He fell from an escelator and broke a number of ribs. He was diagnosed with pneumonia and suffered a slight stroke, all in the space of three weeks.

He recently celebrated his 97th birthday and none of the aforementioned setbacks seem to have bothered him greatly. He is as sharp and as witty as ever.

John O'Leary is originally from Carrigroe near Clonakilty, but now living in Cobh. You have met him on several occasions on Where the road takes me, mainly talking about his time in the Garda Siochana between 1942 and 1955, a time not without many incidents.

This week he reflects on his time in England. We hear about Margaret Thatcher, the Yorkshire miners, the IRA hunger strikers and Fatima. They're all connected, in a way 

We hear how the actions of Gerry Fitt surprised him and his mood darkens as he remebers a tragic end to three Garda colleagues.

A new edition of the 'John O'Leary Memoirs', on Where the road takes me, this sunday evening at 7 on C103.

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