The experience of growing up on a small "stubborn" farm in Co. Roscommon inspired many of the stories featured in a new book.

Denis O'Higgins from Aghintamy, Co. Monaghan, has self- published his second book of stories, Fireside Miscellany, Cuid a Dó, Memories, Meanderings, History and Lore, with contributions from his wife Josephine and daughter Bróna.

Denis explained "Many of these stories were inspired by the experiences of that bygone era being a time when all farm work was completed manually and the use of horse and cart was then the closest that our farm came to mechanisation.

"Due to my father’s untimely death at the age 45, I was called upon to shoulder the added share of never-ending farm work.

"In later years my environmental work took 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 Bróna whenever she makes the occasional return from her exploits overseas."

Other writing flows from the memories, experiences and reminiscence from family camping days all over Ireland and the occasional sojourn to Scotland and France.

"Because we had accumulated so many memories and stories over the years, we decided to store them between the covers of a book which we published in 2018," Denis said.

"The stories of local history and lore continued to flow our way. 

"We made a decision to self-publish all our additional accumulations in Fireside Miscellany Cuid a Dó."

The book puts the spotlight on local characters and mysteries, interesting places and customs.

The practice of having 'The Stations' in local houses, the thrill of a wafer ice cream, and the modus operandi of Dublin's 'lockhards' are all remembered.

There is also an insight into the workings of honey bees and the tale of the missing postman.

Cuid a Dó

The book costs €10:00/£10:00 or €15:00 to post.   

It is stocked in Braeside Stores, Clontibret, Co. Monaghan; Sound Quality, Monaghan; An Nead, Park Street, Monaghan; Poconos, Glaslough, Co. Monaghan; Good Craic, Rostrevor, Co. Down and McNally's Filling Station, Cootehill Road, Monaghan.

All profits from the book will go to the charity, SOSAD, which supports individuals and families across the country in managing their mental health and overcoming life's challenges.