Not Making Hay

Frank McNally is the renowned chief writer of 'An Irishman's Diary' in The Irish Times. With unparallelled wit and humour, he has been educating and entertaining Irish readers with his insightful observations for nearly twenty years. Now, the man who consistently had his finger on the pulse of the nation turns his attention inwards.

Picking up on a variety of personal themes that will be familiar to readers of the column, Frank reflects on his upbringing in Monaghan and his early career as a civil servant, as well as significant events which have shaped him and the Ireland he has chronicled in his diary.

Drawing unexpected connections between his daily routine and the sometimes obscure but always enlightening and rich life of the country, Not Making Hay masterfully connects Frank's own story with that of Irish culture, history and literature, offering fresh and humorous insights on both modern and historical Ireland.

'Funny, engaging and vibrant' Fintan O'Toole

'With his unsparing wit, wily turn of phrase and nosiness for detail, not to mention his attunement to the rhythms of nature and compassion for people, McNally is Monaghan's very own Montaigne.' Ardal O'Hanlon