Newry News and Irish Fun

Ann Boyle Communion

Isn’t it amazing how expressive – how illustrative – indeed how thoroughly familiar are the old black-and-white photos of our childhood? The central figure in this poignant tableau is Ann Boyle of Castle Street. Her proud father Louis Boyle – Newry taxi-driver when there were no more than a half-dozen of them altogether – shows off his girl in her beautiful First Holy Communion dress. Ann is now a retired schoolteacher (St Patrick’s, The Meadow) dramatis persona and leading light of the Newry Drama Festival Committee these decades past.

We promised to make you aware of more of that fine group of patriots of the nineteenth century, the Young Irelanders.

It was Peter Simpson (below), husband of the beautiful Liz (Brennan) who first encouraged Rose to write her own songs. Now her first album of her own songs, numbering fourteen in total, has been released and little jewels they all are.

Single farmer in the autumn of his years, seeks sensitive, nubile young nymphomaniac for housekeeping purposes and maybe more. I can offer your own bedroom too, if ever you feel the need to use it! Must have wide, ‘child-bearing’ pelvis.

Edward Butler (1823-1879), barrister and politician, was born in County Kilkenny, Ireland, son…

I heard the story o mo athair

Got no Gaelic ? Doesn’t matter!

This rural Ireland’s tragic tale …

If you are very quick indeed, you might still purchase an advanced copy of Rose Brennan’s CD String of Pearls from the Festival Office, Rostrevor Square! I have my precious copy…

This was a skilful and hard-fought game. With just a minute to go the scores were tied: Heaven A 1-14 : Heaven B 2-11.

The fantastic Fiddler’s Green Festival opened yesterday to blistering sunshine and super music – much of it free.

Esler was in charge of the dressing room equipment. He handed me my jersey, shorts, socks and leather boots, with big studs, and told me I would be a B man for the rest of the season. I think he missed the irony of this term!

It was early Sunday morning in the year 2008 and I had just arrived at the Golden Gate. Saint Peter recognised me instantly, giving me a very hearty greeting and a warm handshake.