by Kathleen Mullane
APRIL FOOLS’ DAY
Firstly, can I start by wishing all the mothers and indeed grandmothers a very happy belated Mother’s Day. I should have done so last week, but as time flies by so quickly, I completely forgot with the change of the clocks, etc. Anyway, I hope all of you had a lovely time and were spoiled by your families, husbands, children, and grandkids. As Fr. Dan Lane said on Sunday last at Mass when he read a lovely poem by Helen Steiner Rice: “Mothers are a treasure and cannot be replaced.”
Well, today being April 1st, don’t forget it’s FOOLS’ DAY—so beware and don’t let yourself get fooled. I often wonder: how did Fools’ Day start in the first place, or who thought up the idea of the day? In years gone by, it was great fun as everyone tried to trick and make a fool out of someone, whereas nowadays not so much, as everyone is on alert to the day. I remember my father playing all kinds of tricks on customers and people when he had “Top of the Town.” From swapping people’s donkeys—after a fellow had maybe a pint too many—and discovering the next morning when he woke up that he had a donkey that wasn’t his! What laughs and innocent fun in those days.
Sincere sympathy is extended to Nora Matthews and her family on the recent death of Johnny, her husband, and father to Anne-Marie, Deirdre, Catherine, Michael, and Paul. John was a great bartender, quizmaster, and was well known far and wide. Many came to Lyons Funeral Parlour on Sunday evening to offer sympathy to the family. Requiem Mass on Monday was followed by cremation. May he rest in peace.
Kathleen Atkins of Knockfinisk, Athea, passed away at a young age also this week. She is survived by her husband David, young sons Dylan and Jamie, Aunt Catherine Goulding, and her mother-in-law Marie. This Tuesday evening, Kathleen will repose at Reidy’s Funeral Parlour in Newcastle West, and Requiem Mass will be on Wednesday at 12 o’clock. Our sincere sympathy to Kathleen’s family, relatives, and many friends. May the light of Heaven be hers.
Fergus Scanlon, on behalf of the Friends of St. Ita’s, wishes to inform us of their collection on the 19th and 20th of April in Abbeyfeale. So if you are passing any of the collection points, you might give a little something, as we all know they do tremendous work.
Recently, Domhnall wrote about people’s accents and the different accents we hear nowadays. What bugs me is singers singing with an American twang when they’re from Ireland!
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Do not tell everyone your plans. Instead,
show them your results.