Jerry Lynch (a Clare man) sings a very moving song, telling of a glimpse of peace during WW1. It took place over the Christmas days of 1914 and gave some comfort to soldiers on both sides. I came across this site, giving details of the time in question http://www.kinnethmont.co.uk/1914-1918_files/xmas-truce.htm
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAv3_kOsQcs&feature=related]
Let us pray for a peace, worldwide and at home, that will endure. Amen!
I’m in Thurles today, leading a retreat in the Presentation Convent. There are about twenty sisters attending, including one a 100 years old. I hope I don’t undo the good of her century! (Just strikes me I’ve not picked her out from the crowd so she must be doing well – will check on that at the next gathering). The theme of the few days centres on Eucharist and I just talked with them about Paul’s letter to the Romans and the need to “make hospitality your special care”. I was trying to make the point that Eucharist is found in acts of kindness – often noticed and thankfully repeated. “Do this in memory of me”. Anyway, I shared with them a tune, sung by Johnnie Cash but written by Kris Kristofferson called “Here comes that rainbow again”. It captures, at least I think it does, this idea of doing the decent thing just because it’s the right thing to do and hopefully it’s picked up on and repeated ….
The chorus speaks of a heavy day – not much to look forward to – rain and thunder looming and then the colour of the rainbow breaks through – “just like a human” ….
See what you think ….
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kR5920Rapds]
I said it’s not Christmas yet and it isn’t but ………… I think you’ll enjoy this
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sKmHiGOv70&feature=related]
Maura Murray
I went home to Gurteen a few hours ago for a Retirement Function in honour of Maura Murray who taught me when I attended Mullaghroe N.S. I don’t think she taught me for long since she came to the school in 1974 and I left there in 1976 to go to St Nathy’s.
I think I was in Maura’s class for a few months of 1974 but my memory of National School is not too clear. I was a bit worried about that until someone pointed out that it’s good not to have specific memories since this means the whole school experience must have been good! I have to say I was happy there and retain contact with a good few people who were there around the same time as me. It was lovely to see my other two teachers there as well – my aunt Eilish Shannon and the Principal teacher of our days – Teresa Toolan.
Whatever about having clear memories of school I have good memories of Maura and have known her and kept contact through the years and was really happy to be part of her farewell celebrations. I snapped a few photos but from a distance with a phone camera so they’re not very good. Others took better photos with better cameras so that side of things will be recorded.
There were a few speeches (I said a few words) and these, naturally enough, praised Maura. One of my neighbours (Anne Clarke) spoke on behalf of the first group of pupils Maura taught and her words were excellent. I was amazed how much she remembered from those days. I don’t think anyone was left in any doubt that Maura’s influence in her life was and remains significant. It was lovely to hear her speak so fondly of her memories of school, her first school tour and much more. I’ve no doubt this meant a lot to Maura. Well done Anne (she told me she reads this blog from time to time!) Liz Hunt, a member of the Board of Management of Mullaghroe N.S., spoke too and introduced a pupil from Maura’s most recent class. She went on to make the point that from the first group to the last, Maura taught 345 pupils over those thirty-seven years.
At the end of the evening some of the children played music for us and it was heart-warming to hear them and see them enjoy themselves so much. The final piece of music was left to a few of the locals and I decided to record it. It was introduced by Junior Davey (Bodhran player) as the Kilmovee Jig and features Seamus O’Donnell and John Dwyer (on flutes) and Maureen O’Dowd on keyboard. He mentioned a second tune that would be included but I didn’t catch the name.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrahxOq30lo]
Well done to all involved. It was a lovely gathering. I hope that Maura long remembers this night and knows that she will be long remembered by the 345 and their families. God Bless her now and always.
It’s one of those dates …. there were twin brothers beside me at home and they were born on the 6th of the 6th Sixty-Six, ensuring their birthday would not be forgotten. Likewise I know at least one mother in waiting and if her baby is born today, it’s a birthday that will be easily recalled. “I was born on 11/11/11 …. ” you can hear it slipping into future conversations.
President of Ireland - Michael D. Higgins
Today (just in a few moments time actually) the ceremony begins to inaugurate Michael D. Higgins as the 9th President of Ireland. Again, an anniversary that will be easily remembered.
Hopefully it will be a good Presidency for him, his family and for all the people of Ireland – at home and away.
We think of Mary McAleese as she leaves office and rejoice that she did well for and by Ireland over the past fourteen years. There weren’t many parishes she didn’t visit during those years and some of her finest visits were those private ones to homes where tragedies struck and she came to spend time with troubled people. We’ll let her enjoy a “Presidential Salute” again today ….
Today too, marks the end of the First World War in 1918. We do well then to pray for peace throughout the world – a world that seems slow to learn the lessons taught by the atrocities of war.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrQnnZJ68Xo]
Each day brings its own memories – some we want to hold on to and some, perhaps, we’d prefer to forget. Wherever you are today and whatever you do, I hope you have good things to remember come midnight tonight.
___________________________
An aside!
I just watched the Innauguration Ceremony and Rita Connolly sang “The Deer’s Cry”. I just recorded it from the TV recording with handheld camera so not best quality of image but as for the sound and singing – Absolutely class!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miIECtoNQ4M]
On November 3rd, Bishop Kelly, Bishop Flynn, priests, religious and people of Achonry Diocese gathered to mark the 150th Anniversary of the dedication of the Cathedral of The Annunciation and St Nathy, Ballaghaderreen. It was a fine gathering of people. Below are a few images from the evening.
[wpvideo XuYT8o6s]
Bishop Brendan preached the homily. I recorded it but from a distance!! The video or sound quality aren’t mighty but will give you a flavour of the message.
[wpvideo pEwT41y9]
