THE Keowns of Cashel Cross are just one of the well-known Fermanagh families featured in a new book by author Sean Stewart.

Although not a Fermanagh native, Sean writes about the Keowns and other stalwarts of the county alongside Fermanagh, with the county itself taking a dominant role in his new memoir, ‘Never a Dull Moment: A story of life, love and laughter’.

The memoir takes a look at Sean’s early life in Belfast but a considerable amount of time is also given to Sean’s childhood summers in Co. Fermanagh with his grandparents, the Keowns of Cashel Cross.

Cashel and Sean’s memories in that area of Fermanagh are one of the most dominating parts in the book. He shares many memories that Fermanagh readers will be familiar with, such as afternoon excursions to Bundoran, and moments of significant local history.

Sean is a son of Terry Stewart and May (née Keown). Most of his childhood yarns come from his time with grandparents Joe and Sarah Keown.

The book captures many local areas and is a delight for anyone with or without a connection to Fermanagh. There are throwaway references to Arney and the Five Points area of the country; references to Garrison, where Sean spent a lot of time, and to neighbouring Kiltyclogher.

Speaking about the book, Sean said: “The title comes from what my wife, Mary, said to me as we walked down the aisle, hand in hand, man and wife, on a sunny June day in 1976: “Darling, you will never have a dull moment’.”

Sean is now based between Donegal and Spain and described the writing as an easy progress. He initially wrote the book by hand and then typed it up.

Sean claims he inherited the skill of ‘the gift of the gab’ from his dad.

In the book, Sean looks back on the events of the period, big and small, national and local, through a collection of captivating short stories based on real events, including stories about life on both sides of the Border, raising a family, emigration, mental illness, adoption, sudden death and tennis.

In the book he recalls unique challenges, unforgettable characters, and the determination and love he encountered as a young man coming of age in a troubled time, and he draws a fascinating picture of the places and events that shaped him and made him the person he is today.

The cover artwork was completed by Donegal artist Daniel O’Toole.

‘Never a Dull Moment: A story of life, love and laughter’ is available to purchase from Amazon in both paperback and eBook formats.