His devoted uncle, an expert boatman and fisherman, raised and introduced Martin Quigley to trout and salmon angling, and to life, in their backyard river at the shaping age of seven. It began a lifelong passion with rivers, lakes and waterways. The River Gods takes us on a different journey via the experiences and speculations of an eleven-year old boy ripe for adventure during one idyllic 1960s summer when he finds happiness but meets despair also. This chronicle about a river and river people is Cannery Row crossed with Huckleberry Finn. On the banks of the Suir meet Aggie and Fibber who would kill for a feed of eels; the Three Wyse Men who loved the river and thought they knew it all; poachers who spawn a devilish plot to outwit the bailiff; Harry Duggan who was turned from his favourite sport by nocturnal visions; the Dalt, an outstanding angler but martyr for the drink. Packed with adventure, mischief and humour, and tinged with sadness, this is a soulful and reflective insight into nature and people as seen through the eyes of a boy. It is also a compelling and high-spirited tribute to Quigley's native Clonmel.
