Medium-Sized Town, Fairly Big Story is a window on the real soul of Ireland, a snapshot of the way we were, the way we are and, hopefully, the way we'll always be.

For anyone with a sense of humour and a taste for the absurd, here are the best of the unique, hilarious stories from towns and villages the length and breadth of the country that made the headlines in the local newspapers ... and nowhere else.

With stories about the dogs in Mountmellick being forced to wear nappies, the Kerry boat-builder who travelled 23 minutes back in time, the pub thieves who escaped through Limerick prison, the Corkman whose most treasured possession is his bucket from the Pope's 1979 visit, and many, many more, Medium-Sized Town, Fairly Big Story showcases the best of Ireland's distinctive humour, personality and wit.

Praise for Medium-Sized Town, Fairly Big Story

`Ireland's famous wit and charm is often most evident in our local papers and Ronan has unearthed the best of it for this great book.'

Bressie

`I was laughing just reading some of the headlines!'

Gerry Duffy, bestselling author of Who Dares, Runs and Tick Tock Ten

`This is a rale good book. A week never passes that I don't buy a few local papers and Ronan has done a savage job bringing some of the best stories from them together here.'

Mick Foster, one half of Foster & Allen

`This book is a great validation of the importance of local newspapers.'

Tony Allen, the other half ...

`Open this book on any page and you'll smile ... it will sit proudly in my toilet for many years to come.'

Hector O hEochagain