Roses at the Courthouse in June 2024
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Aoife loves Watering
Little Aoife came for a Kerry visit on the June weekend.
When you are watering Nana’s flowers it is essential to test the temperature of the water with your hand.
Doesn’t seem to be much growing here but a spot of watering might bring it on.
Can’t open the tap but easy to refill a watering can from Nana’s one.
Now the best part, making a puddle for stomping in. Peppa made me do it.
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Joy Unconfined
First European athletics gold since 1998.
The Irish 4×400 metres relay quartet of Chris O’Donnell, Rhasidat Adeleke, Thomas Barr and Sharlene Mawdsley finished 0.77 seconds ahead of Italy with the fancied Netherlands team led by Femke Bol having to settle for bronze.
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The Pain of Emigration
by Martin Coffey
‘My mother’s heart was broken
My father’s heart was too
The day I walked out through this door
And bade a fond adieu
I was only sixteen years of age
And thought I knew it all
The world it was my oyster
And I had heard the call
To take the boat to England
And sail the Irish Sea
To seek out fame and fortune
And notoriety
The streets were paved with gold I’d heard
And work was everywhere
I’d fill my pockets to the brim
With coins of every fare
So off I set that very day
The weather warm and mild
My parents standing at the door
As they watched their only child
My mother’s tears ran down her face
Like raindrops in the night
My dear beloved father
He held her close and tight
And soon enough I landed
On England’s rugged shore
I was looking for a place to stay
I knocked on every door
All the rooms were taken
I stood and wondered why
Then I saw a sign that read
No Irish need apply
As time went by I found it hard
To try and make ends meet
Without a bed to lay my head
I slept out on the street
I sent a letter once or twice
To my dearest darling mother
I told a lie that things were good
And then I told another
For many years things just got worse
And then I took to drink
I lost all sense of place and time
My life went down the sink
And then one day it happened
I decided to go home
I’d step onboard the boat once more
And sail across the foam
I couldn’t wait to see the smile
Upon my mother’s face
To see my father’s cheery grin
And to feel his loving grace
The journey back it took no time
I soon stepped off the boat
The air was chilled with Irish mist
I then put on my coat
I walked along the country road
Where I had walked before
I couldn’t wait to hear the knock
Upon my mother’s door
It was then I met a neighbour
Who lived way up the lane
His frame had aged his hair was grey
His face was filled with pain
He looked so sad and so forlorn
As he gently came my way
He said he was so sorry
For those who’d passed away
He said my darling mother
Died from a broken heart
My dearest father also went
With her he couldn’t part
He said he sent a letter
To a priest in Cricklewood
To tell me what had happened
To find me if he could
It was then I saw this little house
All broken and forlorn
The window in the room was broke
The room where I was born
I walked up very slowly
And knocked upon the door
Imagining that I could hear
My mother’s voice once more
I then walked to their graveside
That was placed upon a hill
Teardrops rolling down my cheeks
The air was quiet and still
And there they lay so peacefully
My parents meek and mild
As here I stood with a broken heart
Their one and only child…’
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The Boy who Kicked the Nun
Mick O’Callaghan made me a gift of his recently launched memoir. Mick grew up in Tralee and now lives in retirement in Gorey.
In a very full life, growing up in Tralee, playing in John B. Keane plays, boxing, involvement with local organisations, walking and writing, Mick ‘s tale is an engaging one.
I had a lovely chat with Mick and his lovely wife, Margaret.
The book is available in Woulfe’s. I’d highly recommend it
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A Fact
King Charles 111 banknotes went into circulation on June 5 2024. His image is on the £5, the £10, the £20 and the £50.
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