大象传媒

The businessman and broadcaster Sir Gerry Robinson introduces some of his favourite readings, recorded in front of an audience at Magee College, Londonderry. He's helped by two readers, Stella McCusker and Stuart Graham.

Gerry explains that making a recent 大象传媒1 documentary on Alzheimer's was one of the hardest things he's done, not least because his own father died of the illness. He chooses a powerful, moving poem by the Irish poet Paul Durcan, 'Golden Mothers Driving West'. It's like a three minute road movie, in which three Alzheimer's sufferers do a bunk from their care home.

Gerry reflects on his Donegal childhood, before his family moved to east London, and how he pursued a vocation for the priesthood until his faith became less important to him than earning a living in business. He shows a deep fondness for his family, and the readings reflect an indebtedness to them. We hear how Gerry's older brother drowned at 14, and he chooses a moving tribute to his father, linking it to Sebastian Barry's powerful play about early twentieth century Ireland, 'The Steward of Christendom' in which a father fully forgives his son for a transgression.

Producer: Mark Smalley.