Description

Tell ‘Em Who You Are! – A Life in the West of Ireland is the engaging autobiography of Dick Byrne, published by Ballyhay Books in 2008. Taking its title from the advice of Byrne’s grandfather, the last Regimental Sergeant Major of the 2nd Connaught Rangers, the memoir traces an extraordinary life rooted in Galway and the west of Ireland.

Beginning with his childhood in 1940s Galway, Byrne reflects on family life, education, and the values that shaped his character. His early career with the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) saw him working across rural Mayo and Galway during Ireland’s ambitious rural electrification programme, bringing electricity to remote communities and witnessing first-hand the changing face of the countryside.

The memoir follows Byrne’s journey through several creative careers. After working in architecture, he became deeply involved in theatre, particularly An Taibhdhearc, Ireland’s national Irish-language theatre, where he wrote, produced, and designed numerous productions. His experiences also extended into journalism, filmmaking, music, and the wider cultural life of Galway, bringing him into contact with many of Ireland’s leading artistic figures.

Written with humour and affection, the book combines personal anecdotes with observations on a rapidly changing Ireland, capturing everyday life from the 1940s onwards. Byrne recounts adventures ranging from playing jazz in Paris to directing theatre productions, while celebrating the friendships, communities, and traditions that defined his life in the west.

Key Themes

• Life in Galway and the west of Ireland during the 20th century
• Rural electrification and social change
• Irish theatre and the performing arts
• Architecture, journalism, and creative pursuits
• Family history and personal memoir
• Irish culture, music, and storytelling
• Community life and local traditions
• Humour, resilience, and lifelong creativity

Blending autobiography with local history, Tell ‘Em Who You Are! offers a vivid portrait of Galway’s cultural landscape and the remarkable experiences of one man whose career spanned engineering, architecture, theatre, and the arts. It will appeal to readers interested in Irish memoirs, Galway history, theatre, and the social history of modern Ireland.