Readers Stories Archives | Page 2 of 12

The Truck

May 29, 2021 by John McCullagh

The day was overcast and dry – not at all like the wet weather we had been having for the past week. The old Thames Trader truck was wending its way along the road towards Keady in South Armagh.

Calm after the Storm .. end ..

May 23, 2021 by John McCullagh

When I returned to the hospital she lay there, cold, gone from a world that never gave her much, emotionally or materially.

To United Ireland?

May 18, 2021 by John McCullagh

So many things in this unfortunate country are symbolic.

‘I always saw this as the start of a road to a United Ireland,’ said my friend and companion, pointing with his tripod towards Anglesey Mountain on the other shore of The Lough. (AND just how did this hill come by this foreign name, does anyone know?).

Free at last: The Coffin

May 9, 2021 by John McCullagh

The time passed, and apart from the radio not a sound could I hear from the outside world. The darkness was all pervading. I felt as if I were buried alive.

Earth Walker report 2

May 4, 2021 by John McCullagh

In June 1999 I had travelled west to the city for my usual break. I wanted to see my friends who always had some sort of news about this, that and the other. However on this occasion my usual hosts had gone on holiday and I therefore had no choice but to register at one of the local hotels. After having journeyed seven hours on my motorcycle through the winding mountain roads, I was looking forward to a well-earned wash, dinner and a good sleep.

Rachel: 7 .. ended

April 23, 2021 by John McCullagh

I need not have worried. Turning the corner I was confronted by a newly constructed shop built from wattle and mud but this time it had a gleaming tin roof. Sitting becalmed like a sail boat on a mirrored lake with book-in-hand was my dear friend Rachel.

Banshee

March 9, 2021 by John McCullagh

Jack McCulla and Bertie Jones walked across Bagnall Street and turned up the hill towards the park. On the other side, Geordie Smith had stopped to knock the McFee’s door. One of the window panes had been broken and bits of glass were lying on the footpad. There was a broken cup a few feet into the road.

Mum’s Baking

February 26, 2021 by John McCullagh

I came upon this recently and reflected how true the sentiments and situation were for me and for generations before me. I don’t know the author.

‘The rain poured down in bucketfuls as I cycled home from college some four miles away from our cottage. It was a most welcome sight as I turned into the boreen leading to it. I threw my bike against the wall and ignored Shep’s welcoming barks. The warmth of the kitchen fire met me as I entered.

On the Buses in Kent

February 17, 2021 by John McCullagh

Perhaps other Newry exiles in England and abroad have had early experiences of work similar to my own, which follow.

Or could anyone else possibly have been as stupid as me?

None of this seemed funny at the time but I shall leave you to judge.

We were pretty desperate for work then in the early 60s and were prepared to travel to England in search of it.