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.
Lyrics: Derry born Irish musician, songwriter and record producer, Phil Coulter. Vocals: Dublin born Irish folk singer and guitarist, Paddy Reilly.
The first three verses of the song hereunder reflect on the simple lifestyle Phil Coulter grew up with in Derry, while the final two deal a period known as ‘The Troubles’. He laments how his placid home-town had suddenly become a major military outpost, plagued with violence and death. The final verses of his song include a wish and a message of hope.
The Town I Loved So Well.
In my memory I will always see, The town that I have loved so well, Where our schools played ball by the gas-yard wall, And we laughed through the smoke and the smell. Going home in the rain, running up the dark lane, Past the jail and down behind the fountain. Those were happy days in so many, many ways, In the town I loved so well. In the early morning the shirt-factory horn, Called women from Creggan, the Moor and the Bog, While the men on the dole played a mother’s role, Fed the children and then walked the dog. And when times got rough there was just about enough, But they saw it through without complaining. For deep inside was a burning pride, For the town I loved so well.
There was music there in the Derry air, Like a language that we could all understand. I remember the day when I earned my first pay, When I played in the small pick-up band. There I spent my youth and to tell you the truth, I was sad to leave it all behind me. For I’d learned about life and I’d found me a wife, In the town I loved so well.
But when I’ve returned, how my eyes were burned, To see how a town could be brought to its knees, By the armoured cars and the bombed-out bars, And the gas that hangs on to every breeze. Now the army’s installed by that old gas-yard wall, And the damned barbed wire gets higher and higher. With their tanks and their guns, oh, my God, what have they done, To the town I loved so well.
Now the music’s gone but they carry on, For their spirit’s been bruised, never broken. Though they’ll not forget till their hearts are set, On tomorrow and peace once again. For what’s done is done and what’s won is won, And what’s lost is lost and gone forever. I can only pray for a bright brand new day, In the town I loved so well.
Lyrics: British folk singer-songwriter, folk song collector, labour activist and actor, the late James Henry Miller (1915 – 1989), better known by his stage name Ewan MacColl. Vocals: Dublin born Irish singer, folk musician and actor, the late Luke Kelly(1940 – 1984).
Come My Little Son.
Come me little son, And I will tell you what we’ll do. Undress yourself and get into bed, And the tale I’ll tell to you. It’s all about your Daddy, He’s a man you seldom see, For he’s had to roam, Far away from home, Far away from you and me.
[Chorus:] Remember laddie he’s still your Dad, Though he’s working far away. In the cold and heat all the hours of the week, On England’s motorway.
Now when you fall, And hurt yourself, And get a feeling bad, It isn’t any good to go running for your Dad. For the only time since you were born, He’s had to spend with you, He was out of a job, And he hadn’t a bob, He was signing on the brew.
[Repeat Chorus]
Sure we’d like your Daddy here, Yes, sure it would be fine, To have him working nearer home, And to see him all the time, But beggars can’t be choosers, And we have to bear our load, For we need the money your Daddy earns, A working on the road. Remember laddie he’s still your Dad, And he’ll soon be home to stay, For a week or two with me and you, When he’s built the motorway. END.
More than 15,000 people from counties Tipperary, Clare and Limerick’s Mid-West Region are expected to pass through the gates of Craggaunowen and Bunratty Castle & Folk Park this Easter Bank Holiday Weekend.
Lady Longbottom and Madame Bloomers will be judging the Easter Bonnet Competition at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park this Easter.
The popular County Clare visitor attractions are hosting a comprehensive programme of family-friendly activities and entertainment for all ages.
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park’s Easter events will be held on Friday, April 18th, Saturday, April 19th, and Sunday, April 20th from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.
The public is invited to step back in time with reenactors from Clan Life and Tercio Irlanda, who will bring 16th-century Gaelic Ireland to life, through engaging displays and talks on the era’s chieftains, warriors, and culture.
The traditional skills of the past will also be on display. Visitors will be able to witness the art of traditional Irish ironworking with live blacksmith demonstrations, showcasing the history and craftsmanship passed down through generations.
At 2.00 p.m. daily, the Bean an Tí will showcase the art and traditions behind Irish baking as the aroma of freshly baked griddle bread fills the interior of the Golden Vale Farmhouse.
Easter Bunny&Chick will be appearing at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park and Craggaunowen this Easter.
Along with getting the opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny and Chick, there will be plenty of children’s entertainment throughout the visitor attraction, as well as live traditional Irish music.
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is calling all young designers aged 12 and under to showcase their creativity using recycled or upcycled materials in the Easter Bonnet Competition. The judges, Lady Longbottom and Madame Bloomers, will announce the winning bonnets and hats on the village street at 2.30 p.m.
The Wobbly Circus will keep visitors entertained outside the Tea Rooms with a showcase of fire-juggling, unicycling and circus skills, while Garry Rossiter will be combining juggling, comedy, audience participation and danger through knife juggling, fire eating and stilt walking.
Guests can hop on the Bunratty Express and travel through the Folk Park past the elegant Georgian design of Bunratty House and the reconstructed Ardcroney Church, and through the Fairy Trail, woodland trails and paddocks, with their vast array of indigenous Irish animal species from Kerry Bog Ponies to Irish Red Deer and Bunratty’s resident Irish Wolfhounds Rian and Mide. The 10-minute train ride departs from the Red Barn, located behind Mac’s Pub, from 10.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.
A fun and interactive Clue Trail, designed for younger visitors and their families, will lead participants through the folk park’s scenic woodland trails. Along the way, they will meet lively characters such as Mike the Seanchaí, the School Master, and the Village Policeman, all while uncovering fascinating stories from Ireland’s past.
Ms Marie Brennan(Events Manager at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park), said, “The Easter bank holiday weekend will be filled with various family-friendly activities and entertainment suitable for all ages. Visitors can expect a diverse range of attractions, including circus performances, storytelling sessions, train rides and living history reenactments. The programme aims to offer a blend of fun and educational experiences and is an opportunity for everyone to join us in a true Easter celebration.”
The Easter Bunny makes a quick leap from Bunratty to Craggaunowen, where more exciting activities await on Easter Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tony Baloney will entertain with his puppet show, while The Wobbly Circus provide fire-juggling, unicycle and circus tricks.
Craggaunowen will celebrate Ireland’s ancient crafts with talented artisans hosting woodworking, blacksmithing and weaving demonstrations.
There will also be an opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny at the popular East Clare visitor attraction, which has undergone significant investment and upgrades during the past year.
The 60s American singer-songwriter, Mr Johnny Tillotson, has sadly passed away at the age of 86 years. His wife Nancy has stated that the singer died on April 1st, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease, while at his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by his family.
Announcing his death on Facebook she stated: “It is with a broken heart that I write to let you know that the sweetest, kindest man I ever met Johnny Tillotson, left earth for Heaven yesterday. He was my best beloved, champion of my realm, knight of my heart. Someone said, that sometimes right in the middle of an ordinary life you get a fairy tale. The day I met him I got mine. He was funny, generous and kind. A gentleman through and through. He loved and was grateful to his fans, as he once said, they made every dream, I ever had, come true. Once again on his behalf I say thank you for that”.
One of his songs/lyrics, “It Keeps Right On a Hurtin” was recorded by numerous artists, including Elvis Presley, Dean Martin, Conway Twitty and Bobby Darin.
The singer and teen idol was a two-time Grammy nominee, and in 2014, he was inducted into America’s Pop Music Hall of Fame.
Mr Tillotson is survived by his wife Nancy of 45 years, his son John and John’s wife, stepdaughter Genevieve and his grandchildren, Nia, Jackson, Georgia and Gwyneth, his brother Dan and sister-in-law Virginia
Send Me The Pillow You Dream On.
Lyrics: American country music singer and songwriter, the late Hank Locklin(1918 – 2009) Vocals: American singer and songwriter, the late Johnny Tillotson(1938 – 2025)
Send Me The Pillow You Dream On.
Send me the pillow that you dream on, Don’t you know that I still care for you? Send me the pillow that you dream on, So darling, I can dream on it, too. Each night while I’m sleeping oh, so lonely, I’ll share your love in dreams that once were true. Send me the pillow that you dream on, So darling, I can dream on it, too. I’ve waited so long for you to write me, But just a memory’s all that’s left of you. Send me the pillow that you dream on, So darling, I can dream on it, too. So I can dream on it, too.
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