In 1960s Ireland, where tradition and the Catholic Church loomed large over society, young Tony Horan wasn’t content to follow the well-worn path. He wanted more than just an education – he longed for an exciting life. So during the summers of 1965 and 1967, Tony left Dublin for the UK, where he worked long shifts, first canning peas and then on the construction of the North Sea gas pipeline, not just to pay his college fees, but in search of adventures beyond Ireland’s shores.
Canning Peas for College Fees offers a glimpse into life on the factory floor during the Swinging Sixties and the colourful characters Tony met along the way. But the story continues after the work ends as Tony travels across Europe on a shoestring, discovering the freedoms and thrills of a world very different from anything he’s seen before. From the bustling streets of Paris to the crystal clear lakes of Switzerland, this journey was an eye-opener for a young man ready to embrace all life had to offer.
Filled with stories of the devilment and mischief Tony and his friends got up to as teenagers in Dublin – antics that challenged the norms of their time and added a dash of rebellion to their youth – this memoir is a hugely entertaining portal toa time long past.
Whether you’re seeking a nostalgic look at the sixties or a light-hearted escape, you’ll be enthralled by Tony’s reflections on the experiences that shaped his life and career as a quantity surveyor.