Health Trust demolishes new £1.7million operating theatre

(an edited version of this was published in the Sunday World December 7th 2014)

The Western Health Trust has confirmed it is demolishing a £1.7million state of the art operating theatre built half-a-dozen years ago at the Erne Hospital, Enniskillen. The theatre is being demolished as part of the demolition of the whole hospital. The operating theatre was only used for four years, until the South West Acute hospital was opened. Another operating theatre that was upgraded at the same time is also being demolished.

The Sunday World asked the Western Trust to confirm if the demolition of the Erne includes this operating theatre. The reply was: “Yes, the demolition includes the operating theatre block”.

When the theatre was being built the Sperrin Lakeland Trust (predecessor of the Western Trust) had begun building the new South West Acute Hospital on the outskirts of Enniskillen. At the same time, three operating theatres 27 miles away at Tyrone County Hospital in Omagh were operating at 50% capacity. One was state of the art, having had a laminar flow ventilating system installed approximately five years early. The Sunday World has been unable to find out the cost of this: however, both installation and operating costs are high.

A notice to contractors from the Sperrin Lakeland Trust in February 2007 laid out what was expected from the operating theatre now being demolished:

“Construction of building shell to house new first floor operating theatre and associated anaesthetic, preparation, scrub and storage areas together with necessary mechanical and electrical services installations including medical gases. Contract will include the installation of all mechanical and electrical services including medical gases associated with the new accommodation, together with works necessary to link the new accommodation to the existing hospital corridor circulation system.

Contract will also include refurbishment and alteration works in the existing hospital ground floor theatre suite. Internal fit-out of the new operating theatre to be by specialist modular operating theatre provider, employed as a nominated sub-contractor.” The notice estimated the cost at £1.7million.

Former UNISON trade union secretary on the Erne site Benny Cassidy has said he is furious. He said that building the operating theatre for such a short time was “utter waste when they didn’t have any money to spend. Even at that time, there wasn’t much money about. I’m furious that there’s no accountability about money being wasted.”

The demolition of the Erne is due to be completed by May next year.

Meanwhile, the three operating theatres in the Tyrone County Hospital are still there. They are now being used at much less than 50% capacity.


Advertisement 'Notice to Contractors' from Trust for building of Operating Theatre

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Catalonia - strong movement for independence  

(An edited version of this piece was published in An tUltach, November 2014)

Tá neamhslpéachas ar na bacáin sa Chatalóin. Tá bratach na Catalóine ar foluain ó blocanna árasán chuile áit ar fud fad Barcelona, an príomh-cathair. Bhí suas le dhá mhilliún ar léirsiú, rud beag níos mó ná an ceathrú cuid de dhaonra na tire. Bhí reifreann comhairleach le bheith Mí na Samhna. Chuir Cúirt Bunreachtúil na Spáinne cosc air, beart a chothaigh fearg.

Tá féinriail ag dúiche na Catalóine ar thaobh na Spáinne den teorainn. Is é an Generalitat de Catalunya an rialtas réigiúnda, mar gurb é Convergència i Unió an páirtí is mó. Tá sin ina shaghas Fianna Fáil na Catalóine. Is leis an rialtas, rialtas a fhaigheann tacaíocht ón  Esquerra Repu blicana de Catalunya, páirtí daonlathach-sóisialach agus náisiúnach.

Tá Ariadna Jou ina h-urlabhraí idirnáisiúnta ag na Joventuts d’Esquerra Republicana (JERC), an ghluaiseacht óige. Is macléinn iar-céime i in Ollscoil Pompe Fabreu i mBarcelona. Bhuail mé léi i mbialann na hollcoile thart ar am tae, gan ach dornán macléinn fágtha ann. Bhí sí ag teacht ó léacht, ar a bealach chun na leabharlainne le píosa oibre a chríochnú – ach gan í ag brostú an agallaimh.

Tugann páirtí s’aici lán-tacaíocht don neamhspléachas.“An rud atá rialtas na Catalóine ag déanamh anois – agus is de bharr brú ón Esquerra Republicana agus páirtithe eile a thugann tacaíocht don neamhspléachas atá siad dá dhéanamh – is ag déanamh réidh don fheachtas don Reifreann Comhairleach atá siad,” ar sise. Tá siad tabhairt dúshlán Rialtais na Spáinne.

Rialaigh rialtas na Spáinne nach mbeadh cead ag oibrithe sa tseirbhís poiblí obair a dhéanamh leis an Reifreann Comhairleach a ullmhú. “Bhí ansin díomá ar rialtas na Catalóine, ní as an rud a bhainfeadh dóibhsean, ach an rud a bhainfeadh dóibh siúd a bhí ag obair san earnáil phoiblí,” ar sise. Ainneoin sin ar fad, tá sí dóchasach. “Tá an rialtas leis an rud a dhéanamh agus a mhól páirtí s’againne, agus an feachtas a thabhairt go cionn spríce ar achan rud, le gur féidir an Reifreann Comhairleach a ghairm,” ar sise.   Tá a bhfeachtais féin ag na páirtithe difriúla, agus ag Rialtas na Catalóine.

Tá níos mó ná páirtithe ann. “Ar an lámh eile, tá an tArdán Náisiúnta Catalóineach, mar a bhfuil an uile duine – múinteoirí, micléinn,” ar sise. “Tig leat bheith ag obair i siopa (mar shampla, agus clárú ann). Tá an-chuid imeachtaí ar siúil acu, a rá leis an rialtas ‘Bígí cróga, gabhaigí ar son an Chomhairliúcháin.’”

Bhí na páirtithe ar son an Reifrinn Comhairligh ag buaileadh lena gcéile chuile lá, agus mé ag labhairt le hAriadna i lár Mhí Deireadh Fómhair. “Sílim gur mhaith leis an rialtas (sa Spáinn) céim a dhéanamh ar gcúr,” ar sise. “Mar, rialtas Convergència i Unió, ní ar a leas a bheadh sé gan dul ar aghaidh leis an Reifreann Comhairleach.

“Seachtain ó shoin, bhí áthas orainn uilig, nó dhealraigh sé go mbeadh a leithéidí agus Reifreann Comhairleach. An seachtain seo, tá éiginnteacht ann, nó tá cruinniú ann agus níl fhios againn cad é tá ar shiúil acu. Níl siad chun rud ar bith a rá go poiblí go dtí an deireadh. Tá súil againn go mbeidh moladh againn.”

Tá fadhb ann leis an chlár toghthóirí, nó tá sé cúig bliain ó bhí an daonáireamh ag stát na Spáinne. “Tá daonáireamh eile de dhíth orainn, le go mbeidh liosta vótóirí againn roimh an Reifrinn,” ar sise.

Tá Ariadna anois iontach gafa anois leis an fheachtas. “Is é an sprioc mór atá romhainn ná reifreann bheith againn, agus vóta a chaitheamh. Tá dóchas orm, agus creidim go dtarlóidh an Reifreann Comhairleach. Sílim go dtarlóidh, fiú má tá orainn ár gclár toghthóirí féin a dhéanamh.

“Nuair atá dhá mhilliún duine ar an sráid ar Fhéile Náisiúnta na Catalóine, nuair atá Tionól Náisiúnta na Catalóine ann, beidh linn.”

Bíonn imeachtaí d’achan saghas ann. Is sampla beag ná go gcuirtear dath buí ar an uile rud sna bailte móra, sin dath bratach na Catalóine. “Tá sé anois ina ghluaiseacht chomh mór sin gur dóigh liomsa nach féidir stop a chur leis,” arsa Ariadna. “Sílim go mbeimid ábalta an Reifreann Comhairleach a dhéanamh, agus muna mbeimid ábalta é a dhéanamh, níl sé mar a bheadh deireadh ann, nó leanfaimid orainn ag obair, agus beidh toghchan againn.” San am céanna, ní bheadh Ariadna iomlán sásta le sin, nó “tá mé den bharúil go bhfuil an reifreann ar an rud daonlathach is fearr go dtig linn a dhéanamh. Ach tá dóigheanna malartacha againn, dóigheanna le táispeáint don chuid eile den saol, gur mhaith le pobal na Catalóine smacht bheith acu ar a dtodhchaí féin, bheith neamhspléach.”

Agus í ag súil le Reifreann “níl fhios agam an freagra deireannach a bheidh ón Spáinn. Má dheanfaimid é, níl fhios againn an rud atá siadsan ag dul a dhéanamh.” Ar ndóigh, cibé freagra a thiocfaidh ó rialtas Mhadrid tá an Reifreann Comhairleach ar an bhealach is fearr.

Mar dhuine óg, baineann Ariadna leis an ghlúin atá níos láidre ar son an eamhspléachais ná an mhuintir níos aosta – díreach mar atá ag tarlú in Albain. Dála na hAlban chomh maith, tá géarchéim ann sa ghéilleagar. Thosaigh sin sa Spáinn i 2007. “D’fhásamar suas chomh maith agus rialtas s’againn ag glacadh páirte i gcogaidh thar lear,” ar sise. Dar leis an ghlúin óg is tír faoi leith an Chatalóin. “Mhair an dream níos aosta níos faide faoi réimeas na Spáinne, agus b’fhéidir mar sin go bhfuil níos mó táithí acu ar sin,” ar sise. Ainneoin sin, tá céadatán súntasach den dream is sine i bhfabhar an neamshpléachais. “Bíonn siad ag déanamh comhghairdeas linn as obair s’againn,” ar sise.

D’fhulaing an ghlúin sin faoi dheachtóireacht Franco idir 1938 agus 1975. Ní raibh cead Catalóinís a labhairt le linn go leoir de na blianta sin, an cultúr na Catalónach i gcoitinne faoi chois. “Bíonn daoine óga níos cróga, nó ní dheacamar tri seo,” arsa Ariadna. “Tá níos mó ídéalachais ionainn.”

Bhí an Chatalóinis ina shiombal réabhlóide faoin deachtóireacht. “Nuair a bhím ag labhairt le mo mhuintir, deir siad liom go raibh cosc ar an Chatalóinís,” ar sise. “Mar shampla ní thiocfadh leo Catalóinís a labhairt ar an sráid, nó ní thiocfadh leo Catalóinís a fhoghlaim ar scoil. Bhí ranganna mídhleathacha ann. Sa bhaile agus le do chairde, labhairt tú Catalóinis. Nuair a thagadh duine éigean ó na húdaráis, bheadh orthu an teanga a bhí dá labhairt a mhalartú.”

Baineann Ariadna le glúin a rugadh ina dhiaidh sin. Chláraigh sí le JERC i 2008, í 16 agus ar an mheánscoil. Faoin am sin, bhí neart táithí aici ar bheith gníomhach ó bhí sí ina cailín óg. “Chonaic mé gur JERC an ghluaiseacht óige ba mhó a bhí ar aon dul le mo chuid smaointí,” ar sise. “Chláraigh mé mar gnáth-ball, gan cúraimí faoi leith agam.”

Tá sí préamhaithe sa Chatalóin, nó is as Girona di, cathair soir ó thuaidh ó Barcelona. B’í an Chatalóinis teanga an tí. Is de bhunadh na Catalóine í, díomaite de sheanmháthair amháin a rugadh san Ostair – ach gurb as Andalucia i ndeisceart na Spáinne dá tuismitheoirí siúd. Buntáiste atá le Girona, dar léi, ná nuair a aistríonn stráinséirí isteach ann, go mbíonn deiseanna acu le Catalóinís a fhoghlaim “le go mbeadh an uile duine ar an bhonn céanna.” Is sin an saghas tire neamhspléaigh atá de dhíth uirthi.

Kolkata woman who became part of Fermanagh

(a slightly edited version of this obituary was published in the Irish Times Saturday November 22nd 2014)

Anita Mukherjee – born January 27^th 1957, died October 23^rd 2014

Anita Mukherjee, who has died in a Belfast hospital, was a native of Kolkata, India, who became part of life in her adopted home of Enniskillen. “Somehow I feel in tune with Fermanagh,” she said. She was a charismatic community worker there for a decade and a half. At meetings, she was the person people wanted to sit beside because she was fun.

Probably her biggest achievement was establishing Women of the World in Fermanagh. It fulfils a number of roles. Social events are organised to counteract the isolation of immigrant women. These are a lifeline for those from small immigrant groups.

Fermanagh Women of the World develops understanding of immigrant cultures among the host community. Ms Mukherjee saw that work as countering racism by breaking down barriers and getting rid of preconceptions.

She energetically promoted her Bengali culture, teaching its dance and cookery. She swept into classes in a whirlwind of cheerfulness, with bangles and sari. She took those classes into schools and youth clubs. As well as being a promoter of Bengali food, she was an equally energetic promoter of healthy eating. Her workshops on equality and diversity always deepened participants’ understanding.

As well as Women of the World, she was a member of Fermanagh Women’s Network, the Northern Ireland Rural Women’s Network, Fermanagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), and the Soroptimists. In the PCPS she strongly advocated proper links with the community: and, being an immigrant, contributed vital insights.

She was born Anita Chatterji in January 1957 in Kolkata, India’s third-largest city, the eldest of four children, three girls and a boy. He father was an engineer, her mother a poet. The family was educated rather than rich. She received secondary education at the Loreto House in Kolkata, one of India’s most prestigious schools, run by Irish nuns from the Loreto Order. At the school she remembered encountering Mother Teresa. She continued her education with a degree in English from the University of Calcutta. At the turn of the century she left India when her husband became general manager of an engineering firm in Fermanagh. The county quickly became home, and she contributed greatly to its life.

She is survived by her husband Tapan, son Rohan, sisters Indrani and Debjani, and brother Rinku.

Austin Lynch - a link with the past

(a slightly edited version was first published in the Irish Times Saturday, November 1st)

Austin Lynch – born September 6^th 1937, died October 14^th 2014

Austin Lynch, who has died after a period of ill-health, was chairman of Ireland’s largest remaining family-owned newspaper group, the Omagh-based North West of Ireland Printing and Publishing Company, which publishes papers in Tyrone, Donegal and Fermanagh. As first Managing Director and then Chairman for many years, he oversaw the development of three new titles, new headquarters, and the transition to new technology. Under his stewardship, the Company kept and developed its own printing press.

Lynch was an old-style employer, with a concern for the welfare of staff and a belief in treating them fairly. He was an old-style newspaperman too. For many years, he wrote editorials. He believed journalists had to learn on the job. One journalist remembers doing her job interview in the morning, then being sent to cover Strabane District Council that evening.

Lynch’s life was more than newspapers and business. He was a talented musician. The piano was his love, and he enjoyed playing jazz and classical music. He also played trumpet, trombone and clarinet. For some years he was a member of a brass band. He lent his musical expertise to amateur dramatic productions. He had a love of literature and the arts. Beyond that, he had a great curiosity about the world round him. That meant he kept in touch with what was happening in his community.

What shaped him was that the Lynch Family was steeped in the newspaper business. Early in the last century, his grandfather had established the Company’s first title, the Ulster Herald newspaper in Omagh.

Lynch was born in that town in 1937, eldest of four children to Louis D Lynch and his wife Ita (née Mullan), both natives of Omagh. Louis D Lynch, as well as being managing director of the Company, was a playwright and for a time a Nationalist member of the Northern Ireland Senate.

Lynch was educated at the Christian Brothers Primary and Grammar Schools in Omagh, then obtained an honours degree in English from UCD. He taught briefly before entering the family business. As a young man he suffered from a serious speech impediment, but showed determination in overcoming it and making his mark on the provincial press.

Austin Lynch is survived by his daughter Veranne, son Austin, sisters Anita (Currie) and Norrie (Egan), brother Gerard, and grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Veronica.

Outstanding footballer whose career was blighted

(A slightly edited version was first published in the Irish Times October 18th 2014)

Hugh ‘Dick’ Doherty – born May 5^th 1921, died September 29^th 2014

Hugh ‘Dick’ Doherty, who has died in his home town of Buncrana, Co Donegal, was believed to be oldest surviving former Glasgow Celtic player. He also played with Blackpool at the time when they were one of the strong sides in the old English First Division. His career never flowered as it should due to World War Two, bad luck, and injury.

In the summer of 1939, Celtic’s chief scout was on holidays in Ireland. He saw the teenage Doherty, then with junior club Buncrana Celtic. The scout never spoke to Doherty: but, a few weeks later, Celtic wrote offering a trial in Glasgow.

He went over at the start of September 1939. The trial went well: then, on the day he was to sign terms, Britain entered World War Two. For safety, Doherty returned to Buncrana to work with his father. During the war, he played for Derry City, Derry Rangers, and Dundalk.

Then, after the War, he got another opportunity. Several Celtic players were on holidays in Donegal. He played with them in an exhibition match. As a result of his performances, Celtic signed him for the 1946-7 season. He played three games in the old Scottish First Division, and one in the Scottish cup.

Celtic let him go at the end of the season. Blackpool snapped him up. Doherty played outside right. However, Stanley Matthews, then the world’s best footballer, was Blackpool’s regular outside right. Doherty usually only played when Matthews was unavailable.

During one of those games, he injured his knee. Blackpool let him go. After a period of recovery, he signed with Raith Rovers in the Scottish League. In his first game, the knee gave up. That forced return to Buncrana.

Doherty was born in Buncrana in 1921, elder of two sons to John Doherty, a butcher, farmer, and greyhound-trainer, and his wife Madge (née McLaughlin). The family were nicknamed ‘Dick’ Dohertys. He received his education in the town’s National School, then St Columb’s College, Derry, before going to work with his father.

After leaving Raith Rovers, he resumed working for his father - and developing football in Inishowen. When he died, he was assistant treasurer of the Inishowen Football League.

Hugh ‘Dick’ Doherty is survived by his daughter, Deirdre, and sons Denis and Eamonn. He was predeceased by his wife, Eithne, daughter Ann-Marie, and son Anthony.

(An edited version of this piece was published in the Sunday World September 14th 2014)

Pizza box and vomit attracted police

A medical student who had planned to sleep in his car and catch an early-morning bus to Dublin has pleaded guilty at Omagh Magistrates Court to being drunk in charge.

A prosecution lawyer told the court the attention of police was drawn to a car in an Omagh car park when they saw a pizza box on the roof, and a mat covered in vomit at the driver’s door. They found Fearghal James O’Neill asleep in the driver’s seat. He smelled strongly of alcohol and, when tested, was over twice the drunk-drive limit.

A defence lawyer told the court that O’Neill had planned to catch an early-morning bus to Dublin in order to collect a passport. He said O’Neill was a first-year medical student in Dublin. Judge Bernie Kelly imposed a three-month driving ban on 19 year old O’Neill, of Lettergash Road, Dromore, and fined him £250.

(An edited version of this piece was published in the Sunday World September 28th 2014)

Man invented mugging to get benefit

An Omagh man who injured himself falling off a fence when drunk has pleaded guilty at Omagh Magistrates’ Court to wasting police time after he reported he had been robbed by two men. A prosecution lawyer told the court James Duffy later told police he was unemployed. “He thought that if he made up the story he’d get a crisis loan for Christmas,” the lawyer told the court.

The Court heard Duffy had arrived at Omagh Police station in the early hours of December 22^nd last. He was very drunk, bleeding from facial injuries, and bare-chested under a jacket. Duffy claimed two men on bicycles, one with a knife, had robbed him of his wallet on his way home from a pub. Police noted his account kept changing. Despite alleging he had been knocked to the ground, his clothes were neither dirty nor wet. However, the following morning he took a police photographer to the alleged crime scene.

Police later interviewed the manager of the bar where Duffy had been drinking. The manager said he had seen another man try to lift Durry over a high fence round the smoking area. Both men were very drunk, and the other man pushed Duffy too hard.  Duffy fell off the fence and suffer was injured by landing face-first on a hard surface. Duffy had left his clothes on the ground, and the manager gathered them up.

Within 24 hours of reporting the mugging, Duffy apologised to police for concocting the story. A defence lawyer said Duffy should be given credit for his early plea of guilty. “At the time, he was impecunious and on benefit,” the lawyer said.

Twenty-eight year old Duffy, of Clonmore Gardens, Omagh, was given a two-month suspended sentence. Deputy District Judge Peter Prenter ordered him to pay £1,034.17 costs incurred by police in the investigation.

Planners refuse wind farm because of noise pollution

(A slighly edited version of this article was published in the 'Sunday World' of August 31st 2014)

by Anton McCabe

For the first time, planners have turned down a proposed wind farm because of noise, The planned wind farm was at Drumadarragh Hill, north of Ballyclare, on the edge of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. First Planning Service, then the Planning Appeals Commission, refused permission.

The Planning Appeals Commission’s ruling said the proposal “would have an unacceptable noise impact on sensitive receptors.” In May a Commissioner visited the area to investigate noise from two existing wind farms. When a north-westerly wind was blowing “there was a constant hum audible, accompanied by a rhythmic swish.” When the wind dropped, turbine noise increased markedly. “The turbine noise was a distinct and constant artificial presence,” he said. At one house he could hear a loud “thump” from the downbeat of turbines.

The Commissioner found local resident Dorothy Kane a “candid witness,” whose experience was documented by Dr Hanning, a Sleep Medium Consultant. “… I am satisfied that Mrs Kane had no pattern of headaches or sleepless nights until after Wolf Bog (wind farm) was erected and the she could not think of other factors to have caused the change in sleep patterns,” he said. “I also have no reason to dispute that she sleeps better away from home.” He had “concerns” at “the general increase in noise exposure that would be experienced at sensitive properties.”

The refused application was from Drumadarragh Wind Farm. The application began in 2005 for 10 turbines, at a maximum height of 107 metres (351 feet). This was amended over the next three years, finally becoming four turbines 77 metres (252 feet) high. Last year Planning Service rejected it because of noise: the Planning Appeals Commission upheld that rejection.

The company which proposed the development, Drumadarragh Wind Farm, is controlled by wind farm entrepreneur Doreen Walker. She is a director of 10 other wind energy companies in Northern Ireland. She did not reply to an e mail from the Sunday World.

Dan Kane was one of the opponents of Drumadarragh. He said residents decided to object after two wind farms were build in the area. There were no problems with the first. Then the second was built. “The first thing that hit us was the size of it and the noise was quite exceptional, especially at night,” he said.

The noise was critical to objections. “People differ on visual impact,” he said. “That is subjective. Noise is objective – either you experience it or you don’t.” When going round the area, campaigners found many neighbours suffered headaches due to existing turbines. They brought in a noise expert from Britain, who showed the quality of locals’ sleep was being damaged. Local MP, Reverend William McCrea, supported them, arranging a meeting with then Environment Minister, Edwin Poots.  “It was never an emotional call with us – it was argued out,” Kane said.

Dr Alan Evans, Emeritus Professor of Public Health at Queen’s University, welcomed the planners’ decision. “One day we’ll have to fight noise as strongly as cholera and plague,” he said. Noise from wind turbines is dangerous. “There is a syndrome called wind farm syndrome, which causes deprivation of sleep,” he said. The Government knows there is a problem. “There are reports which prove that there is a problem with low frequency noise,” he said. “It seems the Government is prepared to write off rural communities, and accept the collateral damage to health.”

Campaigners against wind farms welcomed the decision. Owen McMullan, of West Tyrone against Wind Turbines, said planners had not applied the same principles to his area. One third of all wind farms given planning permission in Northern Ireland are in West Tyrone. “They’re not taking into account the cumulative impact of these,” he said. “People are now finding out the hard way because of the number of wind farms across the Province.”

It seems the numbers of wind farms will keep on increasing. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment wants 40% of electricity to come from renewables by 2020. So far, 88% of planning applications for wind farms have been approved.

The Commissioner’s report on Drumadarragh points to future problems. “As the informatives (regarding noise from two existing wind farms in the area) are unenforceable there is nothing to prevent the existing wind farms making as much noise as they like, and the Department (of the Environment) would have no locus to investigate the issue never mind consider enforcement action,” he said. “This leaves statutory nuisance legislation as the only way to address noise issues emanating from these turbines… It also needs to be borne in mind that as they age turbine mechanics have the potential to become noisier.”

The same report said there would have been no significant number of jobs from Drumadarragh. There would have been “infrequent though regular maintenance visits. Occasional technical problems will require maintenance visits from technical staff and a full time specialist may be required to carry out further operational controls from the control building.”

However, it remains to be seen whether the rulings on Drumadarragh mark a harder line by planners on the spread of wind farms. They will certainly encourage the growing numbers of objectors.

Valuable new book tells of Tyrone in a period of upheaval

(This piece was first published in An tUltach, July-August 2014)

Baineann leabhar Fheargail Mhic Bhloscaidh ‘The Irish Revolution 1920-23 Tyrone’ lena dhúchas féin. Léim sin amach chugam thart ar bhomaite i ndiaidh buaileadh leis sa Chultúrlann i mBéal Feirste. Go fiú sula bhfuaireamar cúinne ciúin thuas staighre sa Chultúrlann le labhairt, bhí sé ag gabháil don ábhar.

Is as Dún Geanainn dó, gur Poblachtach agus Marcsach é, é anois ina mhúinteoir i gColáiste Feirste. “Is as cúlra measartha poblachtánach mé, agus bhí mé i gcónaí i mo bhall den lucht oibre,” ar seisean. Agus é ag fás aníos, bhí scéalta fá Tom Clarke, agus poblachtaigh aitheanta eile an cheantair, thart air. “Níor chuala mé faoi na rudaí seo ar scoil, ach bhí siad i gcónaí sa chúlra,” ar seisean.

Thug sé bua leis óna óige. “Bhí mé ceisteach mar dhuine óg, agus sin an rud is tábhachtaí faoin stair,” ar seisean. Rinne sé freastal ar Acadamh Naomh Pádraig i nDún Geanainn, tráth dá raibh an tAthair Denis Faul ina Ard-Mháistir. Ní bhíodh siad bheirt ar aon intinn. Bhí sé d’ádh air go raibh múinteoir staire den céad scoth aige, Vivienne Quinn, a spreag é agus é ag gabháil don Ard-Léibhéal.

Rinne sé staidéar ar an stair in Ollscoil na Banríona, eispéireas mí-shásúil. “Bhí an áit sáite leis an athbhreithniúchas, agus bhí rogha ann, nó glacadh le seo agus mo dhearcadh féin a athrú, nó b’fhéidir dul tríd an próiséas ar fad agus rud éigean a chruthú,” ar seisean. Bhí Feargal díríthe ar “stair ón bun, stair na ngnáth-daoine” agus shocraigh sé leanúint leis an ábhar “an stair ó mo dhearcadh féin, ní dearcadh na h-ollscoile, agus sin an rud atá déanta agam leis an leabhar beag seo.”

Trín staidéar mhéadaigh a thuiscint ar stair Thír Eoghan. “D’fhoghlaim mé gur imir muintir Thír Eoghan, agus ach go háirithe beirt eile, tionchar ar stair na réime seo, ná Joseph McGarrity agus Pádraig McCartan (beirt ón dTearmann – A Mac C),” ar seisean. Tháinig siad amach as traidisiún láidir poblachtach.

“Agus ansin thuig mé féin gur tháinig mé ón gcúlra céanna, agus gur fhág mo shinsear agus mo mhuintir féin lorg ar stair an chontae,” ar seiseann. “Sula bhfuair sí bás cúpla bliain ó shoin, rinne mé comhrá den scoth le mo sheanmháthair, mo Mhamó. Mar bhí mé ag déanamh taighde sna nuachtáin, agus fuair mé amach go raibh mó shin-seanathair, gur cuireadh faoi ghlas é ar feadh míosa nó bhí sé ag glacadh páirte i stailc agus go ndearna sé ionsaí ar cheann de na cosa dubha, na blacklegs. Agus chuaigh mé isteach sa chartlann chomh maith, agus nach raibh ainm s’aige scríofa ar an rolla a bhí ag na hÓglaigh.”

Rud a théann i bhfeidhm ar Fheargal “an neart a bhí ag an phoblachtachas i measc na ngnáth-daoine i dTír Eoghan.” Dar leis gur “scríobhadh poblachtánaigh Thír Eoghan amach as an stair,” nó “stair na ndaoine seo, ní cluintear faoi sna hollscoileanna.” Cinnte,bhí ról cinniúnach ag polaiteoirí agus eile “ach tá ról ar leith ag na gnáth-daoine.”

Bhí ról ar leith ag na Fíníní. “Má amharcann tú ar na Fíníní i dTír Eoghan, tagann siad ó cúlra thar a bheith bocht,” ar seisean. “Chuir na péas síos orthu mar ‘lacking completely in intelligence and influence’” Tá ard-mheas ag Feargal orthu. “Bhí na daoine seo ar an eite clé,” ar seisean. “Má amharcann tú ar an Phoblachtachas, tá comhionnannas mar dhlúth-chuid. Ní amháin go raibh na daoine bochta seo gafa leis an Phoblachtachas. Bhí siad ag éirí domhain níos fearr a chruthú amach anseo, nó domhain níos cothroime. Agus d’amharc siad ar an saol mar a bhí i dTír Eoghan, ní amháin ó thaobh na nAontachtaithe, ach ó thaobh na Náisiúnaithe, agus an tionchar a bhí ag baicle beag ar pholaitíocht an náisiúnachais i dTír Eoghan. Agus sheas siad ina éadan seo.”

Tá sampla de sprid na bpoblachtánach sa leabhar. Bhí an ciorcal de chuid Bhráithreachais na Poblachta in Ard Both ag bailiú airgid le gunnaí a cheannach. Nuair a chuala siad an géarleanúint a bhí dá dhéanamh ar náisiúnaithe na hInde, chuir siad sciar den airgead chucusan chun cudiú leis an streachailt ansin.

Bhí tábhacht leis an oidhreacht a fuair Poblachtánaithe Thír Eoghan ó na hÉireannaigh Aontaithe. “Bhí rogha acu,” ar seisean. “Bhí Ord Ársa na nIbeirneach ann, agus b’eagraíocht sin a bhí seicteach go smior, mar cinéal íomhá scáthanach den Ord Buí.” Cáineann sé thraidisiún an náisiúnachais bunreachtúla. “An fadhb atá agamsa leis an náisiúnachas bunreachtúil, ní raibh ansin ach íomhá scathánach den seicteachas sin,” ar seisean. Bhí an poblachtachas ag éirí sin a bhriseadh - ach dar leis an t-athbhreithiúnas tá an Poblachtánachas foréigneach go smior, frithgníomhach.

Cuireann lucht an athbhreithiúnachais fearg air, nó cuirtear síos ar na daoine atá ag éirí saol níos fearr a chruthú mar frithgníomhaithe: agus ar an mhuintir atá dá gcoinneáil síos mar íobartaigh. Ar ndóigh “na buaiteoirí a scríobhann an stair.”

Séanann sé aon cur chuige cúng, náisiúnach, nó tá tuigbheáil ar chúrsaí idirnáisiúnta riachtanach le stair na hÉireann a thuiscint, go háirithe tuigbhéail ar an streachailt ar son an daonlathais i Sasana. “Ní thig leat rudaí sa tír seo a thuiscint gan rudaí a bhí ag tarlú in áiteanna eile,” ar seisean. “Cad chuige gur roghnaigh Coiméadaigh Shasana ceist Uladh chun seasamh in éadan dul chun cinn daonlathais Shasana?”

Ainneoin chomh h-eolach agus a bhí sé ar an ábhar, tháinig sé ar eolas  nua ina chuid taighde: “Neart an cheardchumannachais, agus treas an scoilt seicteach i naoi gcéad déag is a h-ocht déag agus naoi gcéad déag is a naoi déag. Nuair a smaoiníonn tú ar Réabhlóid na hÉireann, smaoiníonn tú ar Sinn Féin agus Óglaigh na hÉireann. Naoin gcéad déag is a hocht déag agus naoi gcéad déag agus a naoi déag i dTír Eoghan, bhí na ceardchumainn ní ba thábhachtaí. Bhí stailceanna ann ar fud Thír Eoghan. Bhí siad ag tarlú sna bailtí móra agus faoin dtuath. Bhí sé do-creidte. Má amharcann tú istigh sa leabhar, bhí b’fhéidir níos mó daoine bainte leis an chinéal sin polaitíochta ná mar a bhí gníomhach le Sinn Féin.”

Níl meas aige ar Shinn Féin na linne sin. “Bhí Sinn Féin mar chuid den fríth-Réabhlóid i dTír Eoghan,” ar seisean. “Nó an rud a tharla gur, na daoine a bhí i gceannas ar an náisiúnachas bunreachtúil, chonaic siad an dóigh go raibh an pobal ag dul, léim siad ar bórd, fuair siad gréim ar an rud, agus thacht siad an réabhlóideachas as. Tá litir a scríobh George Murnaghan ar an Ómaigh, agus dúirt sé: ‘Ní creidim sa Phoblacht. Ní creidim sa Phoblachtachas. Ach is fearr a bheith anseo leis an rud a stiúrú.”

An dream seo “thosaigh siad amach mar an Irish National Leagus, agus b’shin iar-bunreachtúlaithe, meascán scarúnaithe bunreachtúla agus na Healyites. Na Healyites, b’shin an dream ba coiméadaí i dTír Eoghan, agus chríochnaigh siad ar an dream a bhí i gceannas ar an Phoblachtachas – gur sheas siad go huile is go hiomlán ina éadán, go bhfaca siad an dóigh go raibh an ghaoth ag séideadh.”

Rinne siad seo feall ar a muintir féin, nó ghlac siad leis an Críochdeighilt, gur scuab Poblachtaigh Thír Eoghan isteach i stát nua an Tuaiscirt. Críochnaíonn an leabhar leis an úafás sin.

‘The Irish Revolution 19120-23 Tyrone’ le Fergal McCluskey. Four Courts Press. €19.95

Bill Webster - lifelong socialist steeped in the labour movement

(A slighly edited version of this piece was published in the 'Irish Times' of Saturday, August 23rd

Bill Webster – born October 23^rd 1941, died August 8^th 2014

Bill Webster, who has died in his adopted home of Derry after a long illness, was a veteran socialist, and stalwart of the trade union movement in that city. Most of his life he spent campaigning against injustice and exploitation. He was a self-taught working-class intellectual, with a profound knowledge of literature, history, and socialist theories. That self-education was completed in middle-age by a degree in anthropology at the University of Ulster.

He had a spirit of solidarity and was always available to assist workers in difficulties. Backing wasn’t just moral. When a friend was sacked for union activity, Webster arrived at the house to express support – with a sack of potatoes on his shoulder for the family.

He was one of the earliest members in Ireland of the Militant Tendency, precursor of the Socialist Party. His most intense activity was during the 1970s, extremely difficult years for socialists and trade unionists in the North. Webster’s arguments that workers should unite seemed totally at odds with reality.

Webster was steeped in the working-class movement. He was born in Liverpool in October 1941, youngest of four children and the only boy, to William Webster, a seaman, and his wife Lily (née Cooper). His father was a Communist, and had been a courier for the Communist International. After school, Webster joined the Royal Navy for a decade. He then became a merchant seaman, before becoming an official with the General and Municipal Workers Union. He also joined the Militant Tendency in Britain – soon leaving a secure and relatively well-paid union job to become the industrial organiser of a small left wing group, because he believed that was the right thing to do.

Through Militant, he met Eileen Cullen from Belfast: they married in Derry in 1975. He became part of that city’s fabric. He tied into Derry’s tradition of radical labour politics, helping reorganise the Derry Labour Party in the mid-1970s.  

Above all, he was a man of immense humanity. There was nothing he liked more than sitting up till dawn having a lively argument, preferably about politics. He lived by the principles of one of his favourite poems, ‘Democracy’ by Langston Hughes’: “Democracy will not come/ Today, this year/ Nor ever/ Through compromise and fear.”

Bill Webster is survived by his wife, Eileen: his daughters Caroline and Mary Elizabeth: his son Matthew Anthony: and his sisters Evelyn, Joan and Vera.

Paddy Finnegan - poet, scholar, and Big Issue seller



(This obituary was first published in the Irish Times Saturday August 16th 2014)

Paddy Finnegan – Born December 31^st 1942, died July 16^th 2014

Paddy Finnegan, who has died suddenly in his adopted home city of Dublin, was exceptionally learned, and an acute observer of the world. Finnegan made an impact as a poet, as Gaeilge and in English: as a bus conductor operating out of Donnybrook Bus Garage: as a long-term student of UCD, who never graduated, but enriched the lives of many who met him: and, in later years, as a seller of ‘The Big Issues’, first outside Trinity College, then in Grafton St.

At UCD he undertook a degree in Irish and English, always passing Irish. Why he failed to pass English is surprising. He claimed not to have applied himself sufficiently to his studies, but also lacked confidence.  

Finnegan was learned in Latin and Greek as well as Irish and English. For all, he was modest about his talents. They resulted in his being chosen as to translate Yeats’ ‘The Lake Isle of Inisfree’ into Irish: and contributing to a book to mark the 60^th birthday of poet Brendan Kennelly.

He published one collection of poems, contributed to several others, and issued a number of CDs. One of his poems dealt with being barred from McDaid’s, the literary pub: “No damsels fair of exotic race/ frequent my present drinking place/ no artist Dante’s famed niche could fill/ or writer equal Johnston’s quill.” His poems suited declamation in his gravelly East Galway accent.

Patrick Joseph Finnegan was born in Dereen, near Kilkerrin in East Galway, on the last day of 1942, third of five children to Michael Finnegan and his wife Mary (née Kelly). In his youth, he knew older locals who were native Irish speakers. He was educated at the Franciscan Brothers’ National School in Kilkerrin, then won a scholarship to St Jarlath’s College in Tuam, where he excelled academically. After school, he worked as a civil servant and a bus conductor with CIE Dublin City Services (now Dublin Bus). His exploits passed into the folklore of Dublin busworkers.

Selling ‘The Big Issues’ was the nearest he came to a career suiting his talents. He was a prodigious seller, first outside Trinity College, then in Grafton Street. He stood silently, holding the magazine aloft. He explained: “I do not cry my wares. I do not compete with the internal combustion engine and the other unpleasant street noises… there are enough lunatics, winos and gobbaloons roaring and shouting to themselves. I should not like to be confused with one of those.”

Those who knew him would never have made that mistake.

He is survived by his sisters Maragret and Sara, and brother Jimmy. He was predeceased by his sister Bridget.

 Straight-talking minister was an expert diver 

(first published in the 'Irish Times' of August 2nd 2014)

Stewart Jones – born September 8^th 1957, died July 12^th 2014

The Reverend Doctor Stewart Jones, who has died in a diving accident in Donegal Bay, was a straight-talking Presbyterian minister who combined academic distinction with a love and aptitude for the pastoral care of his flock: and with being an expert diver.

At the time of his death he was minister of Donemana, Co Tyrone, and Presbyterian chaplain to Derry’s Altnagelvin Hospital. His work helped make Donemana a vibrant congregation, reaching out into the community.

Reverend Jones held Masters degrees in Theology, Information Technology and Arts, and a D.Phil in History. He had written books on the history of Ulster Unionism: the history and politics of the Middle East: and on Biblical Studies, ‘Through The Bible in 365 Days’.

Additionally, he was among the best-qualified divers in Ireland. He took up the sport in his early 40s, mastering it to become a top-class instructor. On the week after his death, he had been due to undertake another training course.

Stewart Robert Jones was born in September 1957 in Bessbrook, South Armagh, eldest of three children to Jimmy Jones, a landscape gardener and scout leader, and his wife Bea (née Stewart). He received primary education at Bessbrook Primary School, where a teacher inspired his future studies – by disparaging his academic ability. His secondary education was at Newry High School. On leaving school, he felt the call to the Ministry, combining studies at Queen’s University and Union Theological College.

He began his ministry in East Belfast. Then he became minister of Second Castlederg, Co Tyrone, and Alt, Co Donegal. His Castlederg congregation had suffered badly in the Troubles. That ministry was followed by Kilcooley in Bangor, a deprived Loyalist estate. Donemana and the chaplaincy to Altnagelvin were his final charges. He participated in building a relationship between the Donemana congregation and the Mtunthama congregation in Malawi. He served as Moderator of the Foyle Presbytery. He was also very involved in Churches Together and the Irish Churches’ Peace Project. Through his many activities he made close friendships across denominational and sectarian divides.

His last words summarise the man. He was diving with a younger friend when the two were caught by a freak wave. He told his companion: “I’m done. Save yourself.”

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; daughters Anna, Esther and Rachel: and grandchildren Josh and Lily.

An excellent collection by a Gaelic poet from Scotland - read it if you can

(A slightly edited version of this review was published in An tUltach, Meitheamh/June 2014)

Is bailiúchán dánta é‘Fo Stiùir a Faire’ leis an fhile as Oileán Leòdhas na hAlban, Màiri NicGumaraid. Is sa Ghàidhlig atá na bun-dánta, ansin leaganacha taobh leo leis an fhile Liam Prút. Agus an leabhar seo léite agam, thuig mé go ndearna mé neamart as gan an file breá seo a léamh roimhe.

Cruthaíonn na dánta go bhfuil saibhreas i gcónaí sa dá Gaeilge. Tá an file sna luath-50idí. Is sin an ghlúin go gcuirtear ina leith gan Gaeilge, mar a bhíodh, bheith acu. Tá cónaí uirthi sa Pháirc, ceantar ar ar chósta thoir Leòdhais. Tá sé amuigh ar an cheantar go bhfuil an Gàidhlig lag ann. Níl sé chomh lag sin, nó tá saibhreas teangan ar achan leathanach anseo.

Tá an file préamhaithe i saol saol Leòdhais. Baineann a cuid dánta le h-idir saol comhaimseartha an oileáin, agus leis an dúchas ann. Baineann ‘A Ruith Nam Faileasan’ (‘A’ Rás na Scáth’) lena a h-óige féin sna luath-80idí, í ag dul amach go Steòrnabhaigh (an baile mór ar an oileán) oíche Aoine ‘a dhanns ar falbh na seachtaine’ (‘ag damhsa uainn an tseachtain’). Ní scléip amháin a bhíonn ar shiúil ag deireadh na seachtaine: tá an creideamh Cailvineach ina dhlúth-chuid de shaol an phobail. Tá sé sa dán ‘Aois Leòdhais III’: ‘’S air an cùl còisir ciùil/ guidhe maitheantais bheith dlùth/ gach call a d’fhulaing gach dachaigh.’ (‘S ar a gcúl chóisir ceoil/ ag guí maithiúnas a bheith gar/ in aghaidh gach caillteanais a d’fhulaing gach teach’).

Tá omós chomh maith do cheann de na dánta móra Gàidhlig, ‘Clann-Nighean An Sgadain’ le Ruaraidh MacThòmais (go ndearna Cathal Ó Searcaigh leagan dhe sa Ghaeilge againn féin). Tá ‘Aidhleaceadh Nighean a Sgadain’ ag Nic Gumaraid: ‘Robh fhios agat idir/ guna scrìobh fear òran mu heidhinn do sheòrs’. (‘An raibh a fhios agat in aon chor/ gur scríobh fear amhrán mar gheall ar do shórt’). Tugann an dán omós don sár-dán, agus do na mná óga a bhíodh ag obair i dtionscal na scadán thart ar 100 bliain ó shoin.

Ní ar a h-áit dúchas amhain atá aird an fhile, ná baol air. I measc na ndánta anseo, tá omós do Bobby Sands, ‘Bobby Sands a Chaochail’ (‘Bobby Sands a d’Éag’).

Is file í a scríobhann cuid mhór, b’fhéidir an iomarca. Is é ‘For Paula Yates’ an t-aon dán Béarla anseo. Ní éiríonn leis mar dhán. Tá sin ainneoin an lámh in uachtar bheith ag an Bhéarla, go fiú ag daoine gur Gaeilge ón gcliabhán atá acu. Tá sé le sonrú sa dán nach bhfuil rithim an Bhéarla ag an fhile, malairt an ghreim atá aici ar rithim an Gàidhlig.

‘Fo Stiùir a Faire’ le Màiri Nic Gumaraid. Coiscéim €12/£10

by Anton McCabe

Ireland's oldest known priest

(An edited version of this was published in the Irish Times on July 19th 2014)

Father Ambrose O’Gorman – born 24^th April 1912, died June 15^th 2014-07-16

Fr Ambrose O’Gorman, who has died in his 103^rd year at a nursing home in Belleek, Co Fermanagh, was believed to be Ireland’s oldest priest. Two weeks before his death he concelebrated the funeral Mass of a fellow resident.

He spent most of his ministry in Greater London, excepting a short spell in the Swansea area. In Greater London, he survived the Blitz. During one German air raid he hid under a chair, saying the Rosary. The Blitz affected his view of life. “I do remember saying I was never going to learn German," he later said. He also endured the food rationing of those years. Once, hearing the confession of a Donegal woman, he smelled food. The penitent produced a cooked chicken, and the pair ate it in the confessional.

The Blitz was not his only dice with danger. In 1960 he emerged unscathed when the plane carrying him crash-landed at Heathrow Airport and went on fire.

Ambrose O’Gorman was born near Killygordon, Co Donegal, fourth of seven children to Michael O’Gorman, a member of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) and native of Co Sligo; and his wife Noreen (née Maguire), a native of Fermanagh. The family moved, first to Kilmacrenan (Co Donegal), then Strabane.

When the RIC was disbanded in 1922, they settled in Ballyshannon. There the next door neighbours were the Corscadden family. A Corscadden daughter, Hazel, was later mother of British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

He began primary schooling at the De La Salle Brothers national school in Ballyshannon. However, his mother withdrew him because of the brutal regime. He continued primary education at Creevy National School. His secondary education was at Belcamp College in Dublin, run by the Oblate Fathers. By then, he felt a calling to the priesthood, but the Oblates turned him down.

However, the Salvatorian Fathers accepted his application. He studied at their seminary in England and was ordained at 28.

He retired to Ireland in the early 1990s. In the nursing home, he attended to the spiritual needs of Catholic residents. He maintained a wide circle of friends, with former parishioners from England keeping in touch. He loved to chat with visitors to the home, of all ages and backgrounds, and usually found he could make some connection.

He is survived by his nephews, nieces, and their families.

View of the Scottish Referendum from a Gaelic-speaking island.

A slightly edited version of this piece was published in An tUltach, Meitheamh (June) 2014). The piece is based on interviews with people on Barra. From those, it seems that younger people are more pro-Independence: the older wary of change.

le hAnton Mac Cába

Dala pobal na hAlban i gcoitinne, beidh pobal Eileain Bharraigh ag vótáil sa reifreann ar an neamhspléachas Mí Mhéain Fómhair. Tá an t-oileán Gaeltachta sin 60 míle amach ó chósta thiar na hAlban. Is le Pàrtaidh Nàiseanta na h-Alba an toghcheantar, ag an dá phairlimint. Ainneoin sin, is beag iomrá atá ar fheachtas – bíodh sé sin dearfach nó séantach.

Agus mé ann Mí na Bealtaine, chuir mé ceathrar faoi agallamh.

Is pinsinéar í Curstie Peggy Mac Leòid, í an-gafa le cúrsaí Gàidhlig. “Níl fhios agam an mbeidh mé ag vótáil ‘tá’ nó ‘níl’, nó níl oiread sin eolais agam faoi,” ar sise. “.Níl athrú de dhíth orm, nó tá mé breá sásta an dóigh go bhfuil sinn.” Ní bhfuair sí  go leoir eolais ó ceachtar den dá thaobh “agus mar Gaeilgeoir, ní dóigh liom go mbeadh tionchar ar bith aige ar an teanga, bealach amháin nó bealach eile.”

Tá sí míshásta nár tháinig ceachtar taobh go Barraigh le ceisteanna a fhreagairt. “Ní raibh rud ar bith againn ar an oileán,” ar sise. D’éist le gach rud ar an raidió agus teilifís “agus ó thaobh lucht ‘Tá’, níor fhreagair siad na ceisteanna atá riachtanach againn.”

Tá seans ann go mbeadh buntáistí le neamhspléachas. “Táimid ró-fhada chun siúil ó Westminster,” ar sise. “Sílim go bhfuilimid go fírínneach ar an imeall, agus thiocfadh dó go mbeimis níos fearr as (dá mbeadh neamhspléachas ann).” Ar an taobh eile, is ar tír mhór atá an chuid is mó dá teaghlach, imní uirthi faoi chúrsaí fostaíochta acusan.

Ní ábhar mór cainte an Reifreann. Tá cuid mhór den mhuintir lena mbíonn sí ag meascadh ina h-aoisgrúpa féin, iad bainte le cúrsaí traidisiúin. “An barúil a fhaighim uathu, ná cosúil liom féin nach bhfuil athrú de dhíth orthu,” ar sise. Ábhar eile imní “má vótáileann tú ‘tá’, níl bealach ar bith pillte ann.” Dar léi gurb iad an t-aon óg is mó atá ar son an neamhspléachais, dála garmhac léi atá 16.

Baineann Patricia Ross leis an ghlúin sin, í ina macléinn meánscoile 16 bliain atá ag caitheamh vóta don chéad uair. “Tá mise ag dul a vótáil ‘tá’ mé féin, agus sílim go mbeidh sé go hiontach d’Albain,” ar sise. Bheadh neamhspléachas ar leas an chultúir i gcoitinne. “Sílim go mbeidh an Gàidhlig níos feiceálaí ná mar atá anois,” ar sise. Aithníonn sí nach bhfuil aois-grúpa s’aici ar aon tuairim, ach í den bharúil go bhfuil a dtacaíocht ag dul I dtreo an neamhspléachais. Tá an-suim ag an aois-grúpa sa reifreann. “Tá cuid mhór cainte ar scoil, nó tá (an Reifreann) ag teacht Mí Mheáin Fómhair,” ar sise.

Níor mhaith léi a rá cén toradh a bheidh ann. “B’fhéidir ‘ní’ ag an bhomaite, ach de réir mar a thagann an rud níos cóngaraí, gheobhaidh siad amach níos mó faoi,” ar sise. “Níl móran eolais ag tromlach mo chairde faoi go fóíll.”

Is ar ábhair difriúla a dhiúltaíonn cuid dá cairde don neamhspléachas. “Mar nach mbeifimis ag fanacht san Eoraip,” ar sise. “Ní maith leo Alex Salmond chomh maith – agus NATO, tá siad rud beag ait faoi sin, deir siad nach mbeidh Sasana dá gcosaint níos mó – agus leithéidí gan an púnt Sasanach bheith níos mó acu. Ach is mion-rudaí iad sin, dar liom.”

Is Gaeilgeoir eile é Seonaidh Beaton, pinsinéar, agus seanóir in Eaglais na h-Alba.

“Go pearsanta, níl aon ró-shuim agam ann,” ar seisean. “Chaith mé mo shaol sa chabhlach trádála, ceathracha’s a naoi bliain dhe, agus d’oibrigh mé amach as Londain, Learpholl, Glaschú, agus fuair mé amach go raibh na Sasanaigh go raibh mé ag obair leo níos sásta cuidiú liom ná an mhuintir lena raibh mé ag obair in Albain. Ar chúis simplí – ba cuma leis an Sasanach cé tú, nó cad é rinne tú, nó cén creideamh a bhí agat – má bhí tú oiriúnach don phost, fuair tú an post. In Albain, ba cheist eile ar fad a bhí ann. Tháinig mé ar dhaoine ait agus mé ag éirí post a fháil, iad ag éirí rudaí a fháil amach – nár thaitin liom.”

Níl fhios aige, fiú, an bhfuil sé ag dul a vótáil – cé, tríd is tríd, gurbh fhearr leis Albain fanacht mar atá.

Dála Curstie Peggy, tá sé gafa le cúrsaí pobail, agus ní rud é a pléitear go forleathan. Tá Riaghaltas na h-Alba chomh fada chun siúil le Rialtas Westminster. “Tá siad chomh fada chun siúil i nDùn Èideann agus a thiocfadh leo a bheith,” ar seisean. “Go fiú i Steòrnabhaigh (mar a bhfuil ceannceathrú Comhairle nan Eilean Siar), tá siad chomh fada chun siúil agus is féidir a bheith ó Bharraigh.

“Chomh fada agus a bhaineann leis na h-Eileanan an Iar, is áit é Dùn Èideann nach raibh baint ar bith againn leis. Ba Ghlaschú an príomh-áit mar a mbíodh muid ag tarraingt. Bhí sé mar a bheadh an dara baile againn. Bhí mé féin i mo chónaí ann le 30 bliain. Dùn Èideann – ní dóigh liom go raibh mé i nDùn Èideann leath-dhosaen uair le mo shaol. “

Dar leis nach ndéanfadh rialtas neamhspléach níos mó ná mar atá dá dhéanamh faoi láthair. Ó thaobh na polaitíochta, tá caitheamh aige i ndiaidh na Líobrálaigh, nó “b’iad an t-aon dream a rinne rud ar bith do na crótéir.”

Tá bialann agus greim gasta ag Rahul Bahri. Tá sé ar an tacadóir is aitheanta de chuid Rangers i mBarraigh. Ní cleachtaíonn sé níos mó an creideamh Musulmach lenár tógadh é.

Dar leis gur mhaith an rud é go mbeadh rogha ag daoine. “Tá mise ag dul a vótáil tá,” ar seisean. Tagann an chúis “ón gcroí don chuid is mó. Ní saineolaí mé ar chúrsaí gheilleagair, ach níl mé dall orthu ach oiread.” Aithníonn sé nach bhfuil eacnamaithe ar aon intinn. “Dar liom féin go mbeimis níos fearr as, agus b’fhearr liom dá dtarlódh sé daichead bliain ó shoin nuair a fuarthas an t-ola.” Tá tábhacht le cúrsaí gheilleagair “ach is ón gcroí atá cuid dhe. Is tír faoi leith é Albain. Ní thuigim cad chuige go bhfuil eagla ar dhaoine roimh seo. Ní fheicim rud ar bith atá ag dul a tharlú go bunúsach, ó thaobh na teangmhála le Sasana.”

Dar leis go vótáilfeadh an tromlach ar Bharraigh ar son an neamhspléachais. Níl sé iomlán cinnte “ach sin an mothú a fhaighim.” Beidh an t-aos óg ag vótáil ar son an neamhspléachais.

“Dar liom go ndearna an feachtas ‘Ní’ praiseach den bhfeachtas s’acu, ní de bharr bheith chomh séantach sin amháin, ach na rudaí áibhéalacha a deireann siad – mothaíonn tú go bhfuil cuid den mhuintir seo den bharúil go mbeidh deireadh leis an domhain má fhaigheann Albain neamhspléachas,” ar seisean. “Sílim go raibh an tAontas ar leas phoibail na Breataine – b’fhéidir ní ar leas na ndaoine sa dúiche gurb as do m’athair agus mo mháthair.” Fiú ansin, thug an tImpireacht buntáistí. Ainneoin coireanna, níorbh iad na Sasanaigh na cóilinigh ba mheasa, ach “tá a lá thart.”

Is mionlach iad na hAlbanaigh sa Bhreatain. “Is cuma cén vóta a chaitheann muidne, táimid ag dul an rud atá de dhíth orthusan a fháil cibé ar bith,” ar seisean. Is náisiún ársa é Albain, níos sine ná an Ríocht Aontaithe. Is don náisiún ársa sin atá dílseacht Rahul.

Vincent O'Halloran - traditional musician who brought the West of Ireland to London

(a slightly edited version of this was printed in the Irish Times of July 5th 2014)

by Anton McCabe

Vincent O’Halloran – Born September 3^rd 1942, died Mary 11^th 2014

Vincent O’Halloran, who has died after a long battle with cancer, was a master of the accordion, and a fine traditional singer, whose gifts made him a fixture on the Irish traditional music scene in London. A native of Inishbofin, Co Galway, he lived his adult life in England.

He was a mainstay of London’s Irish traditional music scene from the 1960s. Traditional music was part of the glue that held the Irish community together in his early days there. Large numbers came to sessions, as places where the Irish gathered.

O’Halloran had both the musical ability and the personality to make a session lively and enjoyable. Wherever he played, he brought the west of Ireland to London. He was an energetic, strong and accurate accordion player. He played jigs and reels with theatrical flourish, but his speciality was waltzes, especially the Cuckoo Waltz. Reg Hall of Topic Records heard him at sessions, and persuaded O’Halloran to make his only record, ‘The Men of the Island’ with his brother Dessie (O’Halloran).

However, his most spectacular performance was while perched on a rock in Inishbofin Harbour. He had gone out in a currach, and climbed up on the rock.

Vincent O’Halloran was born on Inishbofin in the September 1942, youngest of nine children to Martin O’Halloran, a shopkeeper and retired member of the Royal Irish Constabulary, and his wife Jane (née Prendergast). Inishbofin was a musical island, the O’Hallorans part of that music. His mother was a concertina player. As a child, his eldest brother, Christy, taught him the accordion.

His primary education was in the island’s national school, followed by secondary education as a boarder at St Mary’s College in Galway. Soon after secondary school, he moved to London, working as a carpenter. Except for a few years in Swindon, London was home for his adult life. Until shortly before his death, he regularly played at a couple of sessions in South London.

Three weeks before his death he paid his last visit to Inishbofin. Despite his frailty he played a powerful session in the Dolphin Hotel with a group of other island musicians.

Vincent O’Halloran is survived by his daughter Bridie: son Vincent: sisters Mary Joe and Bernadette: brothers Malachy and Desmond (Dessie): four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was predeceased by his wife Kathleen, and son Michael.

Sir John Gorman - Obituary. An edited version of this was published in the Irish Times of June 7th

by Anton McCabe

Sir John Gorman – born February 1^st, 1923, died May 26^th 2014

Sir John Gorman, who has died, was the only Catholic to be a senior elected Unionist representative in the North since World War Two. He was an Ulster Unionist representative, first to the Northern Ireland Forum in 1996, then from 1998 to 2003 to the Northern Ireland Assembly. He chaired the Forum, and was the Assembly’s Deputy Speaker. He was a respected Forum chair. When disorder erupted he became slightly red in the face, gave the unruly a headmasterly look over the top of his glasses – and was obeyed.

He was earlier a war hero, winning the Military Cross for bravery in World War Two.

John Reginald Gorman was born in February 1923 outside Omagh, Co Tyrone, eldest of four children to Jack Gorman, a Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) District Inspector, and his wife Annette (née O’Brien), both Catholics, Munster natives, and strong Unionists. 

Gorman was educated at the Loreto Convent, Omagh: Rockport School, Co Down: the Imperial Service College in Windsor, England: and Portora Royal School in Enniskillen. At 18 he joined the British Army and was commissioned a lieutenant, landing in Normandy a fortnight after the D-Day landings. Gorman won the Military Cross by driving his tank straight down a hill, ramming a better-armoured German tank, and putting it out of action.

After the War he followed his father into the RUC, entering as a District Inspector.

During the IRA campaign of the 1950s, he liaised with the authorities in the Republic in drawing up lists of suspects to be interned. He also carried out liaison between MI5 operating in the North and MI6 in the Republic.

With the IRA campaign over, he took on new challenges at the British Overseas Airline Corporation (now part of British Airways). There he was successively Head of Security: Head of Personnel: Manager for the USA: and Manager India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. He refused the position of Manager Southern Africa, because such meant building relations with white minority regimes.

After nearly 20 years, he returned to the North in 1979 as Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman (a combined post) of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. He was proud to have left a high quality housing stock on retirement.

He is survived by hi wife Heather: daughters Angela and Rosanagh: son Johnny: grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Justin.

Noted local historian dies

(A slightly edited version of this obituary was published in the Irish Times, May 17th 2014)

by Anton McCabe

Seamus Harkin – born April 2^nd 1935, died May 2^nd 2014

Seamus Harkin from Creeslough, Co Donegal, who has died after a short illness, was a historian of his home area, and a collector of its folklore. He was also a musician, songwriter, undertaker, and community activist.

Harkin was born near Creeslough in March 1935, third of five children to Hugh Harkin, a small farmer, and his wife Annie (née Harkin). His formal education in Faugher National School ended at 14. He worked first as a farm labourer: for the Forestry Commission: then with Donegal County Council. He progressed to becoming an insurance agent. That job forced him to develop his writing skills.

He left insurance for the first of his life’s callings, as a solo entertainer playing the pub scene. He combined this with writing songs. One of his last was ‘There is no towbar on the back of a hearse’. The guitar was his life-long instrument. As he became older, he also played the fiddle increasingly: that had been his father’s instrument. He collected and restored old fiddles.

In the 1980s, he learnt how to use a computer. This was after a local national school obtained its first computers.  He attended the few introductory classes, then worked to  develop his skills.

That opened the door to a career as a writer. His work dealt with the life of his home area. It included an edition of the English and Irish works of local poet Niall Mac Giolla Bhríde: Harkin’s own autobiography “It took a lifetime”: and ‘Hallowed Halls’, a book of photographs of every church of every denomination in the diocese of Raphoe.

Round the time he was familiarising himself with computers, he found his third calling. The undertaker in Creeslough died and he took over the business. He had the skill of being able to find the right words of comfort at a difficult time.

Harkin was a man of many other parts. In his community, he worked to develop housing for the elderly, and a day centre, and keep Faugher National School open. In 2011 he was Donegal Rehab Person of the Year. Last year, he was Age Action Silver Surfer of the Year, recognition of his status as a digital native.

He is survived by his wife Tessie; daughter Edel and sons Leo, Mark, Paul and James; sisters Mary and Nora; and brother Hugh. He was predeceased by his son Paschal and brother John.