Description
This memoir traces the life cycle of the son of Kerry parents who came to Wicklow in 1944 and spent the remainder of their life in the Garden County. It tracks his steady progress through both primary and secondary school and highlights that serendipitous first employment in Rathdrum that shaped his whole career. That initial job placement also coincided with the start of the pharma industry in Ireland. The author spent a year in Hamburg at the height of the ‘Cold War’ which is well chronicled through the eyes of a young, callow Irishman.
The story sees the writer exchange the permanent lab job in industry for a taste of third level education. Soon, he is back in permanent employment in the IIRS, a semi-state organisation. This was an exciting time to be involved in organic chemical research on a campus that was populated with a combination of experienced scientists and highly qualified academics. The career journey moves to its final stage at Wicklow County Council, where the author is given the opportunity to practice and implement his considerable scientific knowledge and experience.
The script is written in a unique style to be equally enjoyed by both the scientific and non-scientific reader. There is humour and amusement in every chapter, based on anecdotes, experiences and situations. The author includes copious contextual references to elucidate and clarify many significant topics discussed. There is much to read about industrial development and social change over many decades, straddling both centuries. No doubt many readers will identify with some of the events recalled and will derive enjoyment from trying to identify themselves in some of the documented history.
