27-10-23
CRIOSTÓIR'S LOYAL FAREWELL
The all-encompassing Limerick Literary Light, Criostóir Ó'Flynn, was born at Church Street right next door to the Bishop's Palace. He passed away over a week ago in Dún Laoghaire, where he had been domiciled for many decades. And although he wished that there would be no singing at his Requiem Mass, where President Michael D. Higgins attended, there were a few gentle musical pieces played. However, it was his wish that taped pieces be played at his graveside. These were, “There is an Isle” sung by Frankie O'Flynn and Shannon RFC, Salve Regina, sung by the monks of Glenstal Abbey, and “Ag Críost an Síol” (le Seán Ó'Riada) sung by Cór Cúil Aodha.This selection says a lot about our profilic writer, the best to follow in the steps of our hugely popular 19th century author, Michael Hogan, the Bard of Thomond, that the late Criostóir revered as a fine literary figure, and of whom he wrote profusely.
FR. JOHN O'BYRNE
Fr. John O'Byrne has retired following many years serving in our parish. We thank him for his loyal service to our people and wish him all the best that life has to offer in his future years. He has done a very good job while in our midst. He preached well and possessed a good singing voice, the little we has reason to hear in any case.
OUR GREAT BAND
While sojourning in my haven, as life goes, Kilkee in county Clare a week or so ago, I came across a copy of a rare musical gem that I had 'planted' down in that spot a few years ago. The CD, entitled, McNamara's Band, Trio,Quartet and Orchestra. Phonograph Recordings, New York, 1922-1926. Leader of our present St. Mary's Fife and Drum Band, Derek Mulcahy, wrote a fine piece on the inside of the CD, and I will cite the first part this week and hopefully, the remainder next week. It is solid musical local history. I played it while in Kilkee and enjoyed it, and the nostalgia it evinced.
WHERE IT BEGAN
“St. Mary's Fife and Drum Band, Limerick, from its foundation, 1885 to the 1920s, had as its membership at some stage, either altogether or individually, the brothers Patrick, John, Michael and Thomas McNamara. They were born at Meat Market Place, Old Thomas Street, off Athlunkard Street, in St. Mary's Parish, Limerick in the latter part of the 19th century. Patrick became a prize-winning bandmaster of St. Mary's Band and many other fife and drum bands throughout Ireland. Along with his brothers he led the McNamara's to play all over Ireland at balls, pattern day celebrations, weddings and St. Patrick's Day parades, with a banner proclaiming, “McNamara's Band.” (Derek Mulcahy) Continued next week.
7-10-23
RETIREMENT MASS
Sunday Mass, October 15, will be a celebration to mark Fr. John Byrnes active ministry from the parish. If anyone would like to give a voluntary gift, please put your envelope in the collection basket with Fr. John's name on it.
LUNCHTIME CONCERT
Cathedral lunchtime concerts at 1.15pm: 24th Oct: Connor Wilcox (piano), music by Chopin & Schumann; 26th Oct: Chamber music by strings students (UL/IWAMD/ICO)
PARISH CONTACTS
Daily Mass Monday to Friday is at 10am: weekend Masses are at 5pm on Saturday and 11.30 on Sundays. Both Masses have a choir in attendance. Confessions are after daily Mass or by appointment. Baptisms are on the 1st and 3rd Saturday at 4pm and on the 1st and 3rd Sunday after the 11.30 Mass. Parish Office opening hours are on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10.30am to 1.30pm, contact number is 061 416300.Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Facebook page: stmaryscatholicparishlimerick. Fr. Richard Davern 087 2977500 Fr. Gerard O'Leary 087 9378685.
LOCAL BOOK REMINDER
As I mentioned in this column two weeks ago, to mark the bi-centenary of Athlunkard Street, our parish scribe, Denis O'Shaughnessy, is compiling a publication entitled, “The Story of Athlunkard Street” which is expected to be launched in April, 2024. The said author would welcome any memories you may have of that ancient street, any little anecdotes, and of course, any pictures in connection with the street. Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
