One more spin on the Merry-Go-Round

I am back in harness after taking a three-month break. I feel energised and ready for “One more spin on the merry-go-round”.  
(The title of a book written by Sean Duignan after Albert Reynolds became Taoiseach in 1992. Albert said to Sean, “Are you ready for one more spin on the merry-go-round?”) 

What did I spend my summer doing? 

I read books for the pleasure of reading and the “white space” reading provides.

Discovered new songs and singers, new poems, and as a result of the time spent relaxing, visiting bookshops, but also in pubs in Sligo and elsewhere, listening to music and engaging in conversation.

Oh yes, I also played some golf! 

I visited “Liber”, an independent bookshop on Sligo’s Main Street, staffed by very knowledgeable and helpful book lovers, and came away with an armful of books. I have made a determined effort to read as many as possible.

My favourite holiday read was “The Last Ditch”, as I very much enjoy Eamonn Sweeney’s writing style. You will also find him on the back of the sports supplement in the Sunday Independent.

His publisher’s brief for the book was to review the 2024 GAA hurling and football season. However, the colour in the book comes from his memories of his family and, most enjoyably, the stories about the pre- and post-match engagements with people on the stands. Also, the craic on trains and buses, travelling to and from the games.

MY most enjoyable evening of the summer was in “Shoot the Crows” music pub in Sligo town, when we joined in with the group singing “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd, a song that passed me by when first released, and is now a favourite on my playlist. A great chorus to sing along to loudly.

I will share some more of the inspiration I received because of taking time out, and hopefully my musings in the coming months will also benefit you. 

I am now ready for another spin on the merry-go-round and look forward to connecting with you again through my articles.

By Executive Coach Andrew Keogh of Aristo.ie