`Riverrun." where could we have read that before? Joyce might have thought he was alone, but others have also felt inclined and entitled to use the phrase. This run on the river is a different thing.
Tom O'Byrne is a wildlife expert and probably one of most interesting broadcasters on the subject. In his latest project, he has teamed up with RTE producer Aidan Stanley to make a documentary that is, to say the least, a little bit different.
Rowing 60 miles of river in four days, they traced the Lee from its source at Gougane Barra where the water merely trickles to the full majesty of the river as it approaches the city.
Along the way there were bountiful wildlife, a few hair-raising experiences and some good fun. They encountered rapids, floods, hidden rocks and much more besides.
The project was developed as part of the millennium celebrations in Cork. And when the film is edited, it will be shown on RTE at a date yet to be decided.
While material of great historical interest was uncovered as the intrepid pair made their way, the real purpose of the documentary was to trace the roots of St Finbarr from Gougane Barra to Inchigeelagh, Macroom, Innis carra and finally the city of Cork, which he founded.
The documentary, says Aidan Stanley, is a fascinating journey about one man's life and his effect on the Cork we know today.
En route, the pair interviewed local people about sites of historical interest as well as invited guests. As they negotiated the river, Tom O'Byrne gave a running commentary on the environment through which they were passing.
Over the last two millennia, the river Lee has witnessed many historic events, such as the exploits of St Olan, the shooting of Art O Laoire, the Cromwellian expedition, the destruction of the Gearadh forests and the Lee hydroelectric scheme.
After O Laoire's death, his wife, Eileen Dubh Ni Chonaill, wrote her famous lament, one of the most enduring love poems in the Irish language.
All in all, this seems to have been an idea that worked particularly well. And if it's as good as it promises to be, then I hope RTE will make it available in video form.
The documentary was made by an independent company, Juniper Productions, and it is expected that it will be screened before New Year's Eve.