Author(s): AYERBE Jack

Biography

"It seemed like a good idea at the time". With these words young Australian veterinarian Jack Ayerbe takes up the challenge of transferring from a cosy London practice treating domestic pets to the rigors and fun of a rural practice in the north-west corner of Ireland. It was 1970 and an out break of respiratory disease was threatening the local cattle population. Sensing adventure Jack took up the challenge and it changed his life forever. Ballina, County Mayo, its landscape, its people and the farm animals that provide much of their livelihood soon consumed every minute of Jack's life. Meanwhile Jack took comfort in doing a little consuming of his own - the odd whiskey, drop of poteen and pint of stout providing well earned sustenance along the way. It was a time when tinkers, ploughing by hand, donkey and cart transport and the ever burning peat fires were still very much a way of life. It was also a time of the 'Troubles' across the border, when IRA men came and went and the influence of the Catholic Church was all pervasive. But most of all it was a time of friendship, conviviality and the joy of living. Indeed, for young Jack Ayerbe, his life in Ballina turned out to be a very good idea indeed.