Description

Taking Stock by Michael O’Donnell is a collection of original poetry celebrating the people, places, and traditions of Achill Island and the west of Ireland. Published in 2018, the book brings together poems written over many years, capturing the rhythms of rural life and preserving memories of a changing community.

Drawing inspiration from everyday experiences, O’Donnell reflects on childhood, family, local characters, farming, fishing, emigration, and the close-knit communities of Achill. His poetry combines warmth, wit, and a deep appreciation for Irish heritage, creating vivid portraits of life along Ireland’s Atlantic coast.

Many of the poems preserve stories that might otherwise be forgotten, documenting customs, work, and social traditions that shaped generations of island families. The collection also touches on the emotional impact of emigration, changing rural lifestyles, and the importance of remembering local history through storytelling and verse.

One of the best-known poems from the collection, “Tatie Hokers,” recalls the experiences of Achill workers who travelled seasonally to Scotland to harvest potatoes, highlighting an important chapter in the economic and social history of western Ireland.

Key Themes

• Life on Achill Island and Ireland’s west coast
• Rural traditions and community life
• Family memories and local storytelling
• Emigration and seasonal migration
• Farming, fishing, and island heritage
• Irish identity and cultural preservation
• Humour, nostalgia, and resilience
• Poetry inspired by everyday life

Written in an accessible and conversational style, Taking Stock appeals to readers who enjoy Irish poetry, local history, memoir, and cultural heritage. O’Donnell’s work captures both the beauty of the western landscape and the voices of the people who have lived and worked there, preserving their experiences for future generations.

Overall, Taking Stock is a moving celebration of Achill’s people, traditions, and landscapes, offering a poetic record of a unique way of life while reflecting on the universal themes of home, memory, belonging, and change.