Old Photographs
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A group at the opening of the new school in Corrigeenroe in the early 1960s. A number of people are readily identifiable such as; a young Gerry Enright, John and Pat Nicholson with Corrigeenroe’s Father Henry Tonra. Photo courtesy of John Nicholson
Joanne O’Riordan and Heroes
We all need heroes or people to look up or inspire us from
time to time. There are many different types of heroes some are quiet and some
are more obvious. Last week I watched a documentary on the young Cork lady
Joanne O’Riordan who was born without limbs. Through it all she demonstrated
her courage, resilience, humour and optimism. It was a heart tugging account of
her life and the image of Joanne as a very young child on the table was a tough
image. Joanne also showed how articulate she was in her speech, to inventive
minds at a United Nations seminar. The documentary was filmed by her brother
Steven which showed the great family solidarity that obtained.
A number of years ago another young lady Orla Tinsley was
involved in advocacy for Cystic Fibrosis patients in St. Vincent’s Hospital.
She appeared on The Late Late Show and I believe her efforts had a very
positive impact in the provision of improvements in that area.
Recently there was Donal Walsh who raised the profile of
cancer patient-
suffering after a letter he wrote initiated intense public
interest in his story. The courage and personality of Donal shone through up to
his death in May 2013.
Internationally a young Pakistani girl named Malala
Yousafzai has become internationally identified with her fight for the rights
of young women to education in her country. This apparently goes against the
fundamentalist thinking of certain sections of Pakistani society. Malala
survived and recovered from an assassination attempt and continues her
campaign.
These are just four examples of the courage of young people
who one might be aware of. I presume that all age groups have their heroes but
they do not spring so readily to mind. Father Peter McVerry looks like a man of
great courage and patience in a very difficult environment as does Adi
Roche. Dubliner and Aussie rules footballer Jim Stynes made a huge impact
during his fight against terminal illness. The latest bridge over the Yarra
River in Melbourne has been named in his memory just recently. These are the
high profile heroes. They set the high bar. For many of us the low hurdles are
our challenge. As I wrote so often in another area ‘could do better’,
maybe!
Roscommon Intermediate Ladies V Sligo
I watched Roscommon and Sligo Ladies battle it out in a game
in the Abbey Park last week and what a football battle it was. The game went to
extra time and the intensity continued to the very end. Roscommon got off to an
excellent start but it became a game of swaying fortunes subsequently and as I
said went the full distance and more. One of Roscommon’s heroes was the
no-nonsense goalkeeper Carol Manning whose club is in Dublin City so she has
some travelling to do. Number four was Gillian Dufficey daughter of the very
popular Jarlath of Supervalu. Siobhan Tully was a real livewire corner
forward. The manager of the team is Kieran Kilkenny. Noelle Gormley sister of
Father Derek was one of the powerhouses of a strong Sligo winning side. The
attitude of the referee Gerry Carmody was enlightening as he showed courtesy
and consideration to all, many of whom he obviously knew from previous
experience. While Roscommon lost they had reason to be pleased with their
efforts and little more could basked of them in terms of commitment. As an
irregular observer of Ladies Football it was all a very satisfying experience.
Roscommon’s Minors
On Saturday evening next Roscommon’s minors begin their
campaign against Leitrim in the Hyde Park at 7.30. Evan McGrath is the Boyle
representative on the team so good luck to him and the side under Fergal
O’Donnell. Leitrim are said to have a good team this year so it will be
interesting. We now expect good campaigns from our minor and U 21 side so they
have a fresh tradition to emulate.
The draw for the next round of the Senior Inter County
Championship takes on RTE’s Morning Ireland on Monday next June 30th
when we will then know Roscommon’s senior opponents in their next game.
Boyle Seniors Fine Win
Boyle's Senior team had a fine and comprehensive victory
over St. Faithleach’s in the Abbey Park on Sunday. After an initial faltering
quarter they really got into their stride and cracked in four goals in total
some of them as good as has been scored in the park in a long time. The sight
of Enda Smith going through the gears as he heads towards the opposition goals
is one to behold for a Boyle supporter. (See Boyle GAA Blog for some details).
It was good to see some young guns getting match time such as Colin Goldrick,
Brian Furey, Peter Lavin, Ciaran Beirne and Conor Tivnan with Liam Conroy and
Stephen Tonra.
John Murray R.I.P.
I’d like to pay a small tribute to John Murray of Marian
Road who died this week. John was a colleague of mine in the St. Mary’s
College/Boyle Vocational School for many years. He was a mild even-tempered
man, courteous and kind. He was held in the highest regard by staff colleagues
and pupils many of whom attended at his funeral. I heard a tribute by a son to
his father in the church not too long ago where he ended with; ‘My father was a
good man’. John was a good man and one of nature’s gentlemen. He certainly
fought the good fight in his later years. My sympathy to his wife,
daughters and extended family. May he rest in peace.
