17/52 The Boatman Carrying People Across to Holy Island - A Quick Conversation with Author Gerard Madden

Gerard Madden is a native of Whitegate, County Clare, and is the author of numerous books dealing with local history and  the ancestry of Irish families. He authored the histories of Holy Island, Scariff, Mountshannon and Tuamgraney. He is also editor and frequent author of the East Clare Heritage Sliabh Aughty Journal and a boatman of 32 years.​ This conversation was recorded while I was with my daughter Isabel of five years, after a boat tide to Holy Island recently. Gerard or 'Ger' as he is known around here is a prolific writer and historian as well as a boatman. He is suggesting in this interview that the Child Burial ground, the most sacred spot on Holy Island, be restored without delay and that the planned Interpretative Centre be forgone, as we have the most beautiful island right there in front of us. Wise words Gerry! I end with the song' If I could Swim the Ocean' written in East Clare and on my new album, 'Unity Hours IV". https://jyoshna.bandcamp.com/track/if-i-could-swim-the-ocean