Went for a walk with the dog this morning. All went well (as well as it gets!) until we met a woman walking two dogs. Not a whimper from them but my companion felt he had to make his presence felt. I’m sure she spoke softly to her two dogs when we passed by “how bad-mannered was that??” Ah no, in fairness, she was gracious and maybe pitied me a little. Anyway, the walk continued and coming near home, Alpha decided to climb up on a stone wall. He looked well so I took a quick photo. He looked almost like I was in control. There’s an Oscar in it for him I’d say. Anyway, decided to combine a few of those photos with a Johnny Cash classic …. “Walk the Line”. Enjoy! Failing that, ignore ….
Last night for the second time in my life I was at a New Year’s Eve gathering. Most years I went home to be with Bill and Mary for midnight. I remember us gathering there and – many years back, Junior O’Beirne arriving to help my father ring in the new year by hitting a gas cylinder (empty of course!!) with a sledge hammer. It was amazing how much noise that made. For years afterwards Junior, God be good to him, used ring our house just after midnight to wish Bill, Mary and all of us a Happy New Year. Like many things that came to an end but the gathering continued. I’d call before midnight and wait into the New Year before heading back to the parish.
One year I remember missing was when I attended the Rooskey New Year’s Eve Gig in Kennedy’s Lounge, Doocastle. The “Rooskeys” made a point of celebrating that night and I didn’t know that the first year I was in the parish but someone told me for the second year. I went over, intending to spend a while and leave to be with Bill and Mary for midnight. As it turned out, the band booked for the night, didn’t turn up and I, with another talented (:)) local ended up counting in the New Year and singing. I can’t remember much of what I sang but I remember a very rousing version of “Things” he sang. Mostly because he didn’t know the words and would just shout “Things” and the filling in of the words was done by the Rooskeys “like a walk in the park” … “like a kiss in the dark” …. It was a good night.
Last night I went to Castlebar to see Imelda May in Concert. Excellent show and what an entertainer! Powerful and lovely. Packed house. first class entertainment and professional to the last. She sang, among many powerful songs, “Kentish Town Waltz” the first song of her’s I heard back in August and have listened to many times since. Lovely idea of sticking together, even if times are difficult. Lovely to hear and see it sung live. Brilliant band and a very enjoyable occasion.
Kentish Town Waltz (Imelda May)
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I went alone and was alone at midnight. The Royal Theatre was packed to capacity, Imelda counted in 2012 and sang “Shall auld acquaintance” and I enjoyed it but I was alone! Not sad, not down in my shoes but alone. The night in Kennedy’s and the countless nights in Moygara were different because I was standing with people I knew, people who knew me and we wanted to stand together. That’s what New Year’s Eve is about. It’s about an awareness of the people you want to stand with you and with whom you want and need to stand. It’s a real moment of reflection.
I’m thrilled I was in Castlebar and enjoyed it so much and am thankful to Imelda and her Band for sharing such a wonderful talent but Kennedy’s was a fuller experience of belonging – so too Moygara. We bring to the midnight hour of December 31st, the people that matter. What I’m saying is we need to be so SO thankful for the people we want to be with and who want to be with us.
Earlier this week I received a text from a priest friend. I’m assuming he received it from someone else (not that I doubt his originality). I shared it today at Mass as my “homily” for New Year’s Day. I believe it has a powerful message.
The text read: “”The fire you kindle for your enemy often burns yourself more than him. May you have the courage in 2012 to put out lots of fires and I pray that you will not get burned”.
Jerry Lynch (a Clare man) sings a very moving song, telling of a glimpse of peace during WW1. It took place over the Christmas days of 1914 and gave some comfort to soldiers on both sides. I came across this site, giving details of the time in question http://www.kinnethmont.co.uk/1914-1918_files/xmas-truce.htm
Let us pray for a peace, worldwide and at home, that will endure. Amen!
I’m in Thurles today, leading a retreat in the Presentation Convent. There are about twenty sisters attending, including one a 100 years old. I hope I don’t undo the good of her century! (Just strikes me I’ve not picked her out from the crowd so she must be doing well – will check on that at the next gathering). The theme of the few days centres on Eucharist and I just talked with them about Paul’s letter to the Romans and the need to “make hospitality your special care”. I was trying to make the point that Eucharist is found in acts of kindness – often noticed and thankfully repeated. ”Do this in memory of me”. Anyway, I shared with them a tune, sung by Johnnie Cash but written by Kris Kristofferson called “Here comes that rainbow again”. It captures, at least I think it does, this idea of doing the decent thing just because it’s the right thing to do and hopefully it’s picked up on and repeated ….
The chorus speaks of a heavy day – not much to look forward to – rain and thunder looming and then the colour of the rainbow breaks through – “just like a human” ….
I went home to Gurteen a few hours ago for a Retirement Function in honour of Maura Murray who taught me when I attended Mullaghroe N.S. I don’t think she taught me for long since she came to the school in 1974 and I left there in 1976 to go to St Nathy’s.
I think I was in Maura’s class for a few months of 1974 but my memory of National School is not too clear. I was a bit worried about that until someone pointed out that it’s good not to have specific memories since this means the whole school experience must have been good! I have to say I was happy there and retain contact with a good few people who were there around the same time as me. It was lovely to see my other two teachers there as well – my aunt Eilish Shannon and the Principal teacher of our days – Teresa Toolan.
Whatever about having clear memories of school I have good memories of Maura and have known her and kept contact through the years and was really happy to be part of her farewell celebrations. I snapped a few photos but from a distance with a phone camera so they’re not very good. Others took better photos with better cameras so that side of things will be recorded.
There were a few speeches (I said a few words) and these, naturally enough, praised Maura. One of my neighbours (Anne Clarke) spoke on behalf of the first group of pupils Maura taught and her words were excellent. I was amazed how much she remembered from those days. I don’t think anyone was left in any doubt that Maura’s influence in her life was and remains significant. It was lovely to hear her speak so fondly of her memories of school, her first school tour and much more. I’ve no doubt this meant a lot to Maura. Well done Anne (she told me she reads this blog from time to time!) Liz Hunt, a member of the Board of Management of Mullaghroe N.S., spoke too and introduced a pupil from Maura’s most recent class. She went on to make the point that from the first group to the last, Maura taught 345 pupils over those thirty-seven years.
At the end of the evening some of the children played music for us and it was heart-warming to hear them and see them enjoy themselves so much. The final piece of music was left to a few of the locals and I decided to record it. It was introduced by Junior Davey (Bodhran player) as the Kilmovee Jig and features Seamus O’Donnell and John Dwyer (on flutes) and Maureen O’Dowd on keyboard. He mentioned a second tune that would be included but I didn’t catch the name.
Well done to all involved. It was a lovely gathering. I hope that Maura long remembers this night and knows that she will be long remembered by the 345 and their families. God Bless her now and always.
It’s one of those dates …. there were twin brothers beside me at home and they were born on the 6th of the 6th Sixty-Six, ensuring their birthday would not be forgotten. Likewise I know at least one mother in waiting and if her baby is born today, it’s a birthday that will be easily recalled. ”I was born on 11/11/11 …. ” you can hear it slipping into future conversations.
President of Ireland - Michael D. Higgins
Today (just in a few moments time actually) the ceremony begins to inaugurate Michael D. Higgins as the 9th President of Ireland. Again, an anniversary that will be easily remembered.
Hopefully it will be a good Presidency for him, his family and for all the people of Ireland – at home and away.
We think of Mary McAleese as she leaves office and rejoice that she did well for and by Ireland over the past fourteen years. There weren’t many parishes she didn’t visit during those years and some of her finest visits were those private ones to homes where tragedies struck and she came to spend time with troubled people. We’ll let her enjoy a “Presidential Salute” again today ….
Today too, marks the end of the First World War in 1918. We do well then to pray for peace throughout the world – a world that seems slow to learn the lessons taught by the atrocities of war.
Each day brings its own memories – some we want to hold on to and some, perhaps, we’d prefer to forget. Wherever you are today and whatever you do, I hope you have good things to remember come midnight tonight.
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An aside!
I just watched the Innauguration Ceremony and Rita Connolly sang “The Deer’s Cry”. I just recorded it from the TV recording with handheld camera so not best quality of image but as for the sound and singing – Absolutely class!
I mentioned Imelda May a few “posts” ago and have become quite a fan – though I don’t fully get all her music. I still hear that Dublin accent and the sincerity behind it. That’s enough … Anyway, I’ve listened to Kentish Town Waltz so many times and still love its introductory notes and the message of sticking with each other (life) through thick and thin. There’s another tune on the Mayhem Album that I like as well. It’s called “I’m Alive” – the rhythm and music that introduce it, together with the trumpet’s contribution make it especially pleasing to the ear and the lyrics again speak to the heart and feeling grateful for another’s love and place in life. I like the line that speaks of awaking part of the Soul that has slept for way too long. Now there’s a good day’s work.
The lyrics ….
Smother me with your kisses Bury me in your arms Oh the love that this is has chained me to your charms Oh lock me up in your heart Drown me in your eyes ‘Cos when you hold me, I’m alive You wash me clean of all sadness You cleanse me of all doubt Now this new born feeling I can’t live without You’ve drugged me I’m addicted I’m drunk just on your smile ‘Cos when you hold me, I’m alive I’m alive to each fingertip To the end of each fine hair My lips it seems, with every kiss, Are sending thankful prayers. You’ve woken a part of my soul That’s slept for way too long Now I just can’t get enough I understand love songs I’ll sing to you forever I’ll love you ’til I die ‘Cos when you hold me, I’m alive
NO, I’ve not finally flipped!! It’s time for May in August ….
I heard “Kentish Town Waltz” on Mid West Radio yesterday and thought it was a lovely piece of music – didn’t fully catch the lyrics but the tone was pure class. I caught the name of the performer “Imelda May” but didn’t know anything about her. I met a girl earlier today and we ended up talking about Gay Byrne’s interview with Imelda May on “For one night only”. Strange that her name came up again. Anyway, did a YouTube ramble and found Kentish Town Waltz and the Gay Byrne interview. What a lovely person she is and SO talented. So, if you’ve only a few minutes to spare watch and listen to “Kentish Town” (brings me back a quater of a century to when I spent a few weeks of the summer as a Deacon in St Gabriel’s Church, Holloway Road. A classmate was in Kentish Town and I used to visit him there. No, we didn’t waltz!!! We did eat a lot of junk food though …. Kentish Town ……….)
And if you’ve a bit more time – follow the clips from the “For one night only” show. Thanks to whoever went to the trouble of posting them on youtube. Thanks to Imelda for her reality, her gift, her talent …. her songs.
Neil Diamond, mentioned in the last post, has a song “I haven’t played this song in years” and it seems a while since I’ve put anything here. A few words for now then ….
A week ago we had a celebration in the parish for Fr Tom Freyne – a native of Kilmovee and now living in Knock. It was a jubilee celebration of his ordination day. Silver? No. Golden? No. Diamond? No – I had to Google to find out the name linked with this jubilee. It was his Platinum Jubilee. Tom was ordained in St Peter’s College Wexford on the 8th June 1941! He is seventy years in the priesthood. He still drives his car, celebrates Mass every day and basically enjoys life. It was a very pleasant gathering. The church was full with about twenty-five priests concelebrating Mass with him. Fr Tom ministered for most of his life in the diocese of Beauvais (France) and some priests and people from that diocese joined us as well.
After Mass we had a social evening and small presentation to mark this milestone event. I put a few pictures on Youtube so check it out below.
We prepared a leaflet for the Mass and these are the few words of welcome that were included:
Bonjour et bienvenue! A word of welcome to all who join us for this most special night when Tom Freyne a son of this parish, a priest of the Diocese of Beauvais and a valued member of the Pastoral Team at Knock Shrine, re-visits the joy of this day – June 8th – 1941 when he was ordained a priest in St Peter’s College, Wexford.
Fr Tom has much to celebrate this evening, not least fidelity to “God’s Call”. We rejoice with him as he thanks God for a long and fruitful Ministry. As he looks back and remembers, we go beyond June 8th 1941 to an upper room where Jesus sat with his disciples and taking bread and wine gave it to them as His Body and Blood with the invitation and the challenge “Do this in memory of me”. Though the full meaning of what was happening was slow to dawn on them, in time they came to an understanding and appreciation of all that had taken place. They began to take the bread and chalice as well, to share them and, through the sharing, to nourish all who came forward to receive.
Seventy years ago Tom began this journey of discovery and on the 9th June 1941 he celebrated Mass in this church in the presence of a priest for whom he had served Mass as an Altar Boy. The journey and the discovery continue but we can say for certain that for a lifetime the man around whom we gather this evening has indeed heard the words spoken in the Upper Room and has done much that is good “in memory of Him”.
It is indeed right that we give “thanks and praise” this evening and there is no more fitting setting than this church for us to do so. Join in prayer, share the joy, sense the hope and wish Fr Tom continued blessings as his journey continues.
…. Kentish Town ……….)
