Remembering – the writings of Liam Roche

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Remembering – the writings of Liam Roche

For many years up until the time of his death, Liam Roche from Doneraile was a regular contributor to The Avondhu.

Saturday, 27 December 2014
2:00 PM GMT



For many years up until the time of his death, Liam Roche from Skehana, Doneraile was a regular contributor to The Avondhu. Liam loved all things rural, loved mixing with rich and poor, traveller and settled and loved to enjoy a drink with his many friends whether it be in The Greenwood Inn, Ardpatrick which sadly is no longer in business, or perhaps The Piper's Inn on top of New Square, Mitchelstown.

Here we look back on some his musings, albeit at a time when his his health was fading. Do or die, Liam would never want to miss a trip into Mitchelstown of a Thursday

A VISIT FROM THE RECTOR, ROBERT KINGSTON

On Tuesday 4 (January 2000) ,the poet Seamus Hogan phoned from Kanturk saying that he was calling later. He had something to celebrate, he had another book of poetry published. In the meantime there was a rap at the door, if the rap went on forever, no way could I get up to open the door. Jill who was in the bath, heard me shout, got wrapped up somehow and opened the door to find ‘twas the Rector, a fine type of a man who called often to see me and have a talk, as I am well able to tell Robert about the old country of 60 years back.

The next rap was the poet with his long beard like a man fresh off the bush, so Robert was soon on his way. We were losing no time to hit over the hill of Glenanaar to The Greenwood Inn that always do a great passing trade by day where you could meet people from any part of the world.

Joe Cahill, who’s on the move on January 19, says he’s moving within 4 miles of God as they have bought a house between Knock and that famous airport. I am sure that I have got Joe into my way of living, he bought a mare and foal to eat down some rough grazing he has, didn’t say the price. I hope he didn’t go over the top as some aspects of the trade are very bad, so bad I had a caller to know if I would take two pony foals for £30 the pair.

I got to the end of why Maeve McGrath of Fair City fame was the principal guest at the Nivita Benefit Night at The Greenwood Inn. Joe knew Maeve’s people well who lived near Kilfinnane. I don’t know how Joe and better half Bridie will get on in Knock who said he will find writing for the English magazine. I somehow don’t think religion will go down too well with them.

THE TOWN WE LOVE SO WELL

Thursday, not a bad evening on the historic Square of Mitchelstown, at least ‘twas dry but cutting cold so the fine open fire at The Piper’s Inn was a welcome gift with Johnny English and more of our friends already enjoying the comfort. I was glad to meet my old pal Michael O’Neill from Ballyduff. Most times of late, Michael was gone for home when we got to The Piper’s, but the weather will be brightening up soon and people will meet more often. Eugene Guiry is the man who brings the news from the hill both sides. Johnny English got me to my feet and helped me on my way as Jill got the doors open. See you Thursday at The Piper’s Inn.

THE FAIR AT MOLOGGA

Thursday last, in fierce cold and a strong East wind, our friends the stallholders on the historic Square (of Mitchelstown) got it hard to keep the covers on their stalls, causing most to pack up early. The one house that was availing of the cold was The Piper’s Inn. In all my time calling there never saw the bar so full, but why not, the heat from the big open fire could hit you when the doors open. We met more friends than usual, getting seated with Dick White, Mick from Fermoy, Johnny English and our friend from the hill Eugene Guiry. ‘Twas going to be some evening, asking Dick about the cattle trade, he said marts were always small in January, if the factories want cattle, they will have to pay better, with the live shipping in full swing, things are not all bad.

Mick from Fermoy looking his best, said he had a few deals over Christmas and New Year but had to leave early to see to the horses before dark. When a man like me gets on in years, I think everyone can go back and talk over the years. Asking Eugene Guiry did he ever hear of the Mologga Route, a country fair held on January 19 many years back, always in bad weather? No, Eugene didn’t. ‘Twas held about 3 miles from Kildorrery, an old friend of well over 60 years back, Ned Slyne always talked of that fair. Johnny English said his dad Ned talked about buying cattle there and walking back to Burncourt, often in snow. Whatever, we had to get out to the East wind and leave The Piper’s after the best evening ever. See you there on Thursday!

THE GREENWOOD INN, ARDPATRICK

In spite of the fierce cold, Brendan Palmer called on the evening of Friday 14. With the roads dry and no ice, we could see the wild herd of goats on the hillside, must be 50 or 60 (of them). My job was getting up the steps to the Inn where there was a lot of friends. ‘Twas the first time we got to talk on the Christmas and New Year’s trade which was only of the best, no crossness whatsoever. Only one very big setback as John, Mary and David Quilty had a bad ‘flu as did two of the staff. Mary was so bad she had to go to hospital. Thank the Saints she is out again. We all wish her a speedy recovery. Nothing but praise for John Lynch the manager, only for John keeping on his feet the Inn would have to close.

Having a talk with Ger Hanrahan who had a letter from Mayo from Joe Cahill who said getting The Avondhu is a must for Joe to keep him up with all the local news. Tom Gleeson is the real grandad, Tom making sure I got down them steps and safely to the car - Bless you Tom. Jill’s step-mother went for a hip replacement at the age of 84 years, must think she was going to pop as she must have sent a stone of photos to Jill, some going back a 100 years.

This photo above was taken in Jersey 40 years back, we were all skinny and blonde from the sea and boiling sun - a photo we didn’t know we had. G-day.

 



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