This story charts the life of a fascinating priest, Fr. Tim Tuohy, brought up in Ireland in the 1930s, a time of economic depression. He was captivaed by the ideal of priesthood from childhood. His heroic widowed mother, though in straightened circumstances, facilitated the fulfilment of his dream by sending him to school and college. As he pursues his ideal the story vividly captures the atmosphere of his school [St. Flannan's] and seminary life [Maynooth College] in those bleak years.
The author explores his character though the stories and anecdotes of people who knew him best. The picture the emerges is of a priest who is devout, pious, noble, and even saintly. Yet, these plaudits mask a more colourful persona: a prankster with a wry sense of humour, an accomplished competitoe in sport - hurling, football, and golf as well as an enthusiastic card player, and for good measure, a dabbler in greyhounds.
In short a rounded human being. Above all we are told of a man who is a true Christian, a profound thinker, wise, caring, and passionately devoted to his people and to his ministry.