Patrick J O'Flaherty

Aran's Irish Patrick J O'Flaherty

I believe Aran is presently at the cross roads in its history. Since Aran people gained out-right ownership of the land 100 years ago they are now defenders of its distant past for future generations. Decisions taken to close the Heritage Centre have shaped the future of Aran in a fundamental and irreversible way. Aran is like nowhere else on earth. Its Stony landscape includes vast areas that are virtually covered by a solid rock surface with only the meagre vegetation growing between the crevasses. It is easy to forget that during earlier stages of life on Aran it must have been a challenge for the inhabitants to adapt themselves to this environment. It is very difficult to picture what life was like back then. Like the young generations all over the western world, little though is given to the past. The focus is on living in the present and looking to the future. The drive to write this book have grown greater as the years have gone by. My memories of growing up have become clearer. Learning aspects of living on Aran in the past, present and attempting to predict the future while researching material for this book was very interesting. Included in the book are photographs I took while on Aran. Sadly a few taken in the pubs failed the required standard for clarity. All Aran people have a story to tell even though I came across quite a few who did not believe their story was important enough to tell. I also failed to catch up with others I had on my list. I encourage other writers and photographers to capture stories and photographs, especially of the older generation of men and women of Aran who are unlikely to appear on social media.