environment is carried through to the very timely section on climate change.
This is followed by an assessment of the social issues confronting our country today and a consideration of the role of family and religion in helping us to confront these issues. The concluding chapter and the many quotes scattered throughout the book offer insights and reflections from diverse sources on how one might live a more satisfying and full life.
“This is a book to savour, enjoy and relax with over many evenings.” Padraic White (former chief executive of the Industrial Development Authority)
About the author
Dermot Layden is a family man who grew up in County Leitrim in the late 1930s to 1950s. He qualified as a chartered accountant, married Beatrice in Dublin in 1966 and lived there until 1976 when they returned to the West of Ireland with their five children. Dermot’s career has included positions with the Industrial Development Authority, Institute of Technology, Sligo, and the Accountancy Board in Tanzania. His family were involved in the coalmining industry in Arigna for several generations and remain involved today in other energy activities. Dermot is an accomplished angler and an admirer of nature. The spiritual dimension of life is very important to him.
