In a little pub in London

In a little pub in London, Moriarty drank his beer
And recited wondrous stories of his exploits far and near.
"Sing an Irish song" said Kelly, "Best of order one and all"
Then Moriarty sang for them, 'The Hills of Donegal'.
There was cheering at the finish and they called Encore! Encore!
Moriarty said "Listen lads, I can't sing anymore".
He stood there sad and silent and gazed into his beer
And in his eyes there glistened, the starting of a tear.
"Are you going home for Christmas" the kindly barmaid said
Moriarty fixed his gazed on her and slowly shook his head.
"Sure I haven't been to Ireland for, twenty years or more
My mother would hardly know me, if I walked up to the door."
"I was born" said Moriarty "On an island off the west
The last place God created but the first place that he blessed.
We were poor but we were happy, in our simple little way,
My God, I wish I was a boy again, to live my youthful days."
"My Father, God be good to him, was drowned one woeful night
My Mother, left all lonesome and myself, to work and fight.
So with Donald Rue McCarty and young Michael Og O'Shea
I came across to England, to earn an honest pay."
"I told my dear old Mother, I'd soon be home again
But the curse-of-drink came over me and enslaved me in it's chain.
So I haven't been to Ireland now for, twenty years or more
But I know, she's still there waiting, for my footsteps at the door."
Then someone started singing, 'See Amid the Winter Snow'
It was like an old bell ringing, far away and long ago.
Moriarty stood and listened, then pushed his glass away
And he made a solemn promise, he'd go home for Christmas day.
So he scraped up every penny, he could get into his hand
And coming up to Christmas, he sailed for Ireland.
His heart was filled with gladness and he felt content at last
As the train rolled through the midlands and brought him to the west.
In the village of Kinshela, that night upon the shore
Far across the deep blue waters, he saw his island home once more.
The stars were shining brightly, sure they glistened like a dome
On that little white-washed cottage, that was Moriarty's home.
"Tis a grand night for the sailing" said the boatman Thomas Bawn
Moriarty didn't know him, for he'd been away so long
So they climbed into the bolleen and the boatman heard him say
"Thank God! Thank God in heaven, I'll be home for Christmas day."
In a little room in London, Moriarty's poor abode
On a table in the hallway, a message lay unread
The message said, "Dear Danny, your poor mother has passed away"
She'll be buried in Kinshela, after Mass, on Christmas day.

Barney, that was very touching.

Ann, I hope it wasn't Gaily that brought on all those smiles. Touching indeed.

Dabbler, A real nice poem and sort of reminds me of my return to Lisburn in the summer of 1948, I had been away for a year and a half based in South Africa but sailing all round Africa and even a trip to the Falkland Islands and AntArtica. We arrived back in Plymouth in July 1948 and I was al set for going on leave but on trying to leave the dockyard the Police searched my bag and found I had one hundred cigarettes over the allowable limit so I was arrested and taken back to the ship where within a few days I was sentenced to five days in cells and thirty days leave forfeited. I had also had all the rest of my goods that I was bringing home, canned fruit, canned hams etc and presents for my relations this was all confiscated and no doubt shared out among the Dockyard Police staff.
I had just come out of cells when I received a telegram that my
Grandfather was dangerously ill so even though I was still officially confined to Barrackes as I had by now transferred into Devonport Naval Barracks I was allowed to proceed on Leave, I arrived in Lisburn and was able to talk a little bit to my Grandad but the next morning when I woke up he had passed away. Mauri

Mauri
We older people look back a lot, and of course we recall dead relatives. My old da used to recite sad poems, especially when he had 'had a few'. I know it's a bit soppy, but I like to wonder why he so often seemed sad. I too, can be very sentimental, but am just as likely to burst into laughter over a Paddy joke, or even an 'inappropriate' thought. I don't know why, but stories have real depth fo me, even fictional stories.
A book that I often mention, 'the woman who walked into doors' by Roddy Doyle, had me wiping my eyes a few times. Sadness or fun, both. Anyway, sorry about your granda. I can certainly see the poem's similarity to your tale.

dabbler,
i read 'the woman who walked into doors'' and have read i think all his books.actually, reading one at the moment entitled '' roddy doyle'' it's very interesting

Tom, I have read half a dozen. I was not aware that he has written one called 'roddy doyle'. On top of all the accolades, I am convinced that Roddy Doyle will become even more renowned in years to come.

Talking about reading books, I used to enjoy reading but in the past couple of years had trouble with small print even using glasses so after a long wait have now been scheduled for eye surgery to replace the natural lenses in my eyes with artifical ones in other words to get rid of the catteracts. When I come back in the next world I am going to be an eye surgeon as with the fees they charge they must be millioneres.????? Mauri

Mauri,
I was surprised at your mention of fees charged by eye surgeons.
I had cataract surgery on both my eyes a couple of years ago on PE Island and it cost me absolutely nothing. Each surgery lasted appx. 30 minutes from start to finish. Surely Ontario has a similar system.
By the way, I would recommend cataract surgery to anyone as it's virtually painless. I no longer require glasses to drive and seldom for reading.
Jimmy

Mauri and James, today I attend for a pre-assessment regarding my eye surgery. Don't know what to expect but it gets me nearer a date for the op, hopefully. No fees for surgery in this country, unless you prefer going privately.

Dabbler, the poem by Barney was, indeed, very touching. Regarding the smiley face at the bottom, I just use this more or less for everything now, except deaths.

I miss all the old icons that used to come up. We had our pick of loads then. I wonder what happened or where did they go? I used to like "mustn't grumble" or "same old, same old" but they've gone, so I use this silly, scatterbrain-type face. (a bit like me).

SEE!

Barney,

Notice you must like poetry, the ones that speak plainly of real life. I enjoyed the poem as it applies to a lot of Irish young men & women, who left at an early age for countries so differect to the Ireland they left.

Pat

Ann,

Click on, < more > & the old icons will come up on screen?
Or on the >> at the ends of the icon bar.


Pat

James, I was flabbergasted when I was presented with a bill for $450 after I had my lens measjurments taken which took about an hour. I thought I was covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan and appartently from what I am told it was at one time untill our stupid politicans had it removed. I also have extensive coverage under my retirement benifts including a Vision Plan but again while this plan covers the price of Glasses and some other minor treatments it does not cover cateract surgery.
I am not too upset about having to pay as I am in the fortunate position of being able to afford it, but there must be plenty of older peoole out there who just can't afford it so they just have to suffer. Which in my book is a damm shame. Mauri

Mauri, unless the following is out of date I would look further into the matter. Apparently some doctors will advise that you need special lenses all to get your bill higher, a scam that OHIP won't cover. Check it out on the internet.
Took my doctor all of 15 minutes for lens measurements.

Cataract and Lens Exchange Surgeries
What OHIP Covers

Cataract and intraocular lens exchange surgeries are insured under OHIP.

OHIP coverage includes the lens that the patient's physician determines is medically necessary for the individual patient at the time of the surgery.

An insured person is entitled to receive these services without charge regardless of the type of facility or setting in which the services are provided.

No amount may be charged to the patient for the medically necessary lens or eye tests, or for other necessary add-ons to the insured services, such as premises, equipment, supplies and personnel that are required to provide the service.

Hi Mauri,

I have to agree with Jimmy on everything he says regarding cataracts. I had an major eye exam last week, I have cataracts but because of my age they are not bad enough to have anything done. I did ask the doctor if they were covered,just in case, he told me everything was covered by OHIP. I called my best friend after I read your post, he had major surgery to transplant a cornea, he told me it was all covered by OHIP.
I think I would ask for a second opinion.

Beano

Mauri,

I think you should investigate all the avenues suggested, as even in Post Boom Ireland, cataract eye surgery is free, especially to the over 70's. Joe had both eyes done a few years ago & has perfect sight. doesn't need glasses. He got the best of care, all free.

Let us know how you get on with the case, pay nothing until you have exhausted all fields of enquiry, especially as you are a Veteran.
Your Army Information Office will advise you as well.Good luck.

Pat

Hi All, Well after some frustrating attempts to talk to somebody atthe Ministry of Health I finally found someone who seemed to know what they were talking aboutand was told. If I was going with the ordinary lens replacements this is convered under OHIP, however the lens that has been recommended is known as the "Tecnis Lens" and is supposdly far superier to the ordinary lens hence the fee for the more extensive measurments.

The eye surgeon who I am dealing with is a highly respected member of the medical profession in our area who although I dislike him personaly I can't see him being so stupid as to do something illegal like charging fees when there should be no charge. However thanks for all your suggestions folks it was worth checking out. Mauri

Hi Mauri,

I am glad you checked it out, it also pays to have faith in the specialist you are dealing with.

Beano

Beano,

It certaintly pays, as Mauri knows, money gets us the best of everything. Would'nt mind winning that Lotto.at

Pat.

Mauri and James, my lens measurements took around 15 minutes also. I have the op on 28th February, so wish me luck.

Good Luck Ann, Don't forget to apply your drops three days before, at least thats what I have to do when I know the operating date which at present I do not, also have to have a physical by my family doctor. I just had my annual physical last month. Compared to the old days the paper work and bureaucracy associated with medical matters today is unbelievable. Mauri

I had never heard of this poem before reading Mc alpines men by ULTAN COWLEY it mentioned the poem on page 76. A lovely poem tragic too. I enjoyed reading it and must get a written copy if anyone can help. Thanks very much. A navvie

can be googled easily. www.alittlepubinlondon.com/