Monday September 3rd, Lisa stepped inside Dernakesh National school for the first time. I first went there in 1965, and left in June 1973. So after an absance of 34 years our branch of the Reynolds family has once again a presence in the school.
It's changed a lot since my day, when it was your average, rural 3 room school. It was first extended in the late 70's and only last year, a new refurbishment was completed, costing in the region of 2 million.
Back in the 'good old days', the school with Paul McManus as principal, along with Mrs Currie, and Mrs McQuaid had a great reputation for learning and supplied well prepared pupils to the local secondary schools.
Today with a local man, Aogan Farrell at the helm and with a staff of 5 other teachers and a full time office adminstrator, the school strives onwards and upwards and maintains it's solid reputation for learning. Pupils come from adjacent parishes and from the town of Cootehill.
There is change, and as in most cases, things that haven't changed. You can still look out onto the same relatively un- spoilt landsacpe that we did 40 years ago. The main Cootehill - Bailieborough road is still there and the green of Kilatee, still looks as good as it did then.
So we all accompanied Lisa on her maiden excursion to the school, Roswitha, Emily and Sarah. It's great to be bringing her to the school that I was brought to in my uncle Denis's Morris Minor car in ,65. She was looking foreward to going, and of coarse meeting up once again with her friends from The Gallonray House playschool.
First day back can be traumatic, and there are usually tears, especially from the teachers, who are no doubt, still wishing that they could still be on holidays, now that the weather is at last getting good after a real bad summer!!!!!!.
Mr Foster the junior infants teacher soon had command of the suitation. First act of the day was to gather the new ones around him and with guitar in hand had them all singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. No sign of the old tuning fork that Mrs Currie used in my time for singing classes. And indeed no evidance of bottles filled with tea or milk for lunch time, and to be warmed around the open coal fire. Come to think of it, no sign of that old open coal fire. Well it's only September yet. No doubt they'll have it blazing heartily come the first nippy days of winter!!
I took a few photos for the local papers 1st Day at School feature, and off I went. Lisa seemed quite happy and relaxed to be in school, and looking foreward to some interesting years of learning. I think she'll be a good pupil. After all Paul McManus didn't knickname me Professor Reynolds for nothing you know.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Friday, August 17, 2007
Summer of 2007
Remember that Bryan Adams song, Summer of 69. Well the summer of 2007 will be remembered for a while, due to the fact that it seldom ceased raining. So we'll have to write a new song, to the air of the Adams classic.
Last Saturday 11th, August it rained as if it never rained in Ireland before. A torrential down pour. In it's wake roads were flooded, as drains from the fields gushed forth.
Sunday August 12th is the traditional date for the Moynalty Steam Thrashing Day, in Co Meath. We went along, all of us and brought wellies and boots. But even that wasn't enough. The grounds were a quagmire, an expanse of mud, churned up by machinery, people walking etc. Has the like of this ever been seen at this time of year before. There were a s always big crowds at the festival, but conditions underfoot were atrocious.
We paid our 20 euro admission and went inside. We could only walk along the gravel path at the foot of the large field, as most people were doing. This in turn caused a lot of congestion. There was no way we could walk up into the field to se the vinatge cars and the old farming methods displays., not with a childrens buggy to push.
So all we did was walk from one entrance gate across the bottom of the field, and exit at aonther gate further over, and paid money for the pleasure of doing so. There must be good reasons why we do such things, that can only be explained by a higher power.
A major dissapointment for all the patrons and indeed the organisers, who put such a big effort into staging this popular event.
Ok there's next year and the prospect of a better summer.
Monday 13th was bright and suuny and dry and perfect for the 2007 edition of Muff Fair, at Muff crossraods, near Kingscourt Co Cavan. Dating back to the 17th centuary, this is one of the oldest and longest survivng horse fairs in Ireland. Admission is free and that's why it's so popular with Cavan people.
Any what you get are a mix of people, young , old, rich poor, locals and those from farther afield coming here each August. This Fair isn't listed in many tourist guides, so as a result the tourists who come looking for the real Ireland, rarely find it. But it's here at Muff for one day of them year.
Horses are bought and sold, people man stalls selling all sorts of nick knaks, and all sorts of rubbish bin material. There's always a spot of illegal gambling, which the Gardai on patrol keep an eye on, but in keeping with the ethos of the event don't attemp to illiminate or stamp out.
There's a pub and dancing floor set up in an adjacent barn. The fun begins AT 3.00pm. It's a great novelty to be able to have a drink and dance in a barn on a Monday afternoon. Muff falls on the 12th of August, but as was this year when that date is on a Sunday the fair is deferred to Monaday. Tradition is not broken here
I was there with my camera, took some photos which you'll see here, and some of which were published in the local Anglo Celt paper.
You will also find some more on my website www.reynoldsphotos.com, and if you so wish can purchase some from the website
Last Saturday 11th, August it rained as if it never rained in Ireland before. A torrential down pour. In it's wake roads were flooded, as drains from the fields gushed forth.
Sunday August 12th is the traditional date for the Moynalty Steam Thrashing Day, in Co Meath. We went along, all of us and brought wellies and boots. But even that wasn't enough. The grounds were a quagmire, an expanse of mud, churned up by machinery, people walking etc. Has the like of this ever been seen at this time of year before. There were a s always big crowds at the festival, but conditions underfoot were atrocious.
We paid our 20 euro admission and went inside. We could only walk along the gravel path at the foot of the large field, as most people were doing. This in turn caused a lot of congestion. There was no way we could walk up into the field to se the vinatge cars and the old farming methods displays., not with a childrens buggy to push.
So all we did was walk from one entrance gate across the bottom of the field, and exit at aonther gate further over, and paid money for the pleasure of doing so. There must be good reasons why we do such things, that can only be explained by a higher power.
A major dissapointment for all the patrons and indeed the organisers, who put such a big effort into staging this popular event.
Ok there's next year and the prospect of a better summer.
Monday 13th was bright and suuny and dry and perfect for the 2007 edition of Muff Fair, at Muff crossraods, near Kingscourt Co Cavan. Dating back to the 17th centuary, this is one of the oldest and longest survivng horse fairs in Ireland. Admission is free and that's why it's so popular with Cavan people.
Any what you get are a mix of people, young , old, rich poor, locals and those from farther afield coming here each August. This Fair isn't listed in many tourist guides, so as a result the tourists who come looking for the real Ireland, rarely find it. But it's here at Muff for one day of them year.
Horses are bought and sold, people man stalls selling all sorts of nick knaks, and all sorts of rubbish bin material. There's always a spot of illegal gambling, which the Gardai on patrol keep an eye on, but in keeping with the ethos of the event don't attemp to illiminate or stamp out.
There's a pub and dancing floor set up in an adjacent barn. The fun begins AT 3.00pm. It's a great novelty to be able to have a drink and dance in a barn on a Monday afternoon. Muff falls on the 12th of August, but as was this year when that date is on a Sunday the fair is deferred to Monaday. Tradition is not broken here
I was there with my camera, took some photos which you'll see here, and some of which were published in the local Anglo Celt paper.
You will also find some more on my website www.reynoldsphotos.com, and if you so wish can purchase some from the website
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Sarah Reynolds
Our 3rd daughter, Sarah Reynolds was safely born at 1.10am on Friday 29th June 2007. Both mother and daughter are in fine fettle after a 7 hour labour. Lisa, 4 and Emily 2 are also thrilled with their new sister whom they saw for the first time when we all visted Cavan General Hospital on Friday evening.
Women and mothers really have to endure an extereme amount of pain and suffering to bring their offspring into the world, there's no doubt about that. I say so , having been present at all 3 labours. If we men had to do such a thing, I'm not sure if we could a s easily pul it off. But then He who created woman provided them with the neccesary charcter and pain thresholds to cope with such occosions. It was Lisa's idea that the new baby, if it was girl should be named Sarah. It sounded good to both Roswitha and I so we went with that.
My cousin, Noreen in LA also has a daughter called Sarah.
Fleetwood Mac, Thin Lizzy and Hall and Oates have songs with that name, so we won't be stuck for songs to sing to her.
She has bigfeet,(Reynolds feet) and hands. At the moment that's the way it looks, and only time will tell what other Reynolds traits and characteristics Sarah has inherited.
Women and mothers really have to endure an extereme amount of pain and suffering to bring their offspring into the world, there's no doubt about that. I say so , having been present at all 3 labours. If we men had to do such a thing, I'm not sure if we could a s easily pul it off. But then He who created woman provided them with the neccesary charcter and pain thresholds to cope with such occosions. It was Lisa's idea that the new baby, if it was girl should be named Sarah. It sounded good to both Roswitha and I so we went with that.
My cousin, Noreen in LA also has a daughter called Sarah.
Fleetwood Mac, Thin Lizzy and Hall and Oates have songs with that name, so we won't be stuck for songs to sing to her.
She has bigfeet,(Reynolds feet) and hands. At the moment that's the way it looks, and only time will tell what other Reynolds traits and characteristics Sarah has inherited.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
The Rolling Stones Come to Ireland
The Rolling Stones will play at Slane Castle, Co Meath on Saturday August 18th. I've got my ticket.These days with internet booking concerts can be sold out in a matter of minuets or at least within an hour. When I logged in all the 'cheap'standing only tickets at €85.00 were gone. So I had to opt for the more expensive ones, €136.00 located within the seated area.So I'll be able to rattle my jewllery along with all the others in the 'posh' enclosure.
I first saw the 'Stones, at the same venue on a warm sunny day in July 1982. The Chieftans and George Thorogood palyed support on that memorable day.
Hard to imagine that it's all of 25 years ago, and to think that even back then, the greatest Rock n Roll band were deemed old hat and over the hill. At that stage they'd been around for over 20 years.
But here we are in 2007 . They are still packing them in, and confounding all the critics and maybe medics as they contiune to roll around the globe playing their back catalogue of hits and amassing an even greater fortune.
There's gigs that come on stream and I might think about going and then decide not to bother. For the Stones, it was a case of not having to think, but just get in there, get the ticket at any price and be there on the 18th of August inside the grounds of Lord Henry Mountcharles gaffe to be part of,and witness one the the great legands of modern music and rock n roll.
Myself, the Stones and the rest of us only live once, and what a great time to have lived and still be living in.
I'll have a report of the gig and maybe some photos, if I can smuggle in a decent camera and long lense , shortly after the August concert.
I first saw the 'Stones, at the same venue on a warm sunny day in July 1982. The Chieftans and George Thorogood palyed support on that memorable day.
Hard to imagine that it's all of 25 years ago, and to think that even back then, the greatest Rock n Roll band were deemed old hat and over the hill. At that stage they'd been around for over 20 years.
But here we are in 2007 . They are still packing them in, and confounding all the critics and maybe medics as they contiune to roll around the globe playing their back catalogue of hits and amassing an even greater fortune.
There's gigs that come on stream and I might think about going and then decide not to bother. For the Stones, it was a case of not having to think, but just get in there, get the ticket at any price and be there on the 18th of August inside the grounds of Lord Henry Mountcharles gaffe to be part of,and witness one the the great legands of modern music and rock n roll.
Myself, the Stones and the rest of us only live once, and what a great time to have lived and still be living in.
I'll have a report of the gig and maybe some photos, if I can smuggle in a decent camera and long lense , shortly after the August concert.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Fathers Day
Sunday 17th was Fathers Day. I didn't get a card. Ah,Ah,Ah,feck it. Unusual that my wife forgets these things. Not even a self made, DIY, masterpiece from 4 year old Lisa. Altough, if she had been informed, she would have hastily got to work , with crayons, pencils and paper and produced a product dedicated to my good self.
Any way I could forgive Roswitha. She's got bigger concerns at this time, namely the June 23rd due date for our 3rd child.
She wasn't out shopping on Saturday, and thus didn't see all the beautiful cards on display in the local supermarket. Had she been out in town, undoubtdley she would have presented me with one on Sunday morning.
Now I could have bought one for myself, but who in their right mind would do that?
So that was it Fathers Day 2007. I went out for a 2 hour cycle and that wa s better than any card. The dinner she cooked was also superior to any gimmicky Fathers Day card. These things were invented by the Card companies to generate revenue.
In my young day there weren't many Fathers or Mothers day cards. Hardly new what a birthday card looked like. God bless us did it do us any harm.
I remrked to Roswitha, at tea time when she admitted to only then realising that it wa s Fathers Day, that I'd prefere that it was she who forgot me on Fathers day, raher than I forgetting her on mothers day. I'd say I wouldn't get away as handy with forgetting such an occosion
Already looking foreward to Fathers Day 2008
Any way I could forgive Roswitha. She's got bigger concerns at this time, namely the June 23rd due date for our 3rd child.
She wasn't out shopping on Saturday, and thus didn't see all the beautiful cards on display in the local supermarket. Had she been out in town, undoubtdley she would have presented me with one on Sunday morning.
Now I could have bought one for myself, but who in their right mind would do that?
So that was it Fathers Day 2007. I went out for a 2 hour cycle and that wa s better than any card. The dinner she cooked was also superior to any gimmicky Fathers Day card. These things were invented by the Card companies to generate revenue.
In my young day there weren't many Fathers or Mothers day cards. Hardly new what a birthday card looked like. God bless us did it do us any harm.
I remrked to Roswitha, at tea time when she admitted to only then realising that it wa s Fathers Day, that I'd prefere that it was she who forgot me on Fathers day, raher than I forgetting her on mothers day. I'd say I wouldn't get away as handy with forgetting such an occosion
Already looking foreward to Fathers Day 2008
Friday, June 15, 2007
The Weather
In this country it's always a topic of conversation. Thats a good thing, as it allows you to strike up an introductory conversation with a total stranger.Everyone, regardless of colour, creed, level of knowledge or edcuation can make and conduct informed conversations about the weather.
It's there in our faces, 24 hours a day, and is always doing something. Since the dawn of time there hasn't been a day when there wasn't weather. Since mankind dwelt in the cave, I'm sure it wa s a common topic of conversation.
In Ireland, one could say we are blessed with a temperate climate. No extremes of either, cold, or heat, or wind or storm.Ok in the summertime we could do with more sunshine and warmer days.Perhaps the beginnings of what is know as global warming will grant us such conditions, for the better or worse. In general during the summer season we usually get a tasty morsel of glorious weather for 7 to 10 day peroids.
Last week we had a good spell. Dry from morning until sunset with temperatures in the mid 20's, slight summer breezes which made for pleasent conditions and indeed plaesent expressions on peoples faces.
However we a s a race have a tendancy to complain about the weather, and also to be pessamastic about the longevity of a good spell.
I remarked to the bank teller last week, when she mentioned how nice it was,'give it a day or two and people will be complaining about the heat'
Talk about the good weather and the pessamists will say,'ah but I think threre is a change coming on the weekend,we''l pay for this later'.
It's as if we don't feel worthy that we should be getting good weather. There is a gulit thing in us about having something such plaesent things in our lives. That could be a throw back to our religious upbringing. Those negative feelings are hard to shake off.
Ok, today it's raining again. The sun hasen't shone in two days, the wind blows from the north east , and it's been raining almost constanlty.
For me, I can accept whatever nature dishes up, believing that it's for the best. Last week during the dry spell I had to water, gardens and vegatables day and night. I come home from work at 6.30 and when as is the case in mid June, I can easily spend a couple of hours rooting about the garden.
The wet evenings confines you to the comfort of the house. A time to catch up on recreational things, like reading, music, TV etc. The watering of the garden is done for me by the clouds. The rain and inclement weather has a lot of posatives both for man, beast and what grows in nature.
I promise never to complain about the weather again, except if it's during the coarse of a casual conversation with a stranger when I'll agree with them about the bad state of the weather, out of politiness more than anything else.
'Now would you turn on that wireless till I hear the weather, we might get that hay baled this evening if it keeps up'.
It's there in our faces, 24 hours a day, and is always doing something. Since the dawn of time there hasn't been a day when there wasn't weather. Since mankind dwelt in the cave, I'm sure it wa s a common topic of conversation.
In Ireland, one could say we are blessed with a temperate climate. No extremes of either, cold, or heat, or wind or storm.Ok in the summertime we could do with more sunshine and warmer days.Perhaps the beginnings of what is know as global warming will grant us such conditions, for the better or worse. In general during the summer season we usually get a tasty morsel of glorious weather for 7 to 10 day peroids.
Last week we had a good spell. Dry from morning until sunset with temperatures in the mid 20's, slight summer breezes which made for pleasent conditions and indeed plaesent expressions on peoples faces.
However we a s a race have a tendancy to complain about the weather, and also to be pessamastic about the longevity of a good spell.
I remarked to the bank teller last week, when she mentioned how nice it was,'give it a day or two and people will be complaining about the heat'
Talk about the good weather and the pessamists will say,'ah but I think threre is a change coming on the weekend,we''l pay for this later'.
It's as if we don't feel worthy that we should be getting good weather. There is a gulit thing in us about having something such plaesent things in our lives. That could be a throw back to our religious upbringing. Those negative feelings are hard to shake off.
Ok, today it's raining again. The sun hasen't shone in two days, the wind blows from the north east , and it's been raining almost constanlty.
For me, I can accept whatever nature dishes up, believing that it's for the best. Last week during the dry spell I had to water, gardens and vegatables day and night. I come home from work at 6.30 and when as is the case in mid June, I can easily spend a couple of hours rooting about the garden.
The wet evenings confines you to the comfort of the house. A time to catch up on recreational things, like reading, music, TV etc. The watering of the garden is done for me by the clouds. The rain and inclement weather has a lot of posatives both for man, beast and what grows in nature.
I promise never to complain about the weather again, except if it's during the coarse of a casual conversation with a stranger when I'll agree with them about the bad state of the weather, out of politiness more than anything else.
'Now would you turn on that wireless till I hear the weather, we might get that hay baled this evening if it keeps up'.
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