Summary

In Chapter 1, Maurice Hannigan, the main character and narrator of the novel, begins his narration at 6:25 p.m. from the bar in the Rainsford House Hotel in Meath, Ireland. Eighty-four-year-old Maurice speaks to his son, Kevin, who lives with his family in the United States. Maurice complains he is having trouble getting anyone’s attention to get a drink because the employees are getting ready for the County Sports Awards.

As Maurice looks in the mirror over the bar, he thinks that he has lost any looks he might have had, but still has his voice, a voice that has been compared to a cello. Emily, the owner and manager of the hotel, finally comes and gets Maurice his drink. She comments that it is unusual for Maurice to visit that bar at all. When Maurice tells her that he wants a stout to...