During the week I had a call from someone asking if I’d record the words of the poem put together in memory of the Crew of Rescue 116. I discovered that the piece had been picked up by the Connaught Telegraph and that may well have been the reason I was contacted. It was good to think the words had gone a little further than my little bit of cyberspace and I truly hope they are some help and, if nothing else, an assurance to the families of all involved that they are not forgotten and that the lives and loss of their loved ones have impacted heavily upon us. I sent the recording to the lady and believe she may use it on an upcoming Radio Tribute to the Crew. I asked my friend, Fr James McDonagh, if he’d record a solo version of “The Waves of Kilkee” (he has a fine version with his family and friends on a “Rose In The Heather” CD) and James kindly agreed. I include his tune now with the words and hope they have a place here again. (James was the friend I was speaking with the night I heard Rescue 116 pass overhead)
We remember in prayer Dara and Mark who have been returned to their families and continue to hold in the depths of our hearts a prayer for the finding of Paul and Ciarán that they may be returned to their families to allow space and time for grieving and healing. May God’s blessing be upon all those continuing to search for them and may there be a successful outcome to that search.
On Monday last I heard your sound you in sky and me on ground, on the phone, chatting with a friend wondered where your journey’s end?
Someone somewhere was in need prayed you’d reach them with due speed and from the sky you’d hover low to help the stricken ones below
The sound was loud as you crossed Mayo I prayed God’s blessing as you’d go a fleeting wish that you’d be blest and to ones troubled you’d bring rest
An hour later I went to bed your journey then had left my head a few hours later the story broke as to a new day I awoke
Helicopter missing near Black Sod; Could it be them? I asked my God is that the one that passed last night to ease another’s troubled plight?
And yes it was or so it seems in a world shattered by broken dreams In lives laid down, you gave your all in answer to another’s call Your photos now before our gaze friends and family offer tear-filled praise and the loss they feel is ours too for as a nation we mourn you How could you as crew have known the destiny to which you’d flown but know this now and for evermore your memories in our hearts we store To Dara, Paul, Ciarán and Mark who flew that night into the dark know this day, you gave your best in God’s hands we leave the rest.
“Well Tony?” I think that’s as much as I said to him.
It was last Monday, just after the funeral of Jack Roddy (mentioned in another daily thought) and I was walking back to the sacristy. Tony was walking towards his car, having prayed with me and many others for Jack’s Soul. He nodded to me and I spoke briefly as I went past.
A few months ago Tony came to see me to arrange his wife’s Anniversary Mass. As he often did, he came in and sat down for a while. He chatted about the Mass and then wondered if he could ask a favour. I assured him he could.
“You like to sing”, he told me “and I love to listen to you. Now at Bernie’s Mass, would you do something for me?” Preparing myself I wondered what song (from my all too limited repertoire he might want) and wondered if the song would be a song or a hymn. Would it be appropriate? I knew, were it possible, I’d not say no to anything he might have asked.
“Your friend, Fr McDonagh, he does a mighty job on the Waves of Kilkee. Could you play that on a CD for me?” Alas, my repertoire would not be required after all:)
I told that story the night of the Mass and gave McDonagh his moment – well nearly six minutes to be more accurate. Tony was right, he and his accompanying musicians do a fine job on that tune. Tony was happy.
On Tuesday evening I was at a meeting and someone told me Tony was in hospital. I said I hadn’t heard. The news was not good. I called his son and, sure enough, Tony had been given 24 hours. He was dead in less, R.I.P.
I’m glad we played The Waves of Kilkee. I’m glad Tony felt he could ask me that. I’m sorry I didn’t say a bit more to him on Monday last. Had I known it would be the last opportunity, I’m sure I would have done so.
The thought then … when you meet your friends and loved ones, spend time with them, talk to them, waste and pass time with them. Someday it might be too late.
Went to Ballymote last night for the installation of James McDonagh as new Parish Priest.
Bishop Brendan entrusts James with the Book of The Gospels and a key symbolising his care of the parish and its people
Bishop Brendan Kelly was the Principal Celebrant at the Parish’s Vigil Mass and spoke around the Gospel Passage of the healing of the man who could not see or hear. He focused on the idea of people bringing this man to Jesus “they brought to him a man ….” and the role of “they” as Community. He said that without a community around him a priest’s life is lacking and that it is the community that gives fullest meaning to priestly ministry. He commended James to such a community – the people of Ballymote and Doo.
Where will we make the divide?? James with Greg Hannan, former Parish Priest of Ballymote who is to be James’ co-worker in the parish – sharing “the cake” after Mass.
Following Mass there was a gathering in the local Pastoral Centre and it was lovely to see so many people assemble there to wish James well. So also to see, so clearly evident, their good wishes for and appreciation of Greg Hannan who had been Parish Priest and is now to be the curate in Ballymote. People were happy that though the roles had changed, those fulfilling the roles remain as were.
I was reminded last night of James telling me a number of years ago that when he was appointed to Swinford Parish he called to see his mother, (since deceased, R.I.P.) on his way to Swinford for his first Mass there. “What will I say to them?” he asked her. His mother’s response was direct – “Tell them they’re lucky to be getting you”!!! She wasn’t far off the mark and, though James laughed about this, there was truth in it. I felt that last night for the people in Ballymote – I didn’t say it though – in fairness, I think they know 🙂
Best wishes to James and Greg for the next chapter in their ministry in Ballymote and the diocese.
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