Archives

Only Our Rivers Run Free.

Only Our Rivers Run Free.

Lyrics: County Fermanagh Irish musician and songwriter Mickey MacConnell. (Written in 1965)
Vocals: Irish male folk group “Onóir” (Word translated from Irish to English meaning “Honor”).

Only Our Rivers Run Free.

When apples still grow in November,
When blossoms still bloom on each tree,
When leaves are still green in December,
It’s then that our land will be free.
I wander her hills and her valleys,
It’s still through my sorrows I see,
A land that have never known freedom,
Still only her rivers run free.
I drink to the death of her manhood,
For the men who’d rather have died,
Than to live in the cold chains of bondage,
To bring back their rights where denied.
Where are you now when we need you?
What burns where the flame used to be?
Are you gone like the snows of last winter?
Will only our rivers run free.
How sweet is the life for we’re crying,
And how mellow the wine but we’re dry,
How fragrant is the rose but it’s dying,
How gentle the wind but it sighs.
What good is in youth when it’s ageing?
What joy is in eyes that can’t see?
When there’s sorrow in sunshine and in flowers,
And still only our rivers run free.
And still only our rivers run free.

END

“To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
Above quote by South African anti-apartheid activist and politician the late Nelson Mandela, (1918 – 2013).

Death Of Bridget Loughnane, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death yesterday, Friday 18th April 2025 of Mrs Bridget Loughnane (née Kenny), Clyduff, Shinrone, Birr, Co. Offaly and formerly of Boulick, Gortnahoe, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by her husband John, son Vincent, parents Neil and Ellie and sister Teresa; Mrs Loughnane passed away peacefully at Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore, following a short illness, surrounded by her loving family.

Her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; hearbroken daughters Lisa and Lorraine, grandchildren Eoin, Libby, Jade and Rhys, brothers Richard, Michael and Con, sisters Mary, Patricia and Aileen, extended relatives, neighbours and friends and her much loved dog Bailey.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mrs Loughnane will repose at Tierney’s Funeral Home, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary (Eircode E53 NY70), on Monday afternoon April 21st from 5:00pm until 7.00pm same evening.
Leaving her place of ordinary residence on Tuesday morning, April 22nd, her remains will be received into the Church of St Cronan, Roscrea, (Eircode E53 PK82) at 11:30am to further repose for Funeral Mass at 12:00 noon, followed by interment, immediately afterwards, in the adjoining new graveyard.

For those persons who wish to attend Requiem Mass for Mrs Loughnane, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.

The extended Loughnane and Kenny familied wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.

Note Please: House strictly private. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu, if desired, to Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore.

Old Rugged Cross.

Today, April 18th 2025 is Good Friday, when according to the four Gospels, (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), in the New Testament of the Bible, Jesus Christ was arrested, tried and sentenced to death by crucifixion, latter an ancient form of execution in which a person was nailed or bound to a cross and left to die.
Christians believe Jesus Christ died on such a cross, was buried in a tomb, and three days later rose from the dead.

The Old Rugged Cross.

Lyrics: American hymn composer and preacher, the late George Bennard (1873 – 1958).
Vocals: American country music singer/songwriter Alan Jackson.

The Old Rugged Cross.

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame,
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best,
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, (rugged cross).
Till my trophies at last I lay down.
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
To that old rugged cross I will ever be true,
It’s shame and reproach gladly bear.
Then he’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where his glory forever I’ll share.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, (rugged cross).
Till my trophies at last I lay down.
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

END

Death Of Margaret Mackey, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death yesterday, Thursday 17th April 2025 of Mrs Margaret Mackey (née Walsh), Rathroe, Killenaule, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by her beloved husband Tommy and her father John; Mrs Mackey passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family, while in the care of the staff at Cork University Hospital.

Her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; cherished children Paul, Claire, Thomas, James, Daniel and Fiona, her heartbroken mother Nora, her adored granddaughters Ava and Alison, the partners of her sons Rachel and Amy, her loving brothers and sisters Ger, Joe, Billy, Kevin, Breda and Catherine, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended relatives, neighbours, and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mrs Mackey will repose at O’Connell’s Funeral Home, Killenaule, (Eircode E41 HH66), on Tuesday afternoon, April 22nd, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm. Her remains will be received into the Church of St Mary, Bailey Street, Killenaule, arriving at 7:30pm same evening.
Requiem Mass for Mrs Mackey will be celebrated on Wednesday morning, April 23rd, at 11:30am, followed by interment immediately afterwards in Crosscannon Cemetery, Killenaule, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

For those persons who wish to attend Requiem Mass for Mrs Mackey, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.

The extended Mackey and Walsh families wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.

Beyond Books – How Public Libraries Support Learning.

Beyond Books – How Public Libraries Support Learning, Inclusion & Community.

This upcoming Webinar “Beyond Books – How Public Libraries Support Learning, Inclusion & Community”, may be of interest to educators and parents.

Join the LINC Team (Leadership for INClusion) and Ms Dervla Dunne; latter Librarian and member of the management team at Wexford Town Library, for an insightful webinar on “Beyond Books – How Public Libraries Support Learning, Inclusion & Community”.

In this webinar, Ms Dunne will provide an overview of public library services, with a special focus on supports available to parents, educators and children.

Note Please.
Date: Thursday, 1st May 2025
Time: 7:00 PM

Places are limited, so do register now, HERE, to secure yours!

Let’s get together.