IT was a weekend to remember for Kerryman Michael Kirby for more reasons than one.

The established Kerry author not only celebrated his 97 birthday but was as proud as could be to see the high-profile launch of his latest book "Skelligs Calling" in Caherciveen.

Michael gathered with family, friends and with fans from across the county, including Arts Minister John O’Donoghue, at the Caherciveen Park Hotel on Saturday to launch his latest offering.

Skelligs Calling is his second volume of memoirs in English, following on from Skelligside published in 1990, and it tells tales from the life of a fisherman, poet and painter from the Iveragh Peninsula.

Though his came to writing later in life, publishing his first book Cliathán na Sceilge at the tender age of 78, Michael is now one of the county’s better-known lore writers.

Born in Skelligs in 1906, Michael and his wife Peggy still live happily in their native county with the author dividing his time between family life and his work. The Ballinskelligs native has already published a number of books, including three collections of poetry, philosophical work, a collection of short stories and even a novel set in Canada called Iníon Keevac.

Michael Kirby’s work has gained him a number of high-profile fans none less than local Minister John O’Donoghue who was on hand on Saturday to officially launch his new work.

The Minister described Michael as a remarkable man, a fisherman, a poet and a storytelller who embraces and reflects all these experiences and talents.

"As we read this enchanting volume, it’s hard to decide which holds us more spellbound – the quality of the storytelling, as a master craftsman spins his web, or the picture of the naturalist world that he draws with equal care and artistry," M i n i s t e r O’Donoghue remarked. "To read this book is to share in the ups and downs of Michael Kirby’s long and intensively lived life," the Minister added.

"It is to share in his love and understanding of his native county, to get a glimpse into a whole world of existence, some of which still exists and some of which has passed forever," he said. Skelligs Calling, published by The Lilliput Press, will go on sale this month but for further information on stockists or to order the book check online at www.lilliputpress. ie.