Jim’s love of the bog began as a young child in Donegal, Ireland, watching his father and grandfather carrying out the yearly turf-cutting ritual. As a young man he returned from London with his wife and young family, and settled in the majestic landscape of rural Wicklow. For years he worked on the surrounding bog, providing fuel for the winter. It was in this harsh yet beautiful landscape that he felt at peace with himself, happiest when he was outdoors, at one with nature.
This year he was confronted with giving up this ritual. At the age of 68 his body can no longer cope with the demanding physical work. The turf-burning Stanley stove, which occupied a privileged place at the heart of the small kitchen, is due to be replaced with a cleaner, more efficient oil-burning model.
An Ember’s Glow tells the intimate story of Jim’s life on the bog and his struggle to come to terms with his ageing body and a changing way of life.