Co. Galway agri-business man and philanthropist John F. Concannon - famous for his 'Late Late Show' launch of the multi-bucket, capable of feeding three calves at a time - has now published a memoir.

Concannon, founder of the JFC Group, showcased the firm’s first product in a memorable 'Late Late Show' appearance in 1987 that left host Gay Byrne and his audience bemused.

The multi-bucket which started life in a cow shed on his farm in Kilconly, Tuam, went on to achieve international success.

The innovation which made it easier to feed three calves simultaneously, by welding three plastic buckets together, led to the current zenith point of the technological way to feed countless numbers of calves together using the JFC evolution automatic calf feeder.

The modern version measures, mixes and dispenses temperature-controlled milk to dozens of calves simultaneously.

The multi-bucket is only one of hundreds of innovative products for a diversity of industries from agriculture to construction, to road and drainage requirements and for myriad other activities, that the JFC Group now make and market at its 12 locations across Ireland, the UK, and central, northern and eastern Europe.

The outreach for its products also stretches across all continents from America to Africa and from Europe to Australia and New Zealand.

Concannon shared the fruits of his success with the less fortunate in society with his philanthropic work and financial support for many charities. He founded Pieta House West in Tuam 2013.

Known for his humanity and humility, Concannon held TV viewers spellbound during his stint as The Secret Millionaire on Channel 4 in 2011.

Concannon, his wife Patricia, family, friends and colleagues had some harsh reality setbacks along the way and he does not shy away from talking about those in his life story.

The launch of his book, The Bucket Man, took place on Thursday evening, September 10.

It illustrates how one person, with drive and determination, can create hundreds of jobs and a continuous stream of new products in rural areas.