Stars Sang in God’s Garden

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Many today listen to the song “Grace” without a thought for Joseph Mary Plunkett, the 1916 Easter Rising leader and martyr, yet he is the hero of that dirgeful ballad (though not, of course, its author).  It is still sung at almost every Irish wedding and weekly in Singing Lounges throughout the length and breadth of the country.  Even as I type, the tune runs through my head.  

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McGinn

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Last evening at Newry Film Club we enjoyed an unusual offering “Departures” which focused on death, its meaning and how the ‘crossing’ causes us to reflect on the meaning of life.

The following poem by James Patterson has ‘McGinn’ observing, and reflecting upon his own lifeless corpse.  
 

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McParland’s Elder

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Accomplished Newry poet, James Patterson has been good enough to offer a few of his works for publication here, and we are honoured and delighted.  I know the ‘seed and breed’ of the man, as we’d say locally, and am delighted to make the acquaintance of the third generation.  I do hope I was not the inspiration for this first poem of his!  

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