Athlone has been hit badly by the recent floods and now its freezing cold but believe it or not I’m exited
I’m looking forward to the New Year
My New Year resolution is to have a positive attitude for the coming year.
I will not allow myself to be negative in 2010
The government can throw whatever they want at me and I will still keep a smile on my face.
The travails of 2009 have thought me a great lesson. You have to look after yourself and your family and this is what I will be doing. I will build a little bubble around ourselves and we will succeed.
As a nation we have a great opportunity now to stick together. We all know that times are tough, but the simple things in life can get us through
The joy and wonder on a child’s face as they open their Christmas presents.
The support of family and friends.
The sunrise in the morning.
A smile here and a laugh there.
We live in a great country that just needs a little help to get it back up from its knees
There is no harm in looking back to find a way forward. We have been through recessions before and we can come out the other end a little wiser.
I just want to let you know that I am ready, confident and keen to make this the best year ever.
We are all lucky in different ways; sometimes you just need to have it spelled out for you.
So the year had begun. What are you going to make of it? Will you grab it by the scruff of the neck and give it a shake? Or will you sit idly by and allow things to happen around you?
As I said I’m exited. I’m going to smile more at people. I’m going to make an effort to get to know new people; I’m going to learn new skills. I’m going to progress.
It’s all out there for us we just have to go and get it. I know barriers are sometimes placed in our way, but nothing that can’t be overcome.
If anyone sees me being miserable in 2010 you have my permission to issue me with a rebuke.
The New Year is here whether we like it or not, now we just have to go and make the most of it.
Good Luck
Monday, January 4, 2010
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
"Fairytale Of Athlone"
“Fairytale of Athlone”
Once upon a time there was a 38-year-old married man with one child. He spent 6 months of 2009 unemployed. He spent every day searching for jobs, while doing the best for his family.
“Job seekers allowance” paid him and his family 365.00 euros per week. That money was badly needed.
When he had the chance to get back into the workforce he jumped at it. Working again, a reason to rise in the morning and a belief that he could make a difference.
The job paid minimum wage, which meant that he would be 25.00 euros worse off per week. Not a great start but at least he was working, back in the swing of things, back communicating with people, making decisions and making a difference.
He applied for Family Income Support on the 15th October 2009 and was told that there would be a delay of 4-5 weeks before payment would be made as there was a huge increase in the volume of applications for F.I.S
He waited until the 23rd November and rang the social welfare to see how his application was progressing.
He was then told the astonishing news that there would be a further delay of between 5 – 6 weeks before any payments are made.
The employee at the social welfare office did say that the payment would be backdated when it was paid, so that makes it all ok then.
So it will be 2010 before any payment is made. What about Christmas? He screamed, how would he get through Christmas, how will his family get through Christmas.
His son wants Santa to bring him a toy tractor; a bloody toy tractor is all he wants.
What will he get his wife? What will his wife get him? Nothing I’m afraid.
There can be no presents for his nieces and nephews, no presents for his parents or his wife’s parents; it’s just not possible. Friends will just have to be patient.
This is a real person with real human concerns. He is angry, angry at everything, but will refuse to give up. He will continue to fight to re-establish himself. He refuses to go back on social welfare. He prefers to work and give something back to his community
And yes his son will receive his tractor for Christmas. He will make damn sure of that, and he will make sure that it comes with a trailer and is the best tractor that he can afford.
To his friends at the social welfare office he can only ask that every time a claim comes across their desk that they think of the human aspects of each claim. They are not just pieces of paper, there are lives affected by your actions every day of the week.
Try and process one more claim each day, take five minutes less for your lunch break and process one more claim, come in five minutes early and process one more claim. Don’t go on strike and you can process lots more claims.
This recession will not beat this man and not beat his family. 2010 will be a better year full of the ups and downs that every year brings. Here’s hoping for more ups than downs.
Once upon a time there was a 38-year-old married man with one child. He spent 6 months of 2009 unemployed. He spent every day searching for jobs, while doing the best for his family.
“Job seekers allowance” paid him and his family 365.00 euros per week. That money was badly needed.
When he had the chance to get back into the workforce he jumped at it. Working again, a reason to rise in the morning and a belief that he could make a difference.
The job paid minimum wage, which meant that he would be 25.00 euros worse off per week. Not a great start but at least he was working, back in the swing of things, back communicating with people, making decisions and making a difference.
He applied for Family Income Support on the 15th October 2009 and was told that there would be a delay of 4-5 weeks before payment would be made as there was a huge increase in the volume of applications for F.I.S
He waited until the 23rd November and rang the social welfare to see how his application was progressing.
He was then told the astonishing news that there would be a further delay of between 5 – 6 weeks before any payments are made.
The employee at the social welfare office did say that the payment would be backdated when it was paid, so that makes it all ok then.
So it will be 2010 before any payment is made. What about Christmas? He screamed, how would he get through Christmas, how will his family get through Christmas.
His son wants Santa to bring him a toy tractor; a bloody toy tractor is all he wants.
What will he get his wife? What will his wife get him? Nothing I’m afraid.
There can be no presents for his nieces and nephews, no presents for his parents or his wife’s parents; it’s just not possible. Friends will just have to be patient.
This is a real person with real human concerns. He is angry, angry at everything, but will refuse to give up. He will continue to fight to re-establish himself. He refuses to go back on social welfare. He prefers to work and give something back to his community
And yes his son will receive his tractor for Christmas. He will make damn sure of that, and he will make sure that it comes with a trailer and is the best tractor that he can afford.
To his friends at the social welfare office he can only ask that every time a claim comes across their desk that they think of the human aspects of each claim. They are not just pieces of paper, there are lives affected by your actions every day of the week.
Try and process one more claim each day, take five minutes less for your lunch break and process one more claim, come in five minutes early and process one more claim. Don’t go on strike and you can process lots more claims.
This recession will not beat this man and not beat his family. 2010 will be a better year full of the ups and downs that every year brings. Here’s hoping for more ups than downs.
Monday, November 30, 2009
The Human Spirit
The Human Spirit
The floods that have destroyed areas of Athlone this week have been devastating for those concerned. To have your home violated by a flood is a truly distressing issue.
I have spoken at length with people who have lost their properties or businesses and the tales are truly harrowing, yet one thing that everyone is in agreement with is the superb effort from the general public of the town and the country as a whole.
I am involved in the flood relief support group and it seems that every community and voluntary group in the area is throwing their full support behind this venture.
People have been amazing offering their time, money and possessions to help those less fortunate than themselves. The feeling with the volunteers is “there but for the grace of god go I” We are the lucky ones.
Floods are a natural disaster, but they discriminate against those who live closest to the water, and once the water rises there is nothing you can do.
The community spirit is superb. I just hope that we can learn from this disaster and keep community support at a high level going forward.
I must commend the local representatives who have given up their time to fill sand bags and assist the families most affected. I am sure people will remember these gestures.
On the other hand the point must be made that last Tuesday when council workers refused to strike in other flood affected areas around the country, Athlone was not so lucky and the council workers stayed at home. This in itself was a major public relations gaff, and left the affected people feeling isolated.
I feel that sometimes we need a disaster of sorts to awaken those altruistic feeling within us. A flood relief centre has been opened in the Athlone Town Centre and volunteers are desperately needed to man the area from 9.00am – 9.00pm, so if you have a few spare hours get down to the town centre and show your support.
When the dust has settled on the floods in this area, I know that blame will have to be apportioned and difficult decisions will need to be taken.
Athlone is built on the beautiful river Shannon and it breathes life into the town on a daily basis, but occasionally it comes and bites us when we least expect it.
We need to respect the river and put an emergency plan in place so that when the floods return, because they most certainly will, that we are ready to support those most in need.
Our government need to take notice and assist the stricken communities both now and in the future. The community are doing their bit, now its up to the elected representatives to do theirs.
I must dash now, as I have to get into a boat and go and visit my in laws. The one road out from their house is flooded and can only be accessed by boat. I do hope the water has receded by Christmas. I don’t feel like carrying the turkey in a boat.
The floods that have destroyed areas of Athlone this week have been devastating for those concerned. To have your home violated by a flood is a truly distressing issue.
I have spoken at length with people who have lost their properties or businesses and the tales are truly harrowing, yet one thing that everyone is in agreement with is the superb effort from the general public of the town and the country as a whole.
I am involved in the flood relief support group and it seems that every community and voluntary group in the area is throwing their full support behind this venture.
People have been amazing offering their time, money and possessions to help those less fortunate than themselves. The feeling with the volunteers is “there but for the grace of god go I” We are the lucky ones.
Floods are a natural disaster, but they discriminate against those who live closest to the water, and once the water rises there is nothing you can do.
The community spirit is superb. I just hope that we can learn from this disaster and keep community support at a high level going forward.
I must commend the local representatives who have given up their time to fill sand bags and assist the families most affected. I am sure people will remember these gestures.
On the other hand the point must be made that last Tuesday when council workers refused to strike in other flood affected areas around the country, Athlone was not so lucky and the council workers stayed at home. This in itself was a major public relations gaff, and left the affected people feeling isolated.
I feel that sometimes we need a disaster of sorts to awaken those altruistic feeling within us. A flood relief centre has been opened in the Athlone Town Centre and volunteers are desperately needed to man the area from 9.00am – 9.00pm, so if you have a few spare hours get down to the town centre and show your support.
When the dust has settled on the floods in this area, I know that blame will have to be apportioned and difficult decisions will need to be taken.
Athlone is built on the beautiful river Shannon and it breathes life into the town on a daily basis, but occasionally it comes and bites us when we least expect it.
We need to respect the river and put an emergency plan in place so that when the floods return, because they most certainly will, that we are ready to support those most in need.
Our government need to take notice and assist the stricken communities both now and in the future. The community are doing their bit, now its up to the elected representatives to do theirs.
I must dash now, as I have to get into a boat and go and visit my in laws. The one road out from their house is flooded and can only be accessed by boat. I do hope the water has receded by Christmas. I don’t feel like carrying the turkey in a boat.
Monday, November 23, 2009
The French Connection
Day Light Robbery – The defeat of a small footballing nation.
It seemed that the only issue on peoples mind last week was the World Cup Play off match against France.
The whole country held their breath and then Thierry Henry extinguished our dreams with two sweeps of his hand.
Recessions are difficult to get through, many challenges are put in our way and there are few opportunities for the country to forget its worries and all focus on the one goal
The whole country stopped last Wednesday night and I should know because a meeting ran late and I did not get home until the game was half an hour old. The roads were empty, everyone either tucked up at home or enjoying a pint or two in the pub.
Even those of you who are not huge football fans could see the importance of this match. It was a great chance to forget out worries for a few hours, yet now we are left signing petitions in a bid to have the game replayed.
I am sure that Messrs Cowen and Lenihan were hoping for a favourable result in Paris. Possibly in the hope that a nasty budget could be slipped through on the back of national euphoria.
It is plain to see that FIFA the governing body of football want to see the major footballing nations qualify for the world cup finals in South Africa.
This became apparent when FIFA moved the goalposts following the qualification campaign and seeded the larger nations against the smaller nations.
This change of the rules all but guaranteed the progress of large nations like France and Portugal
I feel that if we had been serious about the injustices done to us we should have refused to contest the qualifiers unless an open draw was in place
I fully understand the financial implications that this decision could bring with it, but at least we would be standing up for the rights of both our players and our fans
Qualification for major championships is difficult enough without FIFA continuously putting new obstacles in the way of the smaller nations.
I am sure that I can speak for everyone when I say the Irish players and fans did us proud last week, and I am saddened that I was not in Paris myself.
We can now forget the trip to South Africa, Cape town and the African safari’s will have to do without the Irish supporters. Come next summer many of us will be looking on with envy and I am sure we will take more than a passing interest in the progress of the French team
As Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses would say “ Mange Tout Rodney, Mange Tout.
It seemed that the only issue on peoples mind last week was the World Cup Play off match against France.
The whole country held their breath and then Thierry Henry extinguished our dreams with two sweeps of his hand.
Recessions are difficult to get through, many challenges are put in our way and there are few opportunities for the country to forget its worries and all focus on the one goal
The whole country stopped last Wednesday night and I should know because a meeting ran late and I did not get home until the game was half an hour old. The roads were empty, everyone either tucked up at home or enjoying a pint or two in the pub.
Even those of you who are not huge football fans could see the importance of this match. It was a great chance to forget out worries for a few hours, yet now we are left signing petitions in a bid to have the game replayed.
I am sure that Messrs Cowen and Lenihan were hoping for a favourable result in Paris. Possibly in the hope that a nasty budget could be slipped through on the back of national euphoria.
It is plain to see that FIFA the governing body of football want to see the major footballing nations qualify for the world cup finals in South Africa.
This became apparent when FIFA moved the goalposts following the qualification campaign and seeded the larger nations against the smaller nations.
This change of the rules all but guaranteed the progress of large nations like France and Portugal
I feel that if we had been serious about the injustices done to us we should have refused to contest the qualifiers unless an open draw was in place
I fully understand the financial implications that this decision could bring with it, but at least we would be standing up for the rights of both our players and our fans
Qualification for major championships is difficult enough without FIFA continuously putting new obstacles in the way of the smaller nations.
I am sure that I can speak for everyone when I say the Irish players and fans did us proud last week, and I am saddened that I was not in Paris myself.
We can now forget the trip to South Africa, Cape town and the African safari’s will have to do without the Irish supporters. Come next summer many of us will be looking on with envy and I am sure we will take more than a passing interest in the progress of the French team
As Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses would say “ Mange Tout Rodney, Mange Tout.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The Charity "Bag Pack"
Last weekend I was involved in organising and participating in a charity “Bag Pack” event at Tesco in Golden Island. You know the type of thing; somebody stands at the far side of the till and helps you pack your shopping
I had never done one before and to be honest with you I felt a little nervous, and my fragile state was not helped by having to wear a luminous yellow jacket.
Before I started I thought that it is very important not to upset the general public. I was a little worried that people would be standoffish and wary of who we were
This could not have been further from the truth. The general public of Athlone proved to be extremely generous and were full of wise cracks and banter.
I was concerned that the sight of people collecting for charity might annoy some especially during these financially turbulent times but I was wrong.
People dug deep into their pockets and were happy to toss a few coins into our little white buckets.
When I say buckets I really mean recycled mayonnaise containers.
What’s more they took an interest in what we were collecting for and we were happy to answer any questions
I really enjoyed the different personalities and conversations that I had and it was also a thrill to help people with what many see as a chore.
It reminded me that when I was unemployed I felt isolated and did not get out and about as much as I should, once your confidence takes a battering it can be hard to get it back.
I met more people at Tescos in a two-hour period than I would have done in a week when I was on the dole.
I really hope never to find myself unemployed again but if I do I will make sure to help out with things like this.
For the many of you out there who may find yourselves at a loose end I propose you pick up the phone and find out how you can help your community. It will feel like watching the “Secret Millionaire” Television programme, you just won’t be handing over huge amounts of cash a the end of it
I would never have believed that packing bags for two hours could make you feel invigorated, but it does.
It made me feel useful and that I was making a difference
You see the best in people and believe you me; when it comes to giving to deserving causes Athlone does have the best of people.
I had never done one before and to be honest with you I felt a little nervous, and my fragile state was not helped by having to wear a luminous yellow jacket.
Before I started I thought that it is very important not to upset the general public. I was a little worried that people would be standoffish and wary of who we were
This could not have been further from the truth. The general public of Athlone proved to be extremely generous and were full of wise cracks and banter.
I was concerned that the sight of people collecting for charity might annoy some especially during these financially turbulent times but I was wrong.
People dug deep into their pockets and were happy to toss a few coins into our little white buckets.
When I say buckets I really mean recycled mayonnaise containers.
What’s more they took an interest in what we were collecting for and we were happy to answer any questions
I really enjoyed the different personalities and conversations that I had and it was also a thrill to help people with what many see as a chore.
It reminded me that when I was unemployed I felt isolated and did not get out and about as much as I should, once your confidence takes a battering it can be hard to get it back.
I met more people at Tescos in a two-hour period than I would have done in a week when I was on the dole.
I really hope never to find myself unemployed again but if I do I will make sure to help out with things like this.
For the many of you out there who may find yourselves at a loose end I propose you pick up the phone and find out how you can help your community. It will feel like watching the “Secret Millionaire” Television programme, you just won’t be handing over huge amounts of cash a the end of it
I would never have believed that packing bags for two hours could make you feel invigorated, but it does.
It made me feel useful and that I was making a difference
You see the best in people and believe you me; when it comes to giving to deserving causes Athlone does have the best of people.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Letter to Mr. Cowan
Open Letter to An Taoiseach - Brian Cowan
Dear Brian,
It must be tough for you at the moment? The country is in a terrible state and everyone is blaming you. I certainly don’t envy you.
But there are positives out there Brian. Every cloud has a silver lining and it is up to you to find one.
The nation awaits your verdict. You have an opportunity to change the face of economic Ireland forever if you are brave enough to take up the challenge.
You don’t need me telling you what needs to be done, you know that already.
As a low paid worker I am willing to take a hit if it helps in the regeneration of our economy and so should everyone else, so just get on and do it.
Don’t be afraid of the difficult decisions. Do not bow down to the public servants or other vested interests. You know that there are huge savings to be made in this area and if you have the will you can find the way. The country voted you into power to make the difficult decisions so make them.
Brian , Do you have the will? Do you really want to get your hands dirty or are you going to gloss over the issues in the hope that you can put a positive spin on things in time for the next election.
This budget is not about saving your own skin, its about saving the country.
Please never forget that you are a public servant, elected by the people for the people. You are there to do OUR work, not the work of your own political party.
Brian, do you know that politicians are hated out here in the real world?
We have been disgusted by scandal after scandal, disaster after disaster, yet you are still in power, still our county’s leader so get on with it.
I am giving you one more opportunity to get things right. I am sure I will not agree with everything you produce in the upcoming budget, but I like every other sensible citizen will be able to sort the wheat from the chaff when it comes to digesting the budgets findings.
If you fail to make the difficult decisions and pander to your cronies in certain circles, I will stand up and take you on head first. I will march. I will agitate and I will call for a change of government.
You know the old saying Brian “Cometh the hour cometh the man “
So Come on Brian.
Yours Hopefully
Joe Public
Dear Brian,
It must be tough for you at the moment? The country is in a terrible state and everyone is blaming you. I certainly don’t envy you.
But there are positives out there Brian. Every cloud has a silver lining and it is up to you to find one.
The nation awaits your verdict. You have an opportunity to change the face of economic Ireland forever if you are brave enough to take up the challenge.
You don’t need me telling you what needs to be done, you know that already.
As a low paid worker I am willing to take a hit if it helps in the regeneration of our economy and so should everyone else, so just get on and do it.
Don’t be afraid of the difficult decisions. Do not bow down to the public servants or other vested interests. You know that there are huge savings to be made in this area and if you have the will you can find the way. The country voted you into power to make the difficult decisions so make them.
Brian , Do you have the will? Do you really want to get your hands dirty or are you going to gloss over the issues in the hope that you can put a positive spin on things in time for the next election.
This budget is not about saving your own skin, its about saving the country.
Please never forget that you are a public servant, elected by the people for the people. You are there to do OUR work, not the work of your own political party.
Brian, do you know that politicians are hated out here in the real world?
We have been disgusted by scandal after scandal, disaster after disaster, yet you are still in power, still our county’s leader so get on with it.
I am giving you one more opportunity to get things right. I am sure I will not agree with everything you produce in the upcoming budget, but I like every other sensible citizen will be able to sort the wheat from the chaff when it comes to digesting the budgets findings.
If you fail to make the difficult decisions and pander to your cronies in certain circles, I will stand up and take you on head first. I will march. I will agitate and I will call for a change of government.
You know the old saying Brian “Cometh the hour cometh the man “
So Come on Brian.
Yours Hopefully
Joe Public
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Poverty In Ireland
Poverty In Ireland
I have done the research, and according to the latest Central Statistics Office findings contained in the 2007 EU survey of income and living conditions, I am “At Risk Of Poverty”
Do I feel impoverished? Not at all.
I don’t have any spare money; we can’t pay our bills fully. We can’t afford new clothes; we can’t afford to mend the car. We cannot afford to go out at weekends. But we are not poor. Well not in my mind anyway.
According to the Combat Poverty Agency 16.5% of the Irish population are at risk of Poverty and 5% actually experience consistent poverty, now these figures were released in 2007, and as we all know this was before the credit crunch kicked in, before the banks crashed and before the developers saw the light and ceased building.
Our nation is suffering poverty and not just in a purely financial sense. Yes the money seems to be gone, the good times are behind us for a period of time, but we have also lost our sense of justice as a nation, our sense of community our sense of togetherness
When I think of real poverty I think back to my recent visit
to the graveyard beside the old Christian Brothers Industrial School in Letterfrack, in beautiful Connemara. Now if you want to experience a real sense of poverty then make an effort to visit this place. Set amidst some of the most stunning scenery that our country has to offer is an example to us all.
As our country grew over the last century or so, we allowed far too many of our citizens to fall by the wayside. Humans are selfish by nature, but as a nation we have spent millions of pounds promoting our Irishness to the rest of the world. We want to welcome you to our country, we are great people. We will take care of you when you visit
Alas this is an empty promise. We were never able to take care of the most vulnerable in our society so how then can we take care of our guests.
I had been to Letterfrack on many occasions before. It is a quiet west Galway village at the base of the Connemara National Park.
One sunny afternoon, which was strange for this past summer my wife and son accompanied me on a search for a playground in the National Park.
Two year olds have so much energy and swings and slides are a great way to tire them out
As we walked up a slight incline past the church I noticed a small black wrought iron gate and a sign that said “graveyard”
I have always found graveyards very relaxing places, the history of them makes me want to recall past times so we decided to investigate. The path through the gate took us to a serene wooded area and up the hill again.
At the top a marble plaque was placed on the wall with this haunting script
What they suffered they told but few
They did not deserve what they went through
Tired and weary
They made no fuss
They tried so hard
To stay with us
I opened another small gate and we entered the graveyard and my heart sank. I actually felt sick to my stomach. I felt a tremendous amount of anger.
There laid out in front of me were row upon row of small black heart shaped gravestones 77 in total to represent 99 boys who died in the care of the Christian Brothers from the 1890’s to the 1970’s when the school was finally closed school
This is the final burial place of some of the unwanted souls of Ireland’s shameful past.
I just looked a the ages of the dead children, 10 years old, 3 years old, six years old, age unknown.
The uniformity of the gravestones reminded me of the final resting place of the soldiers from the two world wars. But these were not soldiers who died in war; these were children who died in utter poverty and confusion.
Records show that these children were beaten, abused and shown none of the respect that we should afford our youth.
So the next time that you think you are poor. The next time you moan about not having this and not being able to afford that. Stop and think a second. Think about the pain and suffering that these children suffered, and what’s more all done in the name of god
Most graveyards that adjoin a church can be seen from the church, but not this one. This final burial place of scores of children is hidden in a wooded area away from the church. You would not find it unless you were looking for it
The church abused and tortured these children and even in death the church still feels the need to shame them by hiding them away.
These beautiful black marble gravestones were not placed there by the church, they were not placed their by the families of the deceased, they were actually placed there as recently as 2002 by the Joseph Pike Research Group, in a bid to remember these young boys.
These children suffered real poverty. Poverty in its purist form.
I do hope that during this current recession we can spend a little time to look out for a neighbour or a friend. Never be afraid to ask the question “Are you Ok?” Can I help in anyway?
Many of us are really lucky. We have our families and friends and support networks to help us through.
Having visited the graveyard in Letter rack I am trying to put my own advice into action
I hope that you will try it too, and when someone does ask you for help, hold out your hand and your heart and remember that it was not too long ago that we as a nation just turned our backs on the most needy in our society.
I have done the research, and according to the latest Central Statistics Office findings contained in the 2007 EU survey of income and living conditions, I am “At Risk Of Poverty”
Do I feel impoverished? Not at all.
I don’t have any spare money; we can’t pay our bills fully. We can’t afford new clothes; we can’t afford to mend the car. We cannot afford to go out at weekends. But we are not poor. Well not in my mind anyway.
According to the Combat Poverty Agency 16.5% of the Irish population are at risk of Poverty and 5% actually experience consistent poverty, now these figures were released in 2007, and as we all know this was before the credit crunch kicked in, before the banks crashed and before the developers saw the light and ceased building.
Our nation is suffering poverty and not just in a purely financial sense. Yes the money seems to be gone, the good times are behind us for a period of time, but we have also lost our sense of justice as a nation, our sense of community our sense of togetherness
When I think of real poverty I think back to my recent visit
to the graveyard beside the old Christian Brothers Industrial School in Letterfrack, in beautiful Connemara. Now if you want to experience a real sense of poverty then make an effort to visit this place. Set amidst some of the most stunning scenery that our country has to offer is an example to us all.
As our country grew over the last century or so, we allowed far too many of our citizens to fall by the wayside. Humans are selfish by nature, but as a nation we have spent millions of pounds promoting our Irishness to the rest of the world. We want to welcome you to our country, we are great people. We will take care of you when you visit
Alas this is an empty promise. We were never able to take care of the most vulnerable in our society so how then can we take care of our guests.
I had been to Letterfrack on many occasions before. It is a quiet west Galway village at the base of the Connemara National Park.
One sunny afternoon, which was strange for this past summer my wife and son accompanied me on a search for a playground in the National Park.
Two year olds have so much energy and swings and slides are a great way to tire them out
As we walked up a slight incline past the church I noticed a small black wrought iron gate and a sign that said “graveyard”
I have always found graveyards very relaxing places, the history of them makes me want to recall past times so we decided to investigate. The path through the gate took us to a serene wooded area and up the hill again.
At the top a marble plaque was placed on the wall with this haunting script
What they suffered they told but few
They did not deserve what they went through
Tired and weary
They made no fuss
They tried so hard
To stay with us
I opened another small gate and we entered the graveyard and my heart sank. I actually felt sick to my stomach. I felt a tremendous amount of anger.
There laid out in front of me were row upon row of small black heart shaped gravestones 77 in total to represent 99 boys who died in the care of the Christian Brothers from the 1890’s to the 1970’s when the school was finally closed school
This is the final burial place of some of the unwanted souls of Ireland’s shameful past.
I just looked a the ages of the dead children, 10 years old, 3 years old, six years old, age unknown.
The uniformity of the gravestones reminded me of the final resting place of the soldiers from the two world wars. But these were not soldiers who died in war; these were children who died in utter poverty and confusion.
Records show that these children were beaten, abused and shown none of the respect that we should afford our youth.
So the next time that you think you are poor. The next time you moan about not having this and not being able to afford that. Stop and think a second. Think about the pain and suffering that these children suffered, and what’s more all done in the name of god
Most graveyards that adjoin a church can be seen from the church, but not this one. This final burial place of scores of children is hidden in a wooded area away from the church. You would not find it unless you were looking for it
The church abused and tortured these children and even in death the church still feels the need to shame them by hiding them away.
These beautiful black marble gravestones were not placed there by the church, they were not placed their by the families of the deceased, they were actually placed there as recently as 2002 by the Joseph Pike Research Group, in a bid to remember these young boys.
These children suffered real poverty. Poverty in its purist form.
I do hope that during this current recession we can spend a little time to look out for a neighbour or a friend. Never be afraid to ask the question “Are you Ok?” Can I help in anyway?
Many of us are really lucky. We have our families and friends and support networks to help us through.
Having visited the graveyard in Letter rack I am trying to put my own advice into action
I hope that you will try it too, and when someone does ask you for help, hold out your hand and your heart and remember that it was not too long ago that we as a nation just turned our backs on the most needy in our society.
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