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Strangest Dream.

Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream.

Vocals: American singer and songwriter, the late John Denver (1943 – 1997).
Lyrics: American folk singer-songwriter, the late Edward Potts McCurdy (1919 – 2000).

Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream.

Last night I had the strangest dream,
I never dreamed before.
I dreamed the world had all agreed
,
To put an end to war.
I dreamed I saw a mighty room,
And the room was filled with men,
And the paper they were signing said,
They’d never fight again,
And when the paper was all signed,
And a million copies made,
They all joined hands and bowed their heads,
And grateful prayers were prayed,
And the people in the streets below,
Were dancing round and round,
And guns and swords and uniforms,
Were scattered on the ground.

(Sing it with me)
Last night, I had the strangest dream,
I’d never dreamed before.
I dreamed the world had all agreed,
To put an end to war.

(Sing it again)
Last night I had the strangest dream,
I’d ever dreamed before.
I dreamed the world had all agreed,
To put an end to war.

I dreamed the world had all agreed,
To put an end to war.

END

Death Of Tommy Maher, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Thursday 18th January 2024, of Mr Thomas (Tommy) Maher, Main Street, Ballingarry (South Riding), Thurles, Co. Tipperary and formerly of Tullaroan, Co. Kilkenny and England.

Pre-deceased by his parents Paddy and Kitty, brothers Jimmy and Ned and his sister Bridie; Mr Maher passed away peacefully at Tipperary University Hospital, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.

His passing is most deeply regretted and sadly missed by his loving family, his partner Pauline, son Ian, daughter Joanne and their mother Ann, grandchildren Seán, Rachel and Shannon, Joanne’s partner Jodie, his sister Mary Cotter, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr Maher will repose at P. Molloy & Son’s Funeral Home, Callan, Co. Kilkenny (Eircode R95 Y443), on Monday afternoon, January 22nd, 2024, from 5:00pm, concluding with Rosary and Vigil Prayers at 6.30pm same evening.

Cremation will take place on Tuesday, January 23rd, at 12:00 noon at the Island Crematorium, Rocky Island, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork. (Eircode P43 DD71).

For those persons who are unable to attend the Cremation Service, same can be viewed, streamed live online, HERE.

The extended Maher family 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.


Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Bunratty Celebrates Ancient Pagan Festival Of Imbolc.

Imbolc, the ancient pagan festival marking the beginning of spring, will be celebrated at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park on February 4th, next.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.

The County Clare visitor attraction will showcase the vibrant crafts, traditions, animals and customs that characterise the season, while the ‘Imbolc Celebration’ will also mark St. Brigid’s Day. (Irish: Lá Fhéile Bríde).

Ms Marie Brennan, Events Manager at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, commented, “Imbolc represents the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox and has been celebrated in this country since ancient times. We look forward to marking the beginning of spring in style by inviting the local community and the wider public to join us for a fun-filled and educational day out.”

Visitors will be able to learn how to make Saint Brigid’s Cross, an iconic symbol that has graced Irish homes for centuries. Bunratty’s experienced Bean an Tís (Irish: Housewives), will guide the public through the traditional craft, demonstrating the meticulous process of weaving straw or rushes into the distinctive cross shape.

A variety of native Irish animals from Droimeann cattle to Irish Wolfhounds and from Irish Red Deer to Tamworth pigs will be on display as part of the visitor attraction’s ongoing work to increase awareness of native Irish breeds and how they have formed part of Ireland’s social and cultural history down through the centuries. Members of the Wolfhound Society of Ireland will be onsite on the day with opportunities for the public to engage with them and discover more about one of Ireland’s most celebrated indigenous Irish canine breeds.

Basket maker Michael Foudy will demonstrate the time-honoured tradition of making traditional style baskets using locally sourced materials such as hazel and willow. The Bean an Tí also will be on hand throughout the day to demonstrate the art of traditional butter making at the Golden Vale Farmhouse.

As the Folk Park springs into life for the new season, the Clare Vintage and Engine Tractor Club will showcase an array of vintage agricultural machinery at work including corn grinders, water pumps and a mini threshing machine.

There also will be children’s entertainment from a host of characters located throughout the 26-acre Folk Park, including the resident Seanchaí Mickey Joe who will recall tales of bygone days and traditional ways preserved over the centuries at Corry’s Pub on the Village Street. Meanwhile, Konor the Clown will be performing magic, juggling and music in the Corn Barn at various internals throughout the day.

See www.bunrattycastle.ie for more on the Imbolc Celebration at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, County Clare on February 4th from 11.00am to 5.00pm.

The Light Within.

The Light Within

Poem Courtesy William Lindenmuth

Pic. G. Willoughby.

The Light Within

There’s a light that burns within you, that illuminates your soul.
They say its always been there, steady bright and in control.
It’s the guiding spirit that drives you, as you live your life each day,
Shining a light on the darkest paths, as you walk along the way.
It’s the light outside the shadows, a lonely life can cast,
But if you look to feel it, the darkness will not last.
There’s a light of love within you, that illuminates your face,
A gentle warmth that surrounds you, when your heart is in that place.
The brightness of the spirit, and all the love you share,
Embracing it with a passion, nurturing it with care.
Within the light is life’s meaning, things close to the heart believed,
A summation of your life time, and all things you perceived.
Live the life within you, let the light shine through,
Sharing it with others, embraced by love so true.
The light that burns within you, the warmth of life’s desire,
Let it shine on brightly, true keeper of the fire.

END.

Congratulations To Kitty Lyons On Her 100th Birthday Today.

Two-Mile-Borris correspondent, Mr Gerry Bowe reports.

“Congratulations to Mrs Kitty Lyons (nee Ryan) formerly of Coolkill, Ballycahill, Holycross, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, latter the daughter of the late Denny and Mary Ryan, of the same address, who today, Friday January 19th, celebrates her 100th birthday.

Wife of the late Denny (Denis) Lyons; latter a former native of Skibereen, Co. Cork; Mrs Lyons now currently resides in Nottingham, England.

A close friend for many years of Mrs Kathleen and the recently deceased Mr Ned Bowe; Mrs Lyons is mother to a family of 6; (2 boys and 4 girls), and left Ireland in the early 1950, to carry on a nursing career in the central UK Midland region of Nottingham, latter the legendary home of Robin Hood.

Today, at 1:30pm, in the Acorn Nursing Home, Nottingham, where she resides, she will be joined by family members, extended relatives and close friends to celebrate her 100 birthday.

She will also receive a cheque from the President of Ireland, Mr Michael D. Higgins for €2,540 euros; wishing her a happy birthday and congratulating her on her longevity.
She will also receive a birthday card and a congratulatory message from the current UK monarch, His Majesty King Charles III (Mountbatten-Windsor) and his wife, Her Majesty Queen Camilla (Parker Bowles, latter formerly HRH the Duchess of Cornwall).

Amongst the known family members attending will be her son Eugene, daughters Lynda, Bernadette and Angela, other extended relatives, together with her many friends within the Nottingham area, where she diligently served.

Other members of her extended family which include nephews, nieces, neighbours and family fiends, all resident in the Ballycahill, Thurles area; today, send their best wishes to Kitty, latter who was a frequent visitor to Tipperary, vacating in Haye’s Hotel, here in Thurles.
We wish you many more years of continued good health and happiness.

Happy 100th birthday Kitty.