This Boy's Voice is a memoir that picks up where This Boy’s Heart left off, recalling formative scenes from John’s adolescence and early adulthood. A rapidly changing Ireland of the 1970s and 1980s forms the backdrop to these stories as John observes the world around him while trying to make a mark on it. Scenes include John’s experiences in the seminary age 11 and the loneliness felt there, his adventures as a failed delinquent and first time being arrested, joining the FCA (local defence forces) and learning to shoot with guns that probably dated back to War of Independence.

There’s young love, going mad and pints. Discos, nightclubs and pirate radio. Man United, becoming a commie, and finally, the birth of John’s four daughters, when his heart was never to be his own again.