The Hard Shoulder

The Bookshelf with Fergus Finlay

Nov 25, 2025
Fergus Finlay, former CEO of Barnardos and a prominent columnist at The Irish Examiner, shares his literary loves and reflections on reading. He opens up about the struggle of downsizing his extensive book collection and emphasizes the irreplaceable magic of physical books over e-readers. Fergus reveals how Flann O'Brien's "At Swim-Two-Birds" mirrors his youthful escapades in Dublin, while he passionately recounts reading "Final Days of Nixon" in one thrilling night. He also endorses Terry Pohn's impactful new work on disability activism.
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ANECDOTE

Pain Of Letting Go Of A Library

  • Fergus describes weeping when he had to discard about 2,000 books while downsizing his home.
  • He spent weeks deciding which volumes to keep and felt the loss deeply because books marked moments in his life.
INSIGHT

Physical Books Trigger Memory

  • Fergus values the physical qualities of books: the heft, feel and smell that trigger memories.
  • He refuses to own a Kindle because a digital device lacks the same vibe and sensory connection.
ANECDOTE

Unexpected Treasures In The Attic

  • Fergus recounts going into his attic and finding decades of family keepsakes he hadn't expected to see.
  • He made boxes for his children filled with school reports and mementos they did not want.
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