Writer shares memories of 1979 Fastnet Race and links to two well-known Cork pubs

The writer's memories of the 1979 Fastnet Race are inseparable from Cork's social and maritime life, tying sea history to two well-known pubs. John O'Donnell, though Dublin-born, recalls a strong Cork lineage—his father hailed from Cork and his uncles ran The Anchor Bar in Bantry and The Hi-B on Oliver Plunkett Street. He plans to return to Bantry in July to launch his second short-story collection, Mr Hoo And Other Stories, at this year's West Cork Literary Festival. O'Donnell's work often centers on the sea, and he learned to sail in Kinsale before joining his father and brother in the Fastnet Yacht Race. During the 1979 race a severe storm unfolded, and when a crew member went overboard, Bill's advice about safety ropes helped pull him back aboard after a harness clip opened. He later produced a documentary about the disaster for RTÉ. He also cherishes memories of the Hi-B, Cork's iconic pub, and of his Uncle Brian, an artist who drew famous people and sent the portraits across the city.