Walking in Belturbet By Erne’s Side
From the well the calf it leaped As unwisely the widow chose For ease her load not too long to carry In …
When The Devil Was Beat by Duffy
A common folk story in Europe, in North Longford it was attributed to a local blacksmith as the hero of the tale, …
Memories of Grandmother at Drumnahara
The shaking hands that set the plate Of ice cream and jelly that vibrate With an old woman’s smile under curled hair …
Sitting Shoreside by Nabelwy Lake
Looking back through photos, a shot of Lough Nabelwy reminded me of one of my favourite walks in North Longford, and of …
Reading a take on memory from a fellow North Longford writer
John Connell is from outside my families home village of Ballinalee. Author of “The Cow Book” – which was given a different …
King Harmon’s Clock
Laurence King Harmon had a number of structures built in his honour, paid for it is said by subscription of “a grareful tenantry”. Self praise is no praise, and whether subscription was under duress or genuine is unknown. Bad times were ahead, and for the cruelty of his estates eviction is how his name will be known, no matter whats carved in stone…
“Home Made” explores concept of home for Longford Writers Group
The Longford Writers Group – featuring yours truly – launched their anthology of poems and stories in Longford Library, to the musical accompaniment of Bernie on the keyboard, and Valerie on vocals. The anthology explored the concept of home, as it is known to each of us, and a contribution was given to “Simon” charity, helping those who have no place to call home.
Culture Night in Cafe 45 – Longford Leads in Literature and Arts
This Culture Night I was in Longford reading with Longford Writers Group who I joined lately, in Cafe 45, after which I …
1798 Thinking
“Thats 1798 thinking” ~ Longford phrase meaning its an old fashioned notion and idealist, unlike modern reality To think like we did, …
Weekend of Hit and Miss in Banagher and Longford
I made the Readings at the Pallet this year, and found that its ten years since I was in at the first …
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 …
Reading the works of the Poets Higgins
I have recently become the happy owner of the book on Cloncoose poet Pat Higgins, a folk poet of the time when …
The Lady of Culray
She was a landlords daughter Her lover not so grand It was illegal to be a Catholic You could not own your …
The Workings of Smear Mill
The mills of old dot the North Longford countryside, and some of them are being restored. The most recent being the Smear …
Long Walk in Edenmore Bog
Walking the bog in Longford brought this reflection on life to mind – a rare nonrhyming poem from me! Walking the long …
Fixed Bayonets Against Our Own
Needless to say I think the Irish army should have gone across the border in 1969, and was angered at Keelin Shanleys …
Busker of Longford Town
There he sits as folk pass by His music fills the air around Some walk past fast lost in their own world …
Edgeworthstown exhibition aids Pieta House – Fighting against suicide and depression and for urban horses and horse fairs
The fight against depression and suicide has many armies, one of the most prominent of late being PIETA House, and at a …
Padraic Colum : Longford Writer and Riot Inciter
Padraic Colum was one of Longfords most famous modern literary figures. The son of a workhouse master, he grew up in the …
Let Death Not Sneak In Our Door
In the days gone by during the War On the family farm in old Lislea My mother but a child she was …