Séamus Ahearne: “It’s obvious that he was a man from a different century and his values were not exactly what we would wish but at the same time he was a wonderful father to have. Of course he had his good days and bad days.” (Paloma Picasso on her father Pablo)
The RTÉ Obsession:
‘The most trusted man in Ireland’ (?) he was, according to Noel Kelly. (Ryan Tubridy). ‘I am the same person; my soul hasn’t changed.’ (Ryan on himself). It is a while since I had heard anyone speak of their soul! ‘To be honest with you.’ (?) This was said a few times. What does it mean when it has to be used? This obsession with RTÉ and their carry-on is almost ridiculous. Everyone is an expert. Surely for clarity, the argument has to be reduced to its essential components. Ryan Tubridy was paid what had been agreed. Noel Kelly was his agent, whose job it was to get the best deal for his client. It was up to RTÉ how they worked out how he was paid. There was no fraud or corruption. There is a need to tidy up procedures. Accountancy and auditing has always been about juggling figures and calling accounts various names. Get on with it. We have had enough. We don’t need politicians prancing around playing to the gallery. The feigned shock and distaste uttered by some at those they have interrogated was not amusing. I wish some of them would step back from such pomposity and do their own job. In some ways, this old saga is a storm in a teacup! Maybe it is the gift that keeps giving in summer time.
The Enthusiastic Church in Nigeria:
A friend of mine went back to Nigeria. He had worked there for some years and left the country over 30 years ago. He was leading a Retreat out there and then did some Ordinations. We spoke when he got back. He was exuberant. The enthusiasm he saw out there lifted his spirit. Some 4,000 at the Ordinations. The youthfulness of the Church was impressive and moving. The song. The dance. The sheer liveliness of everyone and every Service gave a new meaning to Liturgy. The West (church) may be sleeping and dying, but that isn’t the story everywhere. The Nigerians do know what Liturgy means. Our formalities would be an insult to them! I hope they don’t use some of the prayers that have been inflicted on us! Many here in the Irish Church, do use them, but shouldn’t. Liturgy always has to be real and a celebration of those present.
The inspiration of the Travellers:
We had Mass intentions one recent Sunday. It was for a Traveller family. They turned out in great numbers. The elders had obviously sent out the message. It was a command performance. I expect it was the mothers and the grandmothers. All the young ones were there. The girls were adorned in their best. The paint was layered on. The eyes were blacked out. The dress was minimal. But the prayerfulness and attentiveness were special. As our Church gets old, as the young ones are absent, as there is no replacement for the volunteers – the Travellers keep coming. They are the ones who come for Mass, who ask for a blessing, who take the pledge, who want Confession, who have a depth of faith, who pray with conviction. God is close to them even if forgotten by many, if not most, of the settled folk. I rather liked hearing Traveller parents (a few weeks ago) showing concern at their child joining some settled teenagers at a course. They said, “We are afraid. Our girl is not streetwise. She could be led astray by these settled girls who are wiser on the ways of the world than our little girl.”
Funerals:
Lucian:
We celebrated Lucian’s funeral last week. He was a Patrician brother who had been in Finglas since 1986. He was Principal for over 20 years. He had given his all to the young ones of Finglas. It was lovely to reminisce on his work and their work (Patricians) here in this community. Lucian however still spoke with such affection on his life in India and that was recalled too. We are blessed that Dermot is still here and does go to school regularly. He specialises in work with timber and does beautiful and very artistic pieces. He too knows the story of the families; knows the history; knows which youngsters had thrived; knows many who strayed. The gift of the Patricians can never be fully known but those who know some of the story, delight with gratitude and admiration. It was so good to hear so many share with much laughter at the funeral in the Oratory where Lucian used to attend in more recent years since the Church of the Annunciation was knocked down.
Emily:
We had a funeral on Thursday for Emily. Cousins from the extended family did the music. But what was most moving was to hear Tommy (husband of sixty years) join in the singing with a powerful voice, full of conviction. The sons had to come in to support him. It was good. At the Graveside, Tommy’s song to Emily was played but once more Tommy took over. It was his song. ‘The Sunshine of Your Smile.’ It was a fitting goodbye and very emotional but beautiful.
Betty:
On Saturday, I went to a home to continue our preparation for Betty’s funeral. She was 90. Breakfast was going on. The big table was filled with sausages and rashers and scrambled eggs and everything else. As we ate, we talked. We assigned all the jobs. I was told that Betty loved her food as did her six children; as do her 24 grandchildren and even her 41 greatgrandchildren. It was a real Eucharist at that Table. We did all the work. We created the biography. We laughed. But we were fed. With the food. With the chat. With the memories. With the homeliness of it all. Everything was privileged and humbling. It was holy.
Tennis, football and hurling:
I watched the Presentation at Wimbledon. (Men’s Final). Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz spoke so graciously. An emotional Novak spoke from the heart. The young one prevailed in the Final. I saw the last minutes of Derry and Kerry. I didn’t see Dublin and Monaghan. It seems both games were excellent. Many felt disappointed that Derry and Monaghan didn’t quite make it. And then we wait for the Limerick Kilkenny game. Our national games are marvellous. The GAA does an extraordinary job for our young people. I love passing down the road and seeing all the young ones at Erin’s Isle. But behind the games are those volunteers who give everything to make it happen. We are blessed.
Seamus Ahearne osa
16th July 2023.