In Pat Larkin's book, 'The Coalboat Kids', he has skilfully managed to create a disappearing world through the eyes of a likeable, quick-witted 12 year old called Gitcha along with his other mischievous friends Lick the Walls, Two Slices and Mickey Looker.

Their adventures in 1960s Dublin include an encounter with Dracula, attacking a pickeroonie, making rafts, bonfires, pigeon lofts and stealing whatever they can. These children lived as artful dodgers with petty thievery as a way of life and a way of filling time.

The stories progress through the adolescence of the boys and their discovery of teenage girls. Pat Larkin 's wit shines through every line and its charm will warm the hearts of all who read it, both young and old.

At the launch of the book a pilot was shown of 'Attacking the Pickeroonie', soon to be released as a short film, with screen play by Pat Larkin, produced by Kevin O'Connor and Tamara Anghie and directed by Graham Cantwell.

This short film depicts 1960s Ringsend and its surrounding landmarks of Dublin Docklands, Grand Canal Basin, Sandymount Strand, the hurley gurley landmarks surrounding the O'Rahilly Flats and the antics of these young boys 'running amuck'! A very entertaining 45 minutes realistic look back at childhood in dear old durty Dubbalain in the not-so-rare Auld Times.

Frank Kelly paid a lovely tribute to Pat Larkin describing 'The Coalboat Kids' as “time capsule showing life in hard times in Dublin which has long since disappeared.”

Pat Larkin has already put Ringsend on the map as a member of local heroes, The Blades. Now he takes us back to a childhood minutely and emotionally recalled with stories that manage to be very funny and uplifting.

Watch this space as each story is planned to be part of a series of short films resurrecting Ringsend and evoking an era and lifestyle long gone. 'The Coalboat Kids' can be purchased at Books on the Green and other good book shops.

Above is a scene from 'Attacking the Pickeroonie'