Whether or not it applied to cats and dogs I do not remember, but certainly pigeon lofts were not permitted!

Naturally these lofts began to spring up all over the place, almost as if they were a compulsory adjunct to our homes, pigeon-fanciers outnumbering all other sportsmen at that time. 

There was the odd pig sty too, but that was a purely commercial enterprise. I am not aware that pigeons were bred for any table. Indeed the thought alone is enough to horrify most!

In the days before the constant hum (or roar, dependent upon distance from main roads!) of motor traffic, it was the sweet, soft swish of pigeons passing overhead that turned heads. My own childish imagination was constantly intrigued and excited. There was the aerial dance, the sheer ecstasy of the winged play, the flash of colour, the pure trill of flight.

The ultimate pleasure was to hold one of these magnificent creatures in the palm of one’s hand. There was a hold method to be learned. One’s middle fingers entrapped the trembling bird by the feet so that its tiny heartbeat throbbed against one’s palm. Then one could study at close range the downy chest and multi-coloured feathers; blues and blacks, purples and browns; to watch that erect and proud head turn suddenly through 270º - the lord of the skies deigning to look upon his master …………….. The master would lower his pursed lips to kiss the exotic creature.

‘Ma! Can we get pigeons too?’

‘You certainly can NOT!’ My mother was not behind the door with her opinions.

‘Them dirty b*****rs!! Sh*****g all over my washing!’

‘Ah Maaaaaaa!!!!!!!! Everybody has pigeons!

The McConvilles next door! The McGraths and MaAllister! All of them!’

‘So you can enjoy theirs then! Or play with them.

Do you play with pigeons? What do you do with them?

Ah, never mind. Them dirty things won’t be about my house!’

There was no point in appealing to Sonny, my father.

I think I had about as much say in the weighty domestic decisions as he had!

….. more …………

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