From Monasterevin to Killarney by rail, this pilgrimage blended history, faith, and quiet heroism. With my Kerry Camino stamp and ties to the Order of St John, I honoured Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty’s legacy—proof that God Has No Country, and true journeys are measured not in miles, but in meaning. Continue reading God Has No Country: A Pilgrim’s Journey Through Kerry by Rail
We have been very busy in the last few weeks. Yesterday was no different. We got up very early (for us) and caught the seven minutes past seven train from Monasterevin to Kildare, waited there and then got the train … Continue reading Meandering with purpose in Ireland’s confederate capital
Since I moved to the Republic of Ireland in 2015, I have noticed that in many occasions history is rewritten obliterating the time when this country was part of the United Kingdom, when Irish people were citizens of the UK as well. The Irish railway company, Iarnród Éireann has a number of history boards at its stations. The one at my local one makes reference to Willoughby Hamilton becoming the First Irishman (and the first non-British player) to win the Men’s Singles at Wimbledon Past Tracks Monasterevin station This competition was in 1890. At that point in history Ireland was … Continue reading Rewriting history
As the United Kingdom was mourning the passing of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and many gun salutes were being fired to mark this occasion, I found myself wondering what the Irish Defence Forces did with regard to … Continue reading Minister for Defence confirms that Irish Defence Forces no longer have “gun salute to the Most Blessed Sacrament”
During both world wars, the men and women of the Commonwealth made the ultimate sacrifice. This Commonwealth Day, Monday 8th March, take the opportunity to remember those who fought and died for peace across the world. Make your own act of remembrance by leaving a physical tribute at one of their cemeteries or memorials in your local area. The CWGC tribute will let you leave a personalised, environmentally friendly message at the headstone or memorial of someone you’d like to remember. It is 100% biodegradable and compostable and its design reflects the six Commonwealth member nations who fund our work. … Continue reading Commonwealth War Graves Commission invites you to pay a tribute this Commonwealth Day
Saint Adrian and Companions Martyrs; died c. 875 Adrian was a missionary, bishop on the Isle of May in the Firth of Forth who was martyered by the Danes, together with some fellow missionaries who were monks. Saint Peter Pappacarbone Bishop, OSB He became a monk at Cava and later was sent to Cluny where he stayed six years. In 1079, he was made bishop of Policastro, but resigned and returned to Cava, to which abbacy he succeeded the following year. Although at first his rule was too strict and he withdrew to another house, he was soon recalled and … Continue reading Martyrology: March 4th
As we approached Remembrance this year, I was reminded that we keep hearing about the three Services: the Royal Navy, the British Army, and the Royal Air Force. Like Tony Meade in his letter printed in this month’s Legion magazine … Continue reading The Merchant Navy: the fourth service – remembering the Victor Ross 80 years on
We’re in the lead up to Christmas, so all sorts of supermarkets have started broadcasting their Christmas advertisements. I’ve just seen the one from Ireland’s SuperValu The children are worried about whether “he will come”. Obviously, most of us instantly think of Father Christmas and whether he will come. This is re-emphasised with the familiar glass and couple of mince pies left on the side. The final scene has he who was expected arriving. And no, it is not Father Christmas, it’s the child’s grandfather. With all that is going on in the world, with the ongoing social distancing due … Continue reading Insensitive SuperValu Christmas ad as we continue to live with COVID-19
During the various lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have reported that they can hear birdsong in a way that they have not been able to for some years. This is now being extended in an art installation … Continue reading Birdsong is On Chorus at Irish Rail stations
The following article is published to correct some misconceptions about the Founder of Scouting, Robert, Lord Baden-Powell OM. It is written by Scouting historians and republished here to spread the information further. It is an accepted principle in the study … Continue reading Robert Baden-Powell: allegations and the truth
Gyronny Herald 