The Time of the Corncrake

About the Book

The Time of the Corncrake is about the author's life as he grew up from boy to man in the austere conditions that existed in Ireland in the 1940s and 1950s. Although it is a serious, informative, and sometimes sad account of growing up in a small Irish town, it is also full of humour. He tells in great detail of his schooldays, his teenage years, and his inevitable migration to England. He also writes from an Irish perspective, of his time in the Royal Air Force, and of his first year in his chosen career, the London Fire Brigade.

About the Author

Kevin McDermott grew up in Cavan, Ireland during the 1940s and 1950s. In 1955 he joined the Royal Air Force and served three years as an anti aircraft gunner in Germany and Cyprus. Following demobilisation he became a firefighter with the London Fire Brigade and served for 25 years. He has also been a factory worker, a part time soldier, a drummer and an accordionist with various bands, a driving instructor and a driving examiner. In 1989 he moved from London with his wife and family to live in the south east of Ireland. He enjoys writing, good conversation, and playing all types of music.