Person to Person: Denis Cronin changed career direction in his 60s and is working on his third book

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025 - 06:14

TELL us about yourself;

My name is Denis Cronin and I’m married to Mags and we have four adult children and a sprinkling of grandkids. I worked for many years in the high-octane world of international business which meant being away from home quite a lot. At the age of 60 I hit a health speed-bump which forced me to change direction and I have since been exploring the world of art, music, languages, and of course writing. Reading has been a constant pleasure in my life and I have previously written short stories and poetry for my own enjoyment. My first book, The Stain was published in 2022 and my new book, Of Land & Greed is now released.

Where were you born?

I’m proud to say that I was born in Spangle Hill on the north side of Cork City. The name allegedly comes from a blacksmith’s forge at the top of the hill where they hammered out all things for horses including the eponymous spangles. Our city fathers, in their wisdom (or lack of it), changed the name in the 60s, the first incidence in Cork of the cancel culture.

Where do you live?

After Mags and I married we moved to Cobh where we lived for 11 years during which time our children were born. We made some great friends in Cobh, but eventually moved to St Luke’s to get closer to our families and we’ve happily lived here for the last thirty-odd years.

Family?

I’m one of five siblings, born in the middle, with a sister and brother symmetrically sitting above and below me, and battering me from all angles.

Best friend?

I have a couple of best friends (can you have more than one best friend?) who I’ve known for years and who always seem to have my back and who I believe would go to the ends of the earth for me … or so they say!!

Earliest childhood memory?

I went to St. Patrick’s primary school in Dillons Cross and one day I somehow left through the wrong gate and missed my older brother who was meeting me. I panicked and followed other boys until I realised that I was hopelessly lost. I was probably only a few hundred meters from the school but I’ll never forget the sheer panic and dread at being lost. My brother found me sitting on the footpath crying my eyes out and I must have had a tuck in my chest for hours afterwards.

Person you most admire?

Although not very clever in school I won a prize in my religion class and the prize was a book about Martin Luther King. I was in my teens and I had little idea at the time what was going on outside my little bubble and it was a complete eye-opener. It awoke in me a hunger to better understand the bigger picture and the injustices of race. He was my hero and still is to this day.

Person who most irritates you?

Ha, that’s easy, myself. I’m probably a control freak and I’m sure I’d be much more comfortable with myself if I could relax a little.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

Easy again, our family trip to the US in 1999. First New York for a few days then across the country to the West Coast where we drove from Tijuana in Mexico to San Francisco over two weeks. We’re still talking about it and me and Mags are still paying for it.

(Second best holiday: New Orleans, what a town, the atmosphere soaked in great food smells, great jazz sounds, great people and a great buzz).

Favourite TV programme?

I can’t pick one but give me the American comedy genre anytime, Cheers, Seinfeld, Fraser.

Favourite radio show?

Arts House Sunday morning’s 96fm.

Your signature dish if cooking?

Enchiladas, my kids say that I make the best enchiladas this side of Tijuana. Of course I believe them.

Favourite restaurant?

Elbow Lane, best steak I’ve had in years.

Last book you read?

Kevin Barry’s Nightboat to Tangier. Simple stories but his language mesmerises me.

Best book you read?

I was 15 when I received a present from my uncle of James Michener’s Hawaii and I thought he was the most amazing writer ever. I still do to this day. I was in boarding school at the time and not doing very well academically but every night I read Michener and thought he was writing for me. A fabulous storyteller and gifted wordsmith.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Van Morrisson’s New Arrangements and Duets, the guy’s a genius.

Favourite song?

‘Born in Puerto Rico’ by Paul Simon from the album The Capeman.

Do you have a pet?

We’re currently share-minding (long-term) a beautiful English Setter, Berrie.

Morning person or night owl?

Morning person, no doubt, happy to be up and about anytime from 6.00am.

Your proudest moment?

Getting praise from Mags and my kids when I published my first book The Stain.

Spendthrift or saver?

Spendthrift, can’t hang on to money, I’ve never understood the value of it.