14th March, 2002
I was sorry to hear that Barry Roche had died.
Way back in 1998 I called Barry and asked him if he would talk
about his life and times. He consented. I called to a little
house on College Road. Barry answered and invited me in. And told
me that the house had once been his mothers shop and that he was
in the process of converting it into an apartment. He showed me
the back garden where a little pond was being built, and inside
the house was filled with African Art. Barry had loved to travel.
So we eventually sat down. Barry made a pot of coffee. I switched
on the dictaphone and I got one of the frankest and best
interviews I’ve ever got. As a tribute to Barry the
interview appears in this edition
I must do some more interviews. The biggest part of my job I
enjoy most is talking to people. The interviews with different
people were fascinating. How many times have I said: “Everybody
has a story to tell”. I must do some more interviews, I miss
them.
Last week I called to St. Finbarrs hospital to take some snaps.
The occasion was the presentation of a brand new Bus to the
patients of the hospital. The organisers ‘The Friends of St
Finbarrs hospital’ do trojan work. We sometimes tend to
overlook the great work done by local charities. But when we see
the end product such as a fully fitted bus with wheelchair ramps
we really get the full picture. One of the members asked me to
thank the people of Cork whose contributions had made it
possible, and A.I.B. 66 South Mall who were also a great help.
Now the patients can go on trips to the seaside, shopping etc.
well done to all concerned. Sharing is caring.
Last week I read that in France over 50% of crèches are state
run while here in Ireland, the land of the Celtic Tiger it’s
a bit of a joke. Now that the abortion referendum is over (you
must be joking Michael) and things will settle down again for
another a few years. Some people tell me that the support for
single mothers in this land of ours is a farce. When mothers go
back to work the only option is to put the child into a crèche
which can cost up to € 35 a day. So the mother goes back to
work. Pays her tax, pay over half her wages to a crèche. I have
no problem with crèches we are lucky in Douglas to have the best
around. The problem is that the state does not give tax relief
when mothers pay over half their wages to childminders. I’m
disappointed in the female politicians in the country. They all
seem to toe the party line. Keep your mouth shut. Don’t rock
the boat. Get Johnny Mac a medical card; get Mary a council house
etc.
Yesterday I spoke to somebody who works in a chemist shop she
told me that every Monday morning they have a box of morning-after
pills ready when they open for business. We read last week that
there is a huge increase in the rate of sexually transmitted
diseases. A few years ago, I spoke to a social worker and
mentioned that things seemed to be getting worse in the world of
Sex Drugs and Rock’n’Roll. When I was a teenager there
were no condoms, no pill, no nothing! Nowadays every type of
protection is available. Yet people are totally uneducated
regarding the threat to their health, and now with AIDS, a threat
to their lives. We do need more education in our schools and not
just 2+2=4. Because sometimes 1+1=3.
I called down to the Rochestown park Hotel on Tuesday night for
the Fashion Show. This is now becoming one of the biggest annual
events in Douglas. As usual it was held in aid of St. Columba’s
Girls School with facilities for the Deaf. As usual a full house.
A lot of planning and organisation goes into the night and I
think a word of praise to the shopping Centre staff, the Models,
The Hotel Staff and everybody who made the night such a great
success. I took some great photos, which will be in next week’s
edition. What’s that word again? Ah yes community!
As we approach the feast day of our national saint I want to
mention that a beautiful painting of St. Patrick which hangs on
the wall of St Patrick’s Mills Office has kindly been loaned
by Denis Murphy of St Patrick’s Mills to Fr. Dan Crowley of
Frankfield Church. It will be on display at the altar in the
church from Saturday evening until Monday: catch it!
Happy 25th wedding anniversary to Douglas Village shopping centre
/ Douglas Court Shopping Centre. Marketing manager Bronwyn Cross
and her husband George. If you see or meet Bronwyn in your
travels wish them happy Anniversary.
Finally happy St Patrick’s day to you all. Drive safely, don’t
drink and drive, and please belt up.
Bye for now,
Michael O'Hanlon.
