Shane O’Neill eliminates rivals
In Shane O’Neill’s time (1550s-60s) there was acrimony and conflict within the O’Neill…
Miracles take a little longer
Reading of Euro election coverage I learned that Robert Kiljoy Silk, the Arab baiter, was standing for the Independence Party supported by actress Joan Collins.
Going Round in Circles
After a sleepless weekend of trepidation it was a relief finally to get to work on Monday morning and to meet this ogre that they all feared.
Presbyterian Baptisms 1824 (1)
11 Jan COWDEN Margaret Anne, of James, North Street14 Feb McALPINE James of…
Lusitania’s local victims
On May 7 1915, during World War I the RMS Lusitania was torpedoed by German U-boat U-20.
Blackmen or not?
There was a programme on Radio
During the Second World War some Divisions of the American Army were stationed in Bessbrook prior to their departure to
‘ Sir, what can I get you?’
Lughnasa: Newpoint, tonight
Tonight is the big one, the performance we have all been waiting for, the appearance of the home side Newpoint, presenting Friel’s Dancing at Lughnasa. It is the welcome return as director of Sean Treanor and as actors of the fabulous team of Patricia McCoy, Pauline Lynch, Denise Taylor, Paul McParland, Pat Mooney and Laurie Hodgett and the debut of Corrina Cunningham and Molly Finn.
Discipline at home
Discipline in the family was down to mother. I can recall only one occasion when my father punished me. I was swinging an old bicycle pump round my head in the street…
Fews Glossary H
Hag old, depraved woman; to chop or cutHagging-block where meat is choppedHaggard stack yard Hake …
Workhouse to Hospital
This poem which was passed to us by Martin Toal was written in 1998 by Jim McParland, and was delivered by him at a 50th celebration of the National Health Service.
That celebration was held at the Mourne Country Hotel. Present were a number of people who were employed in the old Workhouse – and some who remained on the staff in that building after its integration into the NHS.
Jim McParland was one such. He wrote the following poem about his memories.
Stuff the turkey
Tory Hunter, John Johnson
During the 18th century in Creggan, and throughout
Flog a dead horse
The tribal wisdom of the Dakota Indians passed on from generation to generation, and for that matter replicated in various guises in a host of other ancient cultures, advises as follows: