Rewriting history
Since I moved to the Republic of Ireland in 2015, I have noticed that in many occasions history is rewritten obliterating the time when this country was part of the United Kingdom, when Irish people were citizens of the UK as well. The Irish railway company, Iarnród Éireann has a number of history boards at its stations. The one at my local one makes reference to Willoughby Hamilton becoming the First Irishman (and the first non-British player) to win the Men’s Singles at Wimbledon Past Tracks Monasterevin station This competition was in 1890. At that point in history Ireland was … Continue reading Rewriting history
Photo: Workmen on Monasterevin Bridge
Workmen on Monasterevin Bridge, Co. Kildare, Ireland. © 2022 M J P B McFarland Campbell I was out for a walk at lunchtime today and took this photo of Monasterevin Bridge over the River Barrow. I always enjoy taking photos that aren’t “perfect” but show the landscape as it is in the moment. Having the workmen on the bridge makes the photograph for me. Continue reading Photo: Workmen on Monasterevin Bridge
Support Mick and Michelle Cardiff
As many of my readers will know, I have been involved with St John Ambulance since my days living in Gibraltar. During that time, I have been fortunate to receive high-quality instruction from many volunteers within the wider St John … Continue reading Support Mick and Michelle Cardiff
Minister for Defence confirms that Irish Defence Forces no longer have “gun salute to the Most Blessed Sacrament”
As the United Kingdom was mourning the passing of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and many gun salutes were being fired to mark this occasion, I found myself wondering what the Irish Defence Forces did with regard to … Continue reading Minister for Defence confirms that Irish Defence Forces no longer have “gun salute to the Most Blessed Sacrament”
Normal is always relative
We all know the feeling, we all hear the familiar words of disbelief that such and such an event happened so long ago. On this day, 28 years ago, the Provisional IRA blew up two bombs in the town centre of Warrington in Merseyside. Those of us who grew up in the North of Ireland, during what is so euphemistically referred to as “The Troubles”, grew somewhat immune to all the bad news. Even in recent years, I found myself not reacting as others around me did when a member of An Garda Síochána was murdered. I reacted with, Oh! … Continue reading Normal is always relative
Commonwealth War Graves Commission invites you to pay a tribute this Commonwealth Day
During both world wars, the men and women of the Commonwealth made the ultimate sacrifice. This Commonwealth Day, Monday 8th March, take the opportunity to remember those who fought and died for peace across the world. Make your own act of remembrance by leaving a physical tribute at one of their cemeteries or memorials in your local area. The CWGC tribute will let you leave a personalised, environmentally friendly message at the headstone or memorial of someone you’d like to remember. It is 100% biodegradable and compostable and its design reflects the six Commonwealth member nations who fund our work. … Continue reading Commonwealth War Graves Commission invites you to pay a tribute this Commonwealth Day
Martyrology: 6th March
Sts Kyneburga, Kyneswide, and Tibba OSB Kyneburga and Kyneswide were the daughters of Penda of Mercia, famous for his fierce opposition to Christianity. Kyneburga became abbess of Castor in Northamptonshire and was succeeded by Kyneswide. Tibba was their cousin who … Continue reading Martyrology: 6th March
Martyrology: March 5th
Saint Theophilus Bishop; died c. 195 at Cæsarea in Palestine Saint Theophilus helped to persuade the various churches to adopt the same day on which to keep Easter. Saint Piran Confessor; died c. 480 A hermit near Padstow. He is … Continue reading Martyrology: March 5th
Martyrology: March 4th
Saint Adrian and Companions Martyrs; died c. 875 Adrian was a missionary, bishop on the Isle of May in the Firth of Forth who was martyered by the Danes, together with some fellow missionaries who were monks. Saint Peter Pappacarbone Bishop, OSB He became a monk at Cava and later was sent to Cluny where he stayed six years. In 1079, he was made bishop of Policastro, but resigned and returned to Cava, to which abbacy he succeeded the following year. Although at first his rule was too strict and he withdrew to another house, he was soon recalled and … Continue reading Martyrology: March 4th
The Merchant Navy: the fourth service – remembering the Victor Ross 80 years on
As we approached Remembrance this year, I was reminded that we keep hearing about the three Services: the Royal Navy, the British Army, and the Royal Air Force. Like Tony Meade in his letter printed in this month’s Legion magazine … Continue reading The Merchant Navy: the fourth service – remembering the Victor Ross 80 years on
Gyronny Herald 