Swimming Upstream

Patsy Peril’s memoir explores the impact of the Ardnacrusha hydro-electric station on Ireland’s wildlife and the conservation of salmon.

‘Unlike me, the Atlantic wild salmon does not have a voice, so it cannot tell the story of why and how it has been driven to the point of extinction.’

Once, the River Shannon was teeming with wild salmon swimming upstream. But when the enormous hydro-electric station at Ardnacrusha was built in 1929, what began as the Free State’s crowning achievement would have a devastating impact on the environment.

In this evocative and thought-provoking memoir, Patsy Peril recalls a life deeply entwined with Irish wildlife and embedded in the history of modern Ireland. From a childhood spent on the water to a national conservation campaign, Patsy has a lifetime of knowledge to share about the wild Atlantic salmon – and a plan to save it.

Table of Contents

Preface 

Chapter One : Electrification 

Chapter Two : A River Childhood 

Chapter Three: Taking to the Water 

Chapter Four: The Old Ways and the Pull Back 

chapter five: motoring on 

Chapter Six: A Crisis Mounts 

Chapter Seven: Stark Reality 

Chapter Eight: Technology Versus Nature 

Chapter Nine: Too Late and Not Enough 

Chapter Ten: The Plan 

NOTES 

Bibliography

Patsy Peril grew up in the fishing community of Coonagh, on the outskirts of Limerick City. Involved in inland fisheries all his life, he is also an experienced light aircraft pilot. He has been deeply concerned with environmental matters since childhood, in particular concerning the health and future of Irish rivers. For decades, he has been involved in organisations involved with the oversight, protection, reclamation and sustainability of our natural environment, as well as both local and national salmon net fishers’ associations. Patsy continues his activism, striving for a time when our natural waterways are respected and cared for, and for a healthy and sustainable balance between the uses of our environment and its wellbeing. A frequent contributor to meetings, conferences and congresses, Patsy is now ready to bring his crucial message to a general readership.

Deirdre Nuttall is an author and academic from New Ross, Co. Wexford. She studied folklore and archaeology at UCD and took a master’s degree in social anthropology at the University of Durham, before returning to UCD to complete a PhD in folklore/ethnology. She has carried out research in Ireland, Newfoundland, and Guatemala.