JUMPING THE BORDER

JUMPING THE BORDER is an engaging account of Seamas OCathain's experience growing up near the border that separates Donegal in the Republic from the six counties of Northern Ireland. He describes the Tyrone of the 1940s and 1950s, where Protestant and Catholic neighbors shared their lives at a personal level, but institutions were divisive. He also studied the area's place names, recorded the distinctive music and speech of Na Cruacha, and immersed himself in the culture and language of the Sami people in Sapmi.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 07 December 2018
Publisher: Phaeton Publishing Limited

In my extensive travels, I have encountered numerous borders, but the one that shaped my childhood was undoubtedly the most challenging. Growing up in Drumquin, County Tyrone, I was fortunate to be raised near the border that separates Donegal in the Republic from the six counties of Northern Ireland. This border, patrolled by young corporals, was a constant source of frustration and inconvenience for us.

"JUMPING THE BORDER" is an engaging account of my experiences growing up in three distinct cultures, which have undergone significant transformations. As a child, I witnessed the Tyrone of the 1940s and 1950s, where Protestant and Catholic neighbors coexisted on a personal level, despite the divisions imposed by institutions. My father's prosperous business was devastated by a political event he supported, highlighting the divisive nature of the schools and curriculum. The border was an ever-present annoyance to everyone.

During my post-graduate studies in the 1960s, I resided in the Donegal Gaeltacht of Na Cruacha, where the authentic Irish language was still spoken. I conducted a study on the area's place names and recorded the unique music and speech of Na Cruacha. Shortly thereafter, my research led me to Sapmi, a cultural territory spanning four countries, known as Lapland. There, I immersed myself in the culture and language of the Sami people, who were facing threats to their native language and customs.

My international recognition and awards include the Knight (First Class) of the Order of the Lion of Finland and the Dag Stromback Prize of the Gustavus Adolphus Academy. These accolades reflect my dedication to exploring and preserving diverse cultures.

In conclusion, my journey across borders has been a testament to the resilience and adaptability of human beings. The border I grew up with taught me the value of understanding and respecting different cultures, even in the face of adversity. It has shaped my perspective and inspired me to pursue a career dedicated to cultural preservation and cross-cultural dialogue.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 149 x 225 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781908420275