A love of home, ‘one’s own place’, is said to have characterised Irish people from the earliest days. These days, when people remove themselves to as far away as the Antipodes, there is still, even in the sunshine of Bondi Beach, that melancholy longing for the old place at home. How we lived in the past is…
The limits of the Kingdom defined in history
Kerry from Maps and Charts, by Noel Kissane (Killiney Press, €30.00 / £24.00) Maps are nearly as old as mankind itself. They are treasured by historians, as they can provide important information in a variety of ways. The author of this book was a librarian at the National Library, a well informed and helpful scholar…
A talented priest devoted to theatre for the people
In writing my selection of a ‘Book of the Year’ before Christmastide descended on us all, I ended up writing about what was for me was a special book of importance, but was not the one I first intended to celebrate. But because of that change of plan, always inherent in writing for a weekly…
St Laurence O’Toole 1128-1180: A living memory for almost a millennium
It is instructive when looking back in history to ask whose memory endures. Is it that of a distinguished writer, a captain of trade and commerce, a statesman, a warlord, a political leader? When one looks back in Dublin’s history it is clearly not one of these at all, but rather it is that of…
Keeping going in fine style guided by one who knows how
Age is Just a Number: Make the Best of Every Decade, by Francis Brennan (Gill Books, €19.99 / £17.99) Francis Brennan is not a young man, and yet he has conquered our attention on television and become a bestselling author. One can’t help wondering if he has some secret which might be of interest…
Serving up good food to Washington’s eminent folk
Kathy White House: Kathy Buckley – Her Culinary Odyssey, by Vincent Carmody (€35.00, plus postage and packing, via Fitzsimons Printers Ltd., Shanagolden, Co, Limerick; tel.: 069-76-226; email: info@fitzsimonsprinters.ie). The White House in the US is one of the most storied houses in history. It was built between 1792 and 1800. The architect was Kilkenny-born James…
Abiding love in a confusing era of conflict
Albert Folens was born at Bissegem, West Flanders, Belgium, on 15 October 1916. He was educated by the de La Salle Brothers. In 1928 he joined the order.
The unvanquished Christians of Ukraine
The recent Russian invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing war have highlighted for many of us in Western Europe the fact that oppression and persecution have never been far from the people of Ukraine. This is certainly the case with regard to religious persecution. Yet they have remained committed to their Christian Faith and have…
Music, dance and the soul of the people
Mention of Siamsa Tíre brings to mind Fr Pat Ahern and vice-versa. Apart from co-founding Siamsa Tíre in 1973 Pat was its sprid, the spirit that invigorated it over the years, much to the cultural benefit of Ireland.
A visit to the Palace of Westminster
A further recollection from an active literary life A most memorable day in my life as a writer was my visit to the Palace of Westminster, the home of the British Parliament. This was occasioned by the publication in 1973 of my book Listowel and its Vicinity, which included an account of the Hare…