The short story is one of Ireland's national treasures, and within these pages are some of its finest practitioners — from such established names as Julia O'Faolain, Claire Keegan and Christine Dwyer Hickey, to the exciting new voices of Judy Kravis, Eithne McGuinness and Cherry Smyth. Here we have stories of dysfunctional marriages, abnormal goings on in rural outposts, urban alienation, and kitchen sink dramas where the woman is no longer tied to the kitchen sink but railing against past wrongs. Issues of domestic violence, child abuse, and abortion are laid startlingly bare. The voices are bold, unsentimental, often very funny, and always deeply affecting. Part of a series showcasing contemporary women writers from around the world.

The word education comes from the Latin word educo, ‘to lead out’. I always considered travel as one of the best educators. It broadens the mind with real-life experiences. Travel also broadens the angler’s mind and sharpens his or her skill. You meet many anglers from different countries, with their own national culture and of course their own angling traditions. In this book, I try to recount my memoirs of fishing, work and travel. It shows that you don’t need a large wallet if you want to catch the fish of your dreams. You may be a student or worker, so take your opportunities when they come. Better to have tried, and caught nothing, than to never have fished at all!

Conas a thosaigh sé ar fad? Cad as ar tháinig muid? Cén fáth go bhfuil an oiread sin ainnise ar domhan? An bhfuil aon dóchas ann? An bhfuil beatha ann tar éis bháis? Faigh na freagraí agus tú ag léamh fíor-stair an domhain.