An Irish Life of Work, Wheels, and the People Who Shaped It
From the sun‑warmed roof of a cowshed in rural Meath to the bustling factory floors of Dublin, Michael Collins’s life traces a vivid journey through Ireland’s changing decades. In this warm, candid memoir, Collins invites readers into a world of laughter, hardship, and resilience—where family, sport, and the search for belonging shape every chapter.
With wit and honesty, he recalls childhood adventures, the sting of school days, and the joys and heartbreaks of a large Irish family. He shares tales of cycling triumphs, racing in the legendary Rás Tailteann, teaching apprentices, and the quiet heroics of everyday life. Along the way, he reflects on love, loss, and the enduring power of friendship.
Mickser is more than a personal story—it’s a celebration of ordinary people, the bonds that sustain us, and the courage it takes to face both the darkness and the light. Brimming with humour, wisdom, and unforgettable characters, this is a memoir to cherish, share, and return to—an Irish life told with heart.
Michael Collins was born in County Meath in 1941 and grew up in rural Ireland during a time of profound social change. He worked for many years in Dublin factories and printshops, trained apprentices, and competed as a cyclist, including riding in the Rás Tailteann. Known among family and friends for his sharp eye, dry humour, and gift for storytelling, Mickser is his first book.