Frank McDonald has written many books, most notably The Destruction of Dublin.

His new memoir, Truly Frank, details what it was like to grow up in Dublin in the 1950s and 60s.

As with many people in Ireland, Catholicism was a large part of Frank's childhood. He was "completely devoted" to the Catholic faith and was even in the Legion of Mary.

He says his Catholic upbringing made it difficult to come to terms with being gay.

"It was very difficult because there were no role models around at the time, and it was illegal. It was a terrible period of chaos."

"Everything was underground at the time. There was no visibility for gay people in Ireland. There was a fear that you'd be caught or blackmailed."

He didn't discuss his sexuality with colleagues or close friends, and it wasn't until the law changed in 1993 that he felt he could be more open about it.

"You were kind of leading a double life. You had your work life and you had this other life that went on in the background."

He says he regrets not campaigning for gay rights, but it would have required him to come out long before he did.

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