Started today the 5th of March on the Market Square, Longford Town, Men’s Rosary, and Once a month on the first Sat at 1pm in the same place over the next four months. A dedicated Men’s Public Rosary for the Reparations and Repentance to God in honour of Our Lady of Fatima. If you want more information on this you can contact Peter on 087 661 3510

Fr. Owen Devaney, County Longford, Ireland. Ordained fifty years ago approx. schooled St Mel’s, Longford Town, studied under Fr. Tommy O’Brien, then onto Maynooth. Came back and taught in St Mel’s, history and latin, was fond of the poetic verse of Virgil and Horace, tough reads but always enlightening if one stuck with it. Fr. Owen’s first teachers were of great importance to him, Ennybegs, with Mrs. Maguire, Mrs. McGoldrick and Master Kenny.  Earliest memories of home, father and mother reciting loved poetry, both were from Killoe, their mothers were both from Ohill, great grandmothers came from Glanmore and Clonfower. He served as a priest close to home in St Mel’s, and Rathowen, Mullahoran. 

A hope for many reasons, poetic verse written on board in school and copied by the children, but where did they come from. One was about an old man thanks to quick thinking saved the island dwellers from the tsunami by getting the young lad to run up and set the crops on fire at the top of the island. ”Ta oilean i lar na farraige sa domhan theas” the Father would love to track down the teachers journals at the time, he would love help in finding them, or if anyone remembers them, written on board by Master Frank Kenny. 

A book written by Father Owen, called ”In SUNSHINE Only a collection of verse”, (2017) printed and designed by Turners Printing Co. Ltd, Longford. With Photographs and verse, one sampled here, called ”Around Esker Hill” 

Remember those Sundays

Going to and from Mass, 

The traps and sidecars

Horses pony or ass, 

Girls all out in fine blouses

Starched white shirts of the men, 

The like that will never

Be seen round Esker again.

What great times we had

In that old parish hall,

Nights of singing and sketches

With a hop after all, 

Old Muddie’s long gone now

With her brush, key and shawl, 

Winds blow through the ruins

Of what was once Esker Hall. ”

Many many more with great insight and fond memories to name just a few with more titles like 

Sweet Killoe

Ballad of a Blacksmith

Haymaking Down the Bottoms

Tell ME Sean O’Farrell

The First Sow

Welcome Jesus to the Manger 

Rollickin Maggie.

One of Ireland’s largest lantern shows happened in Longford Town, Connolly barracks, thanks to artist Tom Meskell. Produced by Shane Crossan, in association with Longford County Council, The Arts Council, Republic of Culture, the Backstage Theatre, and all the helpers that made it happen. Large crowds, something that sounds so far in the past for obvious reasons, gathered and enjoyed the show. Their was an added live fire show, with a little backing music by no other than Cronin. The last you can see of it is today, the 27th Feb 2022, 5-8pm.

Ardian Sherifi, enjoying a Guinness Temple Bar area, Dublin City. From Albania, I asked would he mind myself taking a photo, he was on the mobile trying to tell the other person, couldn’t believe it at first, I thought he looked dapper and the Guinness, to cool not to ask for a photo. After a quick couple, he told me that between 20-30 years ago, that barber in shot, he hogged carried the blocks for that build, something he is very proud off. He will always be of this place.

A poignant and moving Vigil for Ashling Murphy, music and song, Denise McNamara Flood, words by Tena O’Leary Keown, Uruemu Adejinmi, Father James Kiernan, Longford Town Market Square, 4pm.

Prayer by Saint Francis of Assisi : Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.

Thanks to the Longford Pipe band for keeping it traditional, the 56th year of doing so, with new members, and future members ready to take on the mantle. They rang in the New Year with joyous sounds, outside of our famous St Mel’s Cathedral Longford Town. I had the pleasure of meeting a past member who retired in the year 2000, Mary King, pictured with her partner Brendan. Mary’s favourite memory was when she once led the band down New York avenue. It was even more special with her son Jason, who also shared in that memory, he was only 14 at that time, was in the band also. Happy New Year from me to one and all, may it be all you want and more.

Ethnic Minority Hub Longford held a xmas event last Sat the 4th of Dec, in St Mary’s Edgeworthstown Community Campus, as part of the Longford Live and Local programme. Attended by a reduced crowd due to updated guidelines. That did not stop the music, the fun or great food and not forgetting Santy. 

75th anniversary of the Teffia Park estate, Longford, Ireland, 2021. celebrated on Saturday 4th of Dec with a planting of a birch tree to replace one that was felled this year. Young and old were in attendance, Councilor Gerry Warnock spoke highly of the very active residents committee that keep Teffia in such a good state, year in year out.

I just captured a few shots of the end of a skater tournament in a rundown spot in a Longford Town industrial estate. There were skaters from all over the country, battling it out in a well observed tournament. Was inspiring to see the good spirits between all the skaters, everyone cheering everyone on. What was annoying was the idea that for such a large group, that are sponsored by various entities, have to battle it out in such a place, they really need a place of their own. Give them a place to play in a safe area, this world wide acknowledged skill based sport has a large following up and down the country, and have well observed tournaments with sponsorship. No sign of any trouble, just a sports group that wants to do their own thing. Having a well organised space for them could bring in revenue, with larger competitions, drawing in bigger sponsorships, and keeping youth off the street, it’s a win win.

Adam Loftus one of the caretaker’s at Slasher’s GAA, not only helps looking after the amazing set up at Slashers GAA, he also helps keep that part of the Royal Canal clean, and he lives in Kilashee, good to see there is no boundaries in keeping things clean for all