The Fishing Lesson by Brian Friel

A very special edition of Short Works is a newly unearthed story by Brian Friel, known as the Irish Chekhov for his plays Translations, Dancing at Lughnasa and Philadelphia Here I Come!

Friel originally wrote this story for BBC radio whilst he was still working as a maths teacher in rural Ireland. It was originally broadcast 1958, but hasn't been heard or read since.

Nearly 70 years later, the story has been rediscovered in the BBC Archives and newly recorded with actor Dermot Crowley. It has been specially commissioned by Radio 4 as part of a celebration of Brian Friel's work 10 years after his death, which also includes a new production of Faith Healer.

The Fishing Lesson shows Friel at his lyrical best, brimming with his trademark pathos, dry wit and a troubled relationship with the past which would later define his work. Though it was penned early in Friel's career, it tells the story of a regret-ridden man who is older but perhaps not, yet, wiser.

With thanks to Kelly Matthews and Kate O'Brien.

Reader: Dermot Crowley
Producer: Ciaran Bermingham