Frank Brandon remembers the legendary Dolly Parton, recounts a busy weekend – from coffee mornings to sporting achievements – and highlights an upcoming local event!
A couple of years ago, I caused consternation among my bird-watching readers (probably about two) when I told ye I had heard the cuckoo in the month of September – so much so that some of you wondered whether or not I should be let loose amongst ordinary folk at all!
And so, on this beautiful Monday morning in very late September, after the wonderful summer we’ve had weather-wise, you might also wonder about me when I tell you that I’ve just done a couple of hours in the bog, bagging some perfectly dry turf!
Why I’m at it now is another story… but while I was there, in a most tranquil peaceful setting, I had time to reflect on what was for me a truly amazing Saturday.
It started early, when my family and I were getting ready for the Hospice coffee morning in the school.
The night before, our daughter Lisa and her two girls, Riley and Hayley, had stayed with me, and when I came down from the shower, with the innocence of a five-year-old, Riley wondered where my hair had gone! Obviously the water had dampened it down and I didn’t have the fairly wild look that I normally sport!
Anyway, we headed off to the school, where Duff’s wife, Fiona was already setting up everything. Then it was a case of waiting to see if people would turn up…
I don’t deny that I was a bit nervous, but I needn’t have worried. As always, the people of the parish and beyond turned out in their droves, and we had both a very successful and enjoyable morning.
So many people and local businesses donated some of the nicest goodies you could ever wish for, and we, as a family, can’t thank them enough.
I have yet to test my blood sugar levels since, as chocolate brownies and cream-filled eclairs, as well as cookies and apple pie and fruit cake among other things, are meant to be avoided at all costs by a level 2 diabetic… I will have a look tomorrow.
On the subject of all those nice things, the good news is that I kept my recent promise and didn’t burn my highly acclaimed choc chip buns!
Anyway, what was lovely was that neighbours and friends met and chatted away and there was a lovely relaxed atmosphere throughout. The very willing tea- and coffee-makers and ‘dish-washers’ were kept busy all through. When all was done, we sent €3,200 to the Hospice that evening, and as I write this after my stint in the bog, we have got more than €200 in since!
It’s impossible to thank everyone by name, as so many people helped us in getting it all organised, so thank you all! Thanks especially to all of you who supported it, whether you could make it or not; in these very trying times, with so many other fundraisers taking place, on top of the terribly high cost of living, for a tiny community to contribute so much is extraordinary. So a huge, heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone.
We, as a family, can never praise the Hospice foundation enough, having experienced their good work first-hand, so we are delighted to do a little bit to show them our support. So thanks again to everyone – it was a credit to you!
Dolly will always be loved
For as long as I remember, I have always been aware of the legend that was Dolly Parton – probably one of the best songwriters of all time.
Her pen was behind some of the most iconic songs of all time, including ‘My Coat Of Many Colours’, ‘Jolene’, ‘9 to 5’, and the song that you could say ‘made’ Whitney Houston – ‘I Will Always Love You’.
As well as being a prolific songwriter, Dolly was also a terrific singer, who had 55 US top 10 country music hits. And yet I didn’t realise what a wonderful performer she was until I saw a recent broadcast of her 2014 set at the world-renowned Glastonbury music festival.
In front of a crowd estimated to have been somewhere between 150,000-180,000, she owned the stage, and had the crowd eating out of her hands. She showcased some of her newer music at the time, but it was the old reliables that stole the show.
I don’t deny that I love country music, but I never thought that a country artist could headline such a major music festival as Glastonbury. If you get a chance, have a look at it!
Her recent death means we’ve lost one of our best-ever entertainers, a person who never forgot her poor Smoky Mountain roots, where she was one of 12 children growing up in a tiny one-roomed cabin with no running water or electricity. That upbringing inspired her to become a huge contributor to various charities.
Dolly will be sorely missed by her millions of fans and there is no doubt we have lost both a great entertainer and a truly great human being. Rest in peace, Dolly!
A golden homecoming
After Saturday’s coffee morning (see separate item), I headed home for some downtime. I was just settling in to watch a bit of rugby on the telly when my brother Duff rang to tell me that the gold medal-winning O’Rourke girls were coming back to Castlerea that evening, asking would I like to go to the homecoming. There was never a doubt in my mind about travelling.
And I have to say, it was more than worthwhile! The crowd was huge, the RTÉ cameras were there to film the event, and the atmosphere was just so special! It’s probably a ‘world first’ to have two sisters win gold medals at such a massive tournament, and to come from such a small rural area makes it even more special.
For those of us who know their parents, Kevin and Anne, for so long, it’s no surprise how humble, unassuming, and normal the girls are. It was lovely to be there and to see how highly regarded they all are in the community.
Among the many familiar faces that I met were Mr Castlerea himself – Danny Burke – Senator Gareth Scahill, and a man I hadn’t seen since my Castlerea working days in the late 1970s, Michael Kelly.
One thing that struck me was that no matter what high-level coaches they now have as elite athletes, the sisters always mention how instrumental Paddy Sharkey has been to their success, so well done to Paddy, and well done to our two gold medallists, Aoife and Lisa O’Rourke!
And they’re off!
On Saturday night I took a trip to Mikeen’s, where Gerry Keegan and my next-door neighbour Kate Hanley were hosting a race night to raise funds for the local rugby club.
It’s all to do with a quiz night that is taking place in The Mattie McDonagh Centre in Ballygar on Saturday week, but the truth is that I don’t understand what it’s all about so you’ll have to ask someone else!
To make matters worse, I couldn’t understand how the race night worked either – except that horses ran on the telly and you could back them.
All I know is that the few horses I backed were last seen somewhere loose outside Ballygar (only joking), and I didn’t manage to pick any winner.
It was great craic, and I’m told it was another very successful fundraiser.
Congrats to Jemima
Well done to our Irish international rugby star, Jemima Adams Verling, on winning her second full cap last weekend, when she played at number 8 in a hard-fought win over Japan, and put in another strong performance in the Dexcom Stadium up in Galway.
Swimming in medals
The O’Rourke girls were not the only ones to bring European medals back to the area last week: over in Malta in the European Swimming Championships, four athletes representing Ireland and all from Roscommon Special Olympics Club were competing.
Sean Mullen, Brian Óg McGarvey, Anne Marie Donnelly, and Sorcha Hegarty – daughter of my good friend Jack the Lower and his wife Mary – also struck gold when they won the 4×50 freestyle relay. Brian Óg also won two silver medals in his individual events.
38 nations took part, so heartiest congratulations to all involved. The team were really well looked after by Bob and Jackie McCormack, and swimming coach Marie Keane.
The next big event for Roscommon Special Olympics will be the annual football game against the Gardaí in the Roscommon Community Sports Park at 7 pm on Friday, October 9th, when another titanic tussle is anticipated. Everyone is invited, so make sure you get there – my money is on the Special Olympics team!
And finally…
Don’t forget the huge fashion show that is taking place in the national school hall on Friday night with Celia Holman Lee and her internationally-known agency.
Last week I gave you the long list of the attending shops, and there are two more to be added to that: Ana Victoria Mulcahy from Ballinasloe and Janie Mac (handmade jewellery and accessories) from Curraghboy!
The event kicks off at 8 pm sharp, following a drinks reception at 7.15 pm. It promises to be one of the great nights in Creggs!
‘Til next week,
bye for now
