The Famine Cross
At the back of St Josephs Hospital in Longford, there is the local famine graveyard. This poem is dedicated to those interred …
Whats in a Name
By Mac and O the rhyme does go An Irishman can be known Through this rhyme and a little time The truth …
1798 Thinking
“Thats 1798 thinking” ~ Longford phrase meaning its an old fashioned notion and idealist, unlike modern reality To think like we did, …
Defense of a Church Mouse
Some sculptor scoundrel, storytellers and the sort Have slandered by folk, questioned our worth Made our reputation dirt, who in the church …
After Touring St. Mels Cathederal
Where the fire burned… its smell intimately familiar One statue survived, mere damage and dust of smoke Pictured on the walls: the …
How Lucky Are We
“Was it for this the Wild Geese fled?” Poor Irish – how lucky are we In these modern times, in our land …
Who Has a Welcome From All At Banagher Horse Fair?
There went out the question from one who was not yet there About the month of September and the Banagher Horse Fair …
The Web of Linen
Based on a folk take of the Carty (as Carthy should be spelled!!!) family, told to the Irish Folklore Commission, Eileen’s great …
Don’t Seek Favours from the Good Folk
Some folk are brave and more are not To ask the good folk for what they seek Those spirit folk we called …
The Old Tongue of the Fishermen
Its spoke no more on boggy field By peasants who live under roofs of thatch Who smoke piped tobacco and drink buttermilk …
Reflections on Orange Day
As the Orange Day celebrations passed off without much incident in the North of Ireland, an unprecedented event happened “in Connaught” as …
Jobstown Not Guilty – There is still justice in an Irish Court
The victory of the Jobstown protesters against the false imprisonment of Joan Burton gives hope that there still is justice for the …
Black Swan on the Claddagh
The black swan still swims on the Claddagh, showing example to our people as times of heightened tensions have seen attacks on …
Enda Exits – Legacy of Lives Lost
Enda Kenny is set to retire as I speak as Fine Gael leader, and as prime minister when a replacement is found, …
Hilltops Adorned By Man
Cairns of stone, for our dead Hilltops adorned Prayed to and turned to Communicate with the spirits Crosses of stone and iron, …
Being Easter Sunday, Will the Sun Dance in the Morning?
It being Easter Sunday, At the dawn, will the sun dance? Should the clouds chance to be clear This year to see …
Stations of the Cross While Walking Home From Work on Good Friday Morning
A reflection on Good Friday, contrition, the death of Christ, the arrogance and sins of the church, the current hope of lasting …
Living the Faith of our Fathers and Mothers Today
When the dusk falls on a winters evening Pealing is heard the Angelous bell The old man blesses himself who is leaning …
That Ireland That He Dreamed Of
That Ireland that he dreamed of For which so many died Was to be the nightmare we now think of From which …
They Are Dancing Tonight
They are dancing tonight, the fine women Loud is the music, beyond thinking They are out upon the mountain Vodka, by the …