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A Poem For Polling Day

The failed Fine Gael government led by Mr Leo Varadkar, will consent to the dissolution of our Dáil Éireann possibly this coming Thursday, since his minority-led Government can now no longer command the necessary support required in the Dáil, to operate fully.

A Poem For Polling Day

Poem Courtesy of Thurles Author & Poet Tom Ryan ©

I’ll cast my vote for A, – no B.
Then maybe I should go for C ?
Or D or E?
We’ll see!
They’re all the bleeding one to me.
But what if I don’t vote at all,
And sit and just plain watch it all?
The worst of two or four or three
Will do the devil, just you see.
Or worse, we’ll have rank anarchy.
And so I’ll vote for one and all,
And then I’ll boo them in the Dáil,
Independents, Labour, FF, FG
And thus ensure democracy.
I’m only just a common man,
But on polling day I’m superman,
Not fooled by promises of jam,
And so I’ll vote accordingly.
My number one and two and three
Will go to one who’s best for me!
I’ve sized them up, oh, what a lark,
They all should be in Phoenix Park,
As half of them are in the dark.
The others blind, you see.
End

Tom Ryan, “Iona”, Rahealty, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Wishing Our Readers & Supporters A Happy & Prosperous New Year In 2020.

Let’s Drink a Toast to Days Gone By!

Auld Lang Syne,” is a song posing a rhetorical question and whose well-known melody is synonymous with each New Year’s Eve. This Scots-language poem, later set to the tune of a traditional folk song, was first published by poet Robert Burns, which he attributed to having obtained from an old man, but noting that it was a traditional Scottish song.

Translated literally, ‘Auld Lang Syne’ means ‘old long since’, or for ‘olden times’, and is traditionally used to bid farewell to the old year; at the stroke of midnight on each New Year’s Day. The International Scouting movement in some countries also use this musical refrain to close their large gatherings at national or international levels.

Lyrics hereunder, attempt to translate from the lesser known old Scottish dialect.

Auld Lang Syne

Written by Scottish Poet Robert [“Rabbie”] Burns in 1788

Should auld (old) acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne? (old times)

Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my jo, (my dear),
for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely ye’ll be (buy) your pint-stoup! (Cup)
and surely I’ll be (buy) mine!
And we’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne. [Repeat Chorus]

We twa hae (We two have) run about the breas (the slopes).
and pou’d the gowans fine; (and picked the daisies fine)
But we’ve wander’d mony (many) a weary fit, (weary foot),
sin’ (since) auld lang syne. [Repeat Chorus]

We twa hae paidl’d in the burn, (two have paddled in the stream),
frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar’d (broad have roared)
sin’ (since) auld lang syne. [Repeat Chorus]

And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere! (friend)
and gie’s (give me a hand) o’ thine!
And we’ll tak’ a right gude-willie waught, (a good-will draught)
for auld lang syne. [Repeat Chorus]

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you, our many readers and supporters, a Very Happy and a Prosperous New Year in 2020.


“Go mbeire muid beo ar an am seo arís.”
[Translated from the Irish: “May we be alive this time next year!”]

Rainy Nights In Thurles

Rainy Nights


Poem by Irene Thompson

I like the town on rainy nights
When everything is wet.
When all the town has magic lights
And streets of shining jet.

When all the rain about the town
Is like a looking-glass,
And all the lights are upside down
Below me as I pass.

In all the pools are velvet skies,
And down the dazzling street,
A fairy city gleams and lies
In beauty at my feet.

END

My November Guest

My November Guest

By American Pulitzer Prize winning poet Robert Frost (1874 – 1963)

My Sorrow, when she’s here with me,
Thinks these dark days of autumn rain
Are beautiful as days can be;
She loves the bare, the withered tree;
She walks the sodden pasture lane.

Her pleasure will not let me stay.
She talks and I am fain to list:
She’s glad the birds are gone away,
She’s glad her simple worsted grey
Is silver now with clinging mist.

The desolate, deserted trees,
The faded earth, the heavy sky,
The beauties she so truly sees,
She thinks I have no eye for these,
And vexes me for reason why.

Not yesterday I learned to know
The love of bare November days
Before the coming of the snow,
But it were vain to tell her so,
And they are better for her praise.

End

Horse & Jockey Singers Support Thurles Hospital

Horse and Jockey Singers support the Hospital of the Assumption Unit In Thurles.

The Horse and Jockey Singers annual variety concert is now a well-established event on the social and entertainment calendar here in Co. Tipperary.

Since its inception about five years ago, it has attracted a loyal band of regular supporters, who wouldn’t miss it for the world and many see it as the beginning of the festivities for the Christmas season.

Others point to the variety of entertainment that is regularly on offer, as audiences over the years continue to be enthralled by top class singers, dancers, choirs, soloists, musicians, not forgetting memorable recitations and sketches.

This variety concert has always supported charitable causes, both local and national, and this year will be no exception as the Comfort Fund at Unit C of the Community Hospital of the Assumption, will benefit from the proceeds.

Master Of Recitations Mr Noel Joyce

This year’s programme is as attractive and varied as ever.

  • The Doran family are back again on Saturday night, while the indomitable Jim O’ the Mill and family will entertain on Friday.
  • The singing of renowned soprano, Emma English, from Tipperary town will be a highlight of the evening.
  • Rathdowney’s Mick Creagh is new to the bill, but not to the stage as his one-man show has played to packed houses already this year.
  • Multi All-Ireland winner, Noel Joyce is back by popular acclaim and his recitations will, no doubt, have the audience in stitches.
  • The Presentation School dancers, recently returned from the stage at Nashville, the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee, are eagerly anticipated as are the group of Harpers who have delighted us in the past.
  • New to the programme this year are Sonas from New Inn, the Ryan Girls, Cashel and the talented Cailínís.
  • The ever popular Derrynaflan Male Choir has been busy rehearsing for the show.

The Horse and Jockey Singers are grateful for the wonderful support they have enjoyed in the past and are really looking forward to meeting old and new friends at the concert.

The choir first came into existence in September 2014 and comprises both male and female members. The love of singing permeates the group and the social outlet it provides enhances all their lives. Based at the Horse and Jockey Hotel, this fifty strong group, under the musical direction of Mr Patrick Conlon and accompanied by Ms Ann Marie Dwan, have participated in many concerts and choral festivals.

These popular concerts will take place on Friday November 22nd and Saturday November 23rd, at the Derrynaflan Theatre, in the Horse & Jockey Hotel, with winning author Mr Liam Ó Donnchú once again taking on the role of ‘Master of Ceremonies’.

Starting time is 8.00 p.m. sharp and tickets costing €20.00 are available from the hotel reception or from Connie O’Keeffe Tel: 087-6667988.

Please do come along and support this most deserving of causes.