Gearóid is the only survivor of the islanders evacuated from the Great Blasket Island in 1953/54. In 1953, he moved with his parents to Dunquin. An accountant by profession, he enjoyed a varied career. He lives in Cork, works with Gael Taca promoting Irish, and occasionally lectures at University College Cork.

The Loneliset Boy in the World: The last child of the great Blasket Island by Gearóid Cheaist Ó Catháin with Patricia Ahern is published by the Collins Press