The Man Who Talked to the Wind

The first collection of Rathlin Island folk tales in print, reworked from recordings made by local hero Tommy Cecil.

Drawing on Irish and Scottish traditions, Rathlin Island has a rich folk heritage which may have been all but lost but for one man. Taken from recordings held in Ulster Folk Museum, this unique book brings Tommy Cecil's stories and those of other islanders to print for the first time

Swept by strong ocean currents and ferocious storms, Rathlin Island is mysterious and hauntingly beautiful. Lying just six miles off the north coast of County Antrim, it is the most northerly inhabited island of Ireland. Once home to prehistoric hunter-gatherers, its inhabitants have endured Viking raids, medieval massacres, famine and emigration. As farmers, fishermen and seafarers, they are resourceful, independent and proud – and they have always enjoyed a good story.

Drawing on Irish and Scottish traditions, Rathlin has a rich folk heritage all its own. Much of it may have been lost but for one island man – Tommy Cecil. Best known for rescuing Sir Richard Branson after his hot-air balloon ditched into the sea off Rathlin, Cecil was also instrumental in saving many of the island’s old stories. Taken from recordings held in the Ulster Folk Museum, this unique collection brings these stories to print for the first time.