“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in” That’s all there is. It’s so amazing, it doesn’t matter if it’s your or not. It’s that lovely thing, a society grows great when old men plant trees, the shade of which they know, they will never sit. Good people do things for other people. That’s it. The END. And YOU are good, with so much to give. Go do something for someone else, now. Promise you, it will transform your life.
My lord, April (Aibreán) 2024 went by in a blink. As the days begin to stretch, and we close out the winter The return to evening walks are a welcome routine change, if only the weather would cooperate. Climate change has delivered the wettest, windiest and challenging of months and we await some spring settling. I understand the forecasters are optimistic of a move away from single digit temperatures with added windchill 🥶, to double digit temperatures very soon. (But please, don’t hold your breath)
Owenabue river walk at 2030, April Evening Joggers
Holding onto resentment, anger and hate is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Let go of your resentments. Life is too short. Buddha. Forgive, not forget, from the Therapy Room.
Aibreán (April) also brings the added opportunity of travels to the Co.Clare town of Kilkee on the Wild Atlantic Way. Even with an icy chill to the breeze, a dip into the sea in Moore Bay, Kilkee will re-set your brain fog after a challenging winter. Gratitude, Fresh Air, Breathing and Mindfulness. (April ’24, Snaps)
FINALLY, we all sense that the use of mobile phones (while driving) has reached epidemic proportions. We now have a population of drivers, who have grown up with a mobile phone, near permanently, in their hands. It is part of the fabric of their lives. In every aspect of their lives, and that is extending to DRIVING. Not using Bluetooth while driving or texting while driving beggars belief. PUT THE PHONE DOWN while driving. The embedded video (hyperlinked) happened very close to Carrigaline a few weeks back, with catastrophic consequences. Drive safe and have a great summer.
All links / hyperlinks have been checked and validated.
Márta (March) 24, a blog of few words and a selection of pictures and videos. A celebration of the cycle of life, the cycle of our year. March, see’s a pod of Harbour Seals take up residence in the Owenabue Estuary. This is a first for me, but it is a river teeming with wildlife, otters, kingfishers and cormorants, to mention just a few species I see regularly on my daily walks with my companion, Robin Redbreast. March also brings a significant change as, #58 O’Dwyer’s Villas, Thomondgate has new family ownership, a lifetime ahead of it, while our memories of love, blessings, mayhem and sometimes madness in a family home will live long in the stories of the clan, that called it ‘Home’. Trying hard lately to recreate my childhood recipes. Hence, the pictures of Packet and Tripe above. The recipe for the most amazing packet and tripe is available to anyone, just drop me a comment below and I’ll send you both the ‘Benson’ recipe (there are as many variations in the cooking, as there are families in Limerick) and a YouTube video tutorial for this pre or post-Rugby match favourite. The daffodils are nearing the end of their spectacular display of sunshine for February and March. The Spring Equinox, March 20th. will see the Sun headed higher in the Northern Hemisphere and to hopefully warmer, brighter and comforting months of the year. Another feature of my daily walking mediation is a lovely seat at Drake’s Pool on the Owenabue River, dedicated to my friend Kevin who passed away, too early, on 24-Feb-2005. His life touched so many people and those he touched dedicated this special spot to Kevin, a truly well deserved tribute. The years move scarily fast, twenty years, next February. I stop here and occasionally ask a favour, when I have a weight on my mind or just to say, Hi Kev, and let him know all is well. It is just so perfect that both our grandsons are buddies in Play School (Kevin and Charlie)
Kevin and Charlie on way to Playschool together
We spring forward on the 31st. March to the stretching days, early morning sunrises and late evening sunsets. The journeys to the Wild Atlantic coastline, to friends, familiar faces, to Fitzy’s, cold sea swims and the warmth of a special community. Folks, summer is on it’s way, Here Comes The Sun 🙂
Finally, I’ll close out this blog with a really cool Video I came across this week. Us humans are capable of such incredible creativity, movement and sheer magic. Enjoy. I’ll reach out again at the end of Q2 with April (Aibreán), May (Bealtaine) and June’s (Meitheamh) blogs. Feel free to follow this blog if you want to get notified of new publications earlier. And comments are always welcome.
Move, whenever you possible can. Exercise is life. Every, and I mean every, move counts. See PDF below.
Ireland is not very conducive to getting out in the fresh air and moving, but your life, health and overall wellbeing, critically depends on it. just do it.
If you can set aside some time this February for YOU. The following blog is really just two very important podcasts from Niall Breslin and his incredible contributors. (Remember, as I have said in the past, I have checked and tested all ‘Hyperlinks‘ in my blogs). Take your time with this blog, pause and reflect, make a journal, and talk to someone if needed. As the image above deeply hopes that some readers and listeners may get some significant meaning and relevance in the words of Niall, Louize, Tony and Britt. (and my sincere apologies for updating this ‘live’ blog)
Folks, I love the whole field of therapy. This may come as a surprise to some. Many will say, I should get a lot more therapy. In reality we should all try to understand our psychological make-up, to put meaning and understanding on our behaviours and in our lives. It goes back to ‘FindMyWhy’, where my quest for understanding, meaning and peace began, decades ago. Of course, this is always a personal choice. Now that I have arrived at a ‘significant’ milestone age, and 2024 is the year to ‘Do More’, I’m doing all I can to move to a better, comfortable, and wiser place. I actively seek out the people who can explain this to me in the simplest of language and stories. In this months blog, I again introduce you to the amazing ‘Bressie’ (aka Niall Breslin) and his incredible community of contributors on his journey, through his various Podcasts, articles and live shows.
The Therapy Room
This Picture links you to an amazing Podcast called the ‘Therapy Room’ and this episode is called ‘The Survivor Self’. The amazing, plain talking, Niall Breslin is joined by the equally amazing, and plain talking, Louize Carroll and Dr.Tony Bates (Also Link Here)
Stuck as fuck – The Science of Stuck
This Picture links you to another amazing Podcast called the ‘Where is my mind‘ and this episode is called ‘The Science of Stuck’. The amazing, Niall is joined by the equally amazing, and straight talking and insightful, Neuropsychotherapist, Britt Frank(Also Link Here)
Sometimes, stop and smell the flowers. I’m very fortunate to have an incredibly beautiful river walk close to my home. I walk it nearly every day. It grounds me, it gives me peace, it immerses me in nature. It is my mindful walk where I escape the noisy mind for an hour every day. Mind you, it can be cold, wet, rainy, windy, warm, but I luckily see the different seasons come and go. Walking in nature has such huge benefits. Here is one article, ‘Why 30 Minutes of Nature a Day Is So Good for Your Health‘ from Andreas R Edwards, it is just an 8 minute read. Just now, February 2024, the cherry blossom is starting to bloom. The perfume of this simple and gentle flower is incredible.
The first blossoms are appearing. Natures perfumes are quiet amazing. Stop, smell and ground yourself.
See you in March folks, and PLEASE A. Leave comments at any time or B.Let me know if these blogs are not for you and I’ll make sure you are never circulated again. Garry
It’s 2024, do a bit more. Well, here goes, with my attempt to blog a wee bit more this year. This time of year in Ireland is a very mixed bag of weather. From very frosty and cold, which I adore, to severe stormy weather. The cold, I love but storms literally, put the wind up me.
January 2024 (or Eanáir, as gailge) is a first, as we mark Mam’s first anniversary. So it was a chilly, frosty drive to Limerick from Cork, on a Sunday morning 7th. January. I’ve driven this road a thousand times and always admired the views of the Galtee mountains between Mitchelstown and Ballylanders, but never stopped to take a photograph. I just had to stop this morning. It was stunning.
Onwards to Limerick, for a typical Benson family gathering of smiles, laughter, noisy, beyond belief, warmth and love. (see gallery). But first we had the mass in a freezing St.Munchin’s Church. January 7th. is ‘The Epiphany‘, also known as ‘Little Christmas’, and ‘The Baptism of the Lord’. Our lovely priest, Fr.Pat Seaver, gave us a beautiful sermon on the history of early christian practice of converting to catholicism. It is a significant journey for any individual to undertake especially in early Christian times. The multi-year journey of study, examination and ceremony was reformed during the papacy of Pope Pius XII, 1939-58. Fr.Pat Seaver, then went on to engage the whole congretation in a renewal of our ‘Baptismal Vows’. The mass was a long one, much to the ‘WTF’1 expressions on the faces of my young ‘frozen’ nephews and nieces.
In truth I was chuckling away to myself and thinking how much fun ‘Mam’ was having with this very extended 1st. anniversary mass. Mam’s famous words over the recent years as mass attendance has dwindled, is that we had all become (jokingly) a bunch of ‘Heathens’, so for us to be stuck in a freezing church, with a very long sermon and repeating our Baptismal vows (and not a lot of us ‘strong’ believers) must have been hilarious to Helen. Thanks a mill, Mam. Thereafter, we had a quick bite to eat before we all went our ways.
Finally as I sit here awaiting the arrival of Storm Jocelyn just 24 hours after the country was bruised and battered by Storm Isha, I hope you are all safe and sound. My ‘New Years’ resolutions are about to begin (most of you, who know me, are aware I never start my ‘New Years’ resolutions until 25th. January. So, in a couple of day’s I plan to fall off the horse (fail) gracefully, as I do every year. There is a difference this year as I offically retire from the working life on the 25th. January. More about that in Feabhra 24, Márta 24, Aibreán 24, etc.
Finally, finally, ‘Feabhra’ brings the best competition in the world. The Guiness Six Nations Championship. If you have 30 minutes to spare, there is a good YouTube Podcast embedded in Peter’s picture that will get you fully up to speed, on what, for me is simply the best annual sports TV event, bar none. Here comes couch potato time. But a pint of Beamish first…. see banner below, It is very fine print.
My daughter gave me a beautiful framed ‘Robin’ for Christmas. (See my previous post).
Things That Bring me Joy. ‘Happy New Year’
Blessings to you for the New Year ahead. Harry Baker’s poem attached sums up 2023 for me, especially the last line. So, I wish you and all your families many Joy’s in 2024. Now, it’s time to write your own poem. X
And finally this beautiful piece of Music from the Scottish folk group Capercaillie. It is a haunting piece of music performed so magnificantially by Capercaillie with the backing of the Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Spellbinding. (Inspired by the poet Sorley MacLean). One of the most powerful lines in this song, “Well, it’s nature’s way of saying, Our backs are up against the wall”
Let’s go up the hillside To the highest ridge of Storr Where the lapwing sings a eulogy At the wonder of it all As the evening shadows plunder The cloak around the world We remember all the mornings At the heart of it all
At the heart of it all Is a calling to this land In the words of our salvation Is a song for the common man At the heart of it all Is a story to be told For the sake of our salvation And the troubles we behold
You can see the river rising Its banks will creak and slide There’s a silence in the evergreens And a surging of the tide Well, it’s nature’s way of saying Our backs are up against the wall By the hush of the world In the lull before the storm
At the heart of it all Is a calling to this land In the words of our salvation Is a song for the common man At the heart of it all Is a story to be told For the sake of our salvation And the troubles we behold
The poems and the musings Of Sorley MacLean They tumble and cascade across The page of every man They will rise and spring to life again In a song for the good of all Where the people and their land are at The heart of it all
At the heart of it all Is a calling to this land In the words of our salvation Is a song for the common man At the heart of it all Is a story to be told For the sake of our salvation And the troubles we behold
Read about Sorley MacLean. His poetry readings were described as deeply moving even by listeners who did not speak Gaelic;[8]: 17 according to Seamus Heaney, “MacLean’s voice had a certain bardic weirdness that sounded both stricken and enraptured”.
It is 2024, Go Ahead and Open that Door. Happy New Year, Garry B.
Fri, Dec 22, 2023, 3:27 AM, While the Northern Hemisphere observes its Winter Solstice on December 21/22, the Southern Hemisphere, where my brave eldest daughter Elaine and Grandson, Rory live, is in the midst of its Summer Solstice, marking the longest day and the beginning of summer. Winter continues here in Ireland, until the vernal equinox in March in the Northern Hemisphere.
Those of you who are regulars to my blog will know that the Winter Solstice has always been very important to me, as it strikes deep within me, to mark this time of the year. Probably, part of our pagan and celtic DNA coursing our veins, though, it also marks the beginning of our winter and the cold, sleepy hibernation time of renewal. It does also represent the climb away from the shortest days here in the Northern hemisphere to the explosion of life in spring.
Just as it was for our ancestors, the winter solstice is a time for rituals and reflections. The Winter Solstice is an astronomical phenomenon marking the shortest day and the longest night of the year. It occurs when one of the earth’s poles has its maximum slant away from the sun and it happens twice in each hemisphere at the peak of winter and summer. The solstices, the seasons and the changing length of daylight hours throughout the year are all due to one fact: the earth spins on a tilted axis.
When the sun is 23.5° south in latitude and directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, which occurs on and around December 21st, the Winter Solstice takes place. At its farthest southerly point, having moved slowly since last June, the sun “stops” for approximately three days before it starts to slowly creep back north again. During this time, there is a peak moment of the Solstice. In 2023, this will actually occur at 3.27am on Fri December 22nd.
In our Celtic landscapes, the Winter Solstice is an ancient seasonal rite of passage that is ageless. We do know not when our ancestors first stood together and paused in harmony at midwinter. Our sacred sites such as the world famous Newgrange Cairn, aligned to the morning’s rising sun, tell us that Winter Solstice was important enough over 5,000 years ago to build a temple to this poignant solar event.
In Irish, the Winter Solstice is “An Grianstad”, literally translating as “the sun stop”. This accuracy in describing the sun’s intercourse with the earth helps us to momentarily stop also and integrate our fast moving modern lives with the plateau of maximum darkness and minimum light. These days of Winter Solstice time are precious, the pinnacle of a darkening that calls us to rest, be still, recover and dream. The minutes of sunlight in our days will eventually begin to increase towards that other great day of the season, Christmas Day.
The experience of darkness is such a different condition to light and is often sadly stigmatised. We are so accustomed to beginning things when the light is turned on, when the sun rises and when we open our eyes and adjust. Yet nature says the beginnings are in the dark. Life first is dreamed and vibrates in the absence of light. The seeds sown in autumn germinate underground through winter before appearing as shoots in spring. Each one of us reading this lived our first nine months or thereabouts in our mother’s dark womb.
Our ancestors intuitively understood this phenomenon, acknowledging the new day at dusk and the New Year at Samhain (Hallow’een). They regarded the time between Samhain and the climax of the seasonal darkness of Winter Solstice as the treasured dreamtime of new life. Nature invites us to stir ourselves as courageous and passionate dreamers and to be in synchronicity with the great natural hibernation about us. Our invitation is to birth new prayers, new wishes, new intentions and new manifestations for ourselves and for our world.
In many traditions, Winter Solstice, also known as Midwinter and/or the Festival of Yule, is a time for rituals and celebrations. In a sense, this was a turning point in the battle of dark versus light in the world. On the island of Ireland, our ancestors who constructed Newgrange did not see Winter Solstice as an adversarial event, but a turning point in which reverence of the vital energies of darkness and lightness are understood, honoured and celebrated. When we embrace this perspective in our personal lives, we can claim reward and peace in our lives too.
Many still gather at Newgrange on Winter Solstice morning. While the chosen few who have won the lottery will be inside at sunrise, hundreds more will sing and dance or simply stand in awe. If skies are clear, the golden orb of the Sun peaks above Red Hill. If lucky, those in the Cairn may witness the sunlight snaking its way through the lightbox up the ancient path to penetrate the centre of this stunning architectural monument to a magnificent feat of nature. That this still occurs 5,000 years after Newgrange was built is itself a enthralling phenomenon.
In a sense, Winter Solstice was a turning point in the battle of dark versus light in the world. This evening dusk will have an added auspiciousness. As the shortest day of the year, we will only have nine hours and 15 minutes of daylight and so today will be spent mostly in darkness. This year, the Solstice arrives one day before the Full Moon, so Seanmhathair Gealach, Grandmother Moon as our foremothers and fathers called her, will be waxing gibbous lighting the dark sky. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, stop like the sun and celebrate the hope in your heart as we now know the summer is on its way.
Here’s hoping that Christmas soaks into your being, this season of goodwill, love and spirituality. This time of year fills us with many memories, some will fill us with beautifully warm feelings and for so many will bring an ache of loss, grief and sadness to our hearts. I have met so many in the past days, weeks and months who are sharing this identical burden, the heartache is etched on so many faces. I can only implore you the sing, (even hum along under your breath) dance and celebrate this holiday, if you can, and always give plenty of hugs to our loved ones, friends and family who might be aching this Christmas. Make it a Christmas for EVERYONE.
Shane, “You did so good” and the beautiful legacy you leave behind is just amazing.
My 2023 Visitors. Butterflies and Robins. The bulk of my Christmas Blog was written, 17’500 miles from home in the Southend Hotel, Maroubra, Sydney, Australia, as I visited my brave, strong and wonderful daughter Elaine and beautiful grandson Rory in Sydney. It’s been a year of emotional roller coasters, from the very top to the very bottom. With Mam’s passing came a change in my life that is still being processed. But the highlight of this year has been the constant companions of Robin’s and Butterflies. Someone is letting me know that they are still around and with me and each and everyone of us. There is enough written on the internet about this phenomenon to fill many a library, suffice to say that the company has been comforting, softening, soothing and so very welcome.
The well-known phrase, ‘When robins appear, loved ones are near’, alludes to the belief that the robin is a messenger. When robins are seen, some people take comfort that loved ones are at peace, and many believe that their lost loved ones are visiting them.
A passed loved one is watching over you. If you’ve recently lost a family member or friend, they may reappear as a butterfly to let you know you’re not alone. Many people take this as a sign that they’re loved one is well and continues to guide them.[1]
Try saying “hi” to the butterfly to return your loved one’s warm welcome or say a silent prayer in greeting.
Grief, this universal experience and yet, a totally individual journey. The loneliness of the journey. The physical impact, the tears, the mental confusion, anger and the ache, oh yes, that ache that seems ever present. I understand this will be a journey of years. Grief, a single word for the most complex of life changing events that is a universal experience.
They say that grief is the price we pay for love and the more significant the person was in your life story the deeper the change we will experience. A very special word of praise to those family members who spent so much time caring for the great Helen. Giving Mam the independence she so cherished.
RTE has had the worst of years this 2023 and the dust is far from settled but there is something that is worth saying, RTE is an incredible source of solace, belonging and comfort to a huge Irish diaspora the world over. As you sit it whatever far flung place you may be, to be able to tune in, and listen to our National Radio, and our great presenters, to Ray, John, Joe, Shay, whomever, It is just excellent content, full of our common Irishness, friendliness, warmth, inclusivity and welcome. Supporting public broadcasting is so important. Support it through its tough times in any way you can.
Happy Christmas Everyone. Pray for and more importantly, pray to, those who have gone ahead, Pray for those who travel an uncomfortable and VERY bumpy road. Pray and be thankful for being able to read and understand the meaning of this message.
To the beautiful people who support our nearest and dearest and many more besides, through the toughest of times and moments, I do not have the words to thank you enough. You know who I am taking about. God Bless.
Below is one of my favourite YouTube Chefs. As it would be, it is Andy Cooks, a Kiwi, now living and working in Australia. He is a no nonsense chef, with great hints on doing things fast and really well. I just followed his vegetables tips in this recipe, as well as brining my turkey and it worked out perf. Follow him if you like. I do.
Peace and comfort to you this time of year. As always, the links in this blog have been checked and are all OK. If for whatever reason you don’t want to hear from this blog, just let me know and I’ll remove you from my circulation list.
I know, I know, I’m a devil for editing my live posts, which is not the wisest of ideas. However when I see something relevant to the overall blog, I tend to update. My absolute favourite Christmas song (Driving Home for Christmas) and one of my favourite humans, Chris Rea were featured on a show on the box-in-the-corner (TV) last night. It was just lovely, and great to see him in his usual good form, health issues aside.
RESERVED for my 2023 Travel Vlog: You will have revisit this blog on sometime in the future to see my travel vlog to Maroubra, Sydney NSW. Hopefully it will be worth watching. Seasons Greetings…..
Happened upon this beautiful poem by Lani O’Hanlon on my usual Sunday Miscellany listen. I have posted many clips down through the years from this unique and special piece of Sunday Radio. Lani’s poem struck a particular cord with my wounded soul. It would be my Mam’s 90th. birthday today and the absence of our beautiful Mam is still raw, sore, hollow, lonely, tough, a “grieving process”. Have a listen to Lani voice and words.
Haven’t done a lot of writing or blogging in 2023 but will ‘arise and go now” soon. In the meantime Lani’s words served as a timely balm for me, that was needed. Have a listen as our summer passes away to Autumn. Below is just a beautiful post pandemic photo of the Benson-Power clan marking Mam’s 89th last August and a belated 40th wedding anniversary celebration for my great sister Kay and her beau Johnny. Kay does the BEST of gatherings.
Let The Mystery Be
This is a wee tune from Iris DeMent that I also love. See you all soon. In the meantime I do pray you all heal, travel safe, feel loved and blessed.
Everybody is wondering what and where They all came from Everybody is worrying about where they’re going to go When the whole thing’s done But no one knows for certain and so it’s all the same to me I think I’ll just let the mystery be
Everybody is wondering what and where They all came from Everybody is worrying about where they’re going to go When the whole thing’s done But no one knows for certain and so it’s all the same to me I think I’ll just let the mystery be I think I’ll just let the mystery be
Happy Birthday special lady. x
So many others have followed Mam since January, Dessie O’Brien, Siobhan Ryan, John Fitzgerald and many many more. “Grief can be a burden, but also an anchor. You get used to the weight, how it holds you in place.” “Life is full of grief, to exactly the degree we allow ourselves to love other people.” “Only time and tears take away grief; that is what they are for.”
EVERY day, create a little bit of heaven for yourself.
A cup of your favourite coffee, a slice of toast, a boiled egg. It can be that simple. A moment of mindfulness, a stolen thought about someplace special. Daydreaming of a sunny day, lying on the beach, walking the mountain path, a run with your ‘always’ happy canine friend. It can be that simple. Closing your eyes and feeling the ‘whoosh’ as you recall the winter skiing trip you loved so much. The special conversation you had with a loved one, still here or even departed. It can be that simple. We all get caught up. We all forget to stop and have that special thought, recalling a beautiful memory. Take a couple of minutes to savour that cup of tea or coffee. It can be that simple. Sometime it is an unmistakable aroma that stirs a wonderful memory, a warm glow of a special time. Why wait for the unexpected trigger. EVERY day, make a little bit of heaven for yourself.
Do I remember to do it every day, not on your life but as you practice mindfulness you realise that you can just create these moments in the middle of life’s busiest and most stressful days.
Grant yourself a moment of peace, and you will understand how foolishly you have scurried about. Learn to be silent, and you will notice that you have talked too much. Be kind, and you will realize that your judgment of others was too severe. —Ancient Chinese Proverb
First Off, a huge thank you to everyone for the incredible outpouring of condolences and wishes. It is overwhelming, in a positive way of course. As devastated as bereavement can be we have also come to realise how incredibly lucky, grateful and blessed for Mam’s powerful and loving presence in our lives.
Mam’s passing will leave a huge void in all of our lives but also flooding in to fill this void is a tidal wave of incredible memories of gathering, meeting, reunions, meals and pure joy, happiness, laughter and sometime unbelievable joyous racket under the double fluorescent lights in the ‘forever’ welcoming kitchen in O’Dwyer’s Villas, Thomondgate
We will celebrate this incredible life, a fiercely independent and faithful woman, mother, listener and confidant and a life of caring, sharing and giving (and feeding). From her gifted fingers that crafted so many wedding creations, communion and confirmation rig-outs and altered so much of our garments as we and all our families expanded, including waistlines and children grew tall.
The group photograph at the back of the mass booklet ( and below) is the best witness to Mam’s journey of love, motherhood and devotion.
Mam’s faith was central to her life and a deep devotion to Padre Pio. There is a line in a Padre Pio prayer, “Love moved you to care for the sick, to attract sinners, to be forgiving and to deeply live the mystery of the Eucharist”, so reflects Mam (Helen’s) faith. The large candle in the kitchen under Padre Pio’s picture with many, many, many prayers and intercessions scribbled on pieces of paper and placed carefully there has been part of all of our conversations with Mam. Not just immediate family but the huge circle extended family and friends have been lucky to hear, “I’ll light a candle and say a prayer to Padre Pio”
On Mam’s wishes please say a prayer for her soul and her journey to be reunited with Cyril, Nellie, Patrick T and all her brothers and sister who have gone on ahead and with whom she has been beautifully embraced.
St. Munchin’s Church was fittingly packed on Tuesday 10th. January 2023 to see Helen off. Nothing would have made her more happy but to see such a special place of worship filled and being celebrated by Cannon Donal McNamara. Perfect Day.
A ship sails and I stand watching ‘til she fades on the horizon and someone at my side says she is gone”, Gone where? Gone from my sight, that is all. She is just as large as when I saw her. The diminished size and total loss of sight is in me, not in her. And just at that moment when someone at my side says “She is gone” there are others who are watching her coming, and other voices take up a glad shout, “Here she comes”. And that is dying. ( a contribution from a friend)
Helen, A tomboy at heart who raced around O’Dwyer Villas barefoot racing all challengers. Losing her Dad, Patrick T, at a very young age she watched her own Mam, Nellie Conlan, a milliner and very young widow working relentlessly in really tough circumstances to raise boys (RIP. Alan, Dessie, Jimmy) and two girls (RIP Marion and Helen, a third sister Anne, died very young).
Helen, herself went on to become a gifted and magnificent seamstress working for Danus and also from home making her children’s clothes. But also so many incredible wedding, communion, debs and formal gowns were created late into the night (Mid-night oil was always being burnt in at No.58, a trait that has been passed down to too many of her children and even grandchildren)
With her two closest protectors, daughters, Helena and Kay. With whom all of us boys are eternally indebted.
Then there was Kilkee. A place of refuge for well deserve Summer Holiday’s graduation from Day’ trips, to famous camping holidays, to renting Holiday homes and the nirvana of their own mobile home that was retired when Helen’s beloved Cyril went to his eternal rest.
The 85th. Celebration
And the 80th. The gathering of the off-spring to celebrate this special woman.
findmywhy 