A Woeful Tale is the title of an eagerly awaited collection of poetry and illustrations from retired sea fisherman, Derrick Cranpole. Together in one volume for the first time, it includes work that has previously been published in various anthologies, magazines, periodicals as well as being performed on radio.

People who go to sea are notorious for telling tall tales. But Cranpole’s wry observations and humourous anecdotes make the mind boggle, not because they are too fantastic, but because they are all too real. The irony of an island nation turning its back on what could potentially be its greatest resource has been alluded to before. But Cranpole offers an insider’s perspective, and with a knack for understatement he is not entirely complimentary of officialdom either, but it is a voice which needs to be heard nevertheless.

Observing the life of the inhabitants of a fishing community on the south coast of Ireland, Cranpole documents the trials and tribulations of those who work in the Irish sea fishing industry. This is the story of the men and women who daily battle with the sea, the elements, the bureaucracy to land the nation’s fishing quotas. Yet despite the ups and downs of their trade, the hazards and occasional tragedies, they stick with it because it is the life that they love. 

So must we say a sad farewell

To the men and boys (some girls as well)

Who fished in oilskins shiny red

By day and night and hardly ever went to bed

And in small boats with tiny mizzens set

Followed ever

Followed the drifting Salmon net.