My sheaf of poems - took all my life to write’ This new anthology from the acclaimed poet Gabriel Fitzmaurice, whittled down by ‘time and the road’, explores a variety of themes celebrating both the local and the universal. His career as a primary school teacher and principal is at the forefront to many of his observations as he reflects on the worlds of education and childhood, and indeed a child’s perspective of the world. More personal reflections are conveyed as Fitzmaurice comments on the town in which he grew up. Local characters, events and traditions are documented and his admiration for his native town is evident. The poet clearly holds the role of the family in high regard and writes on becoming a father and, in turn, a grandfather for the first time. Love and relationships are integral to Fitzmaurice’s collection and special moments are immortalized in many of his poems, juxtaposed by lighter, more humorous, works. Themes such as an appreciation of the arts, history, sport and the Irish language intersperse the collection as well as a reference to Queen Elizabeth II’s historic visit to Ireland.