Cork author pens first book at age of 72

A new book penned by Cork first-time author Eamon O’Leary will take readers on a nostalgic trip down memory lane to a time in Ireland “before smartphones and 100 TV channels.”

Entitled I’m A Big Boy Now, the book, which is being launched next month, focuses on childhood in Ireland during the 1950s and 60s, diving into the lives lived by children across the country more than six decades ago.

Speaking to The Echo, Mr O’Leary (72), who will be known by many through his regular contributions on RTÉ Radio 1, described the book as a “chronological collection of childhood memories”.

“I’m a Big Boy Now takes you into the world of an Irish childhood in an age when we gathered our mates by walking along to their places and rode our bikes together for hours.

“Imagine a world before smartphones, before the 100 channels on a flat television screen, it’s completely different to the here and now,” said Mr O’Leary.

“The stories are worded through the voice of a child, it’s very simple language,” he added.

Mr O’Leary said that after taking early retirement he quickly realised that “I needed something more than hacking up the golf course”.

“So this is my first book, being published in my 70s, there’s not very many people that can say that.

“You see most people say ‘my first book came out at age 35’, so I thought I was a bit old, but I’m proud this is my first one,” he said.

“All my stories contain an element of humor, I would say that every story is true. However, like any writer, there was a bit of poetic license taken in some cases.

“I’m massively excited and I’m so looking forward to it. It’s kind of my legacy for the years to come.”

The first-time piece written by Mr O’Leary will be launched at a public event by Patricia Looney on September 26 at Cork City Library from 6pm.

The book will be available for purchase in-stores or online via Amazon following its launch.