New book: John Moriarty, Grounded in Story

A new publication, John Moriarty, Grounded in Story, celebrates John Moriarty’s debt to his native place, Moyvane, North Kerry. Grounded in Story is a rich tapestry of extracts selected from John’s writing, each referencing North Kerry, accompanied by expert commentary highlighting significant themes. The book is edited by two avid readers of John’s work: Amanda Carmody, John’s niece and Mary McGillicuddy, John’s biographer. John’s lyrical writing is complemented by archival photographs, many unseen before, and beautiful illustrations by Amanda Carmody. Inspired by the people, culture and the environment that nurtured John as he grew, Grounded in Story is another nostos, another homecoming.

In the following extract from Grounded in Story John reflects on conversations with his father on the topic of the afterlife:

“In recent years I would hear my father say that he had done his purgatory in this life, that he had earned his place in the next life.

It surprised me therefore to hear him say one morning that he might have difficulties finding his way in the hereafter. ‘Your cows will be there before you,’ I said to him, ‘and all you’ll have to do is fall in behind them and they’ll find the way for you.’ ‘They will,’ he said, instantly comforted, ‘the cows adores me.’ It was how I knew him, walking behind his cows, all eleven of them in calf, so the walking was slow, he falling into their way, not they falling in to his way. Walking behind them or sitting behind them in the night, that’s where he did his thinking.

What I learned from him is that you don’t need to be an intellectual to be a philosopher. More often than not, it isn’t through intellect at all that deepest life in us mediates its deepest wisdom. Deepest wisdom comes to us sitting behind cows in a cowstall, sitting there quietly, listening to them chewing the cud.” 

John Moriarty: Grounded in Story will be launched on Friday 21st June 2024 in Moyvane as part of the John Moriarty Festival. Following its launch, the book will be distributed by Lilliput Press and available through their website https://www.lilliputpress.ie/