30th May, 2002
Well, what a week its been. Whilst India and
Pakistan have nuclear warheads aimed at each other, babies being
blown up in Israeli Shopping Centres, a serial killer walking
around the Irish midlands (whatever happened to “Operation
Trace”?) all that seems to matter is will Roy Keane play or
not play for Ireland? Spin Doctors, publicists, media gurus,
solicitors, managers, prime ministers, private jets, government
jets. At the end of the day there will be no winners. The only
certain losers will be the Irish fans who will not see their hero
lead our country’s team onto the field. if Ireland win on
Saturday people will praise Mick McCarthy and the team, if they
lose, people will blame Roy Keane or/and Mick McCarthy, no
winners. The team seem pretty downhearted, but let’s wish
them the best of luck on Saturday, come on Ireland!!
I watched the rugby match on Saturday and I’m sure that like
everybody in Ireland we were shattered to see our rugby heroes
once again lose a final. But we all know that their passion and
heart will ensure that they will be back. I’m told that on
their return from Wales on Sunday the Cork based members called
into The Rochestown Inn where they were given a warm welcome by
the customers and by Gary O’Donovan, Colin Bradley and staff.
Well done to the team who always gave 110% in every game, what
more can one ask for?
A few weeks ago I mentioned that I met a reader who asked me if I
knew of any singing gospel group in the Douglas area. Well, Nicky
Cassidy of Donnybrook Pentecostal church called into our office
with a brand new CD of gospel songs, written and sung by members
of their church, the cd was produced in Douglas, so it’s
totally local. He told me that everybody is welcome to come along
and sing gospel. For further details give Nick a call at 4363111.
Speaking of music I got an invitation to hear the City of Cork
Male Voice Choir sing at mass in the South Chapel last Saturday
night. My wife and I went along and as usual they were superb.
Their version of “How Great Thou Art” has to be heard
to be appreciated. They will be coming to Douglas soon. Watch
this space!
As I’m in a good mood I want to compliment the lads in the
County Council. Last week the high winds blew down a big young
tree in Shamrock Lawn. One phone call to Carrigaline Council
office and the lads were up to reset the tree and strengthen it
with wooden stakes. Well done lads.
My friend Ronnie told me a true story this week. A few weeks ago
his daughter Orla got married in Douglas. Her photo was in The
Douglas Weekly. A few days later as she was leaving Cork on a
flight with Aer Lingus, she got a pleasant surprise. At the check-in
counter the young woman said to Orla “You were married last
week, we saw your photo in The Douglas Weekly and we’ve
moved you up to first class!!!” Beat that Michael O’Leary!!
A few years ago my wife and I flew to Scotland for a holiday. On
the flight from Dublin to Glasgow (there were none from Cork to
Scotland at the time) we were treated to a full Irish breakfast
and a little souvenir bottle of champagne. I’ve never
forgotten it, nice touch Aer Lingus.
The last time I saw the Beach Boys live was in the late sixties
in Dublin. The three Wilson Brothers, Brian, Denis Carl, cousin
Mike Love and Al Jardine. Sadly Denis and Carl are no longer with
us. A few months ago, I read that Brian Wilson (leader and
songwriter) was appearing in concert in Dublin. It was a Friday
and I thought to myself, yeah, Brian and a three piece band,
wrong Michael, so wrong. Some of the people who went to the show
were Rockin Gerry, Kevin and Monica Forde, Terry Murphy, from
Glanmire and they all told me it was the best concert that they
were ever at. I was depressed. But Kevin told me that Brian had
released a double live CD, entitled “Live at the Roxy”.
So I decided to check it up on the Brian Wilson website on the
internet. And lo and behold Brian is coming back to do some more
shows in the UK, starting June 3rd. So I booked the last two
seats (cancellations) in the Royal Festival Hall on June 10th. If
you do have access to the internet log on to the official Brian
Wilson site and read what the music critics from The Times, The
Guardian, The Financial Times etc. had to say about the show. It’s
a two part show, the first half is dedicated to the Beach Boys
hits and the second half they do the whole “Pet Sounds”
album. Barbara Ellen of The Observer said “‘God only
knows’ is performed perfectly - plaintively heartbreaking
like a giant teardrop splashing over the crowd.” Are there
any other fans going? See you at Cork Airport on June 8th at 11am.
I feel ‘the good vibrations’ already.
Finally, to my friend, singer and musician Seán Tracey, after
you’ve read the above now you’ll know who Brian Wilson
is! And Wendy in the shop next to The Silver Key, Brian Wilson
wrote a song called “Wendy”!!
Finally, a few messages. Roger, who works in the meat counter in
Tesco, Douglas, told me that all their chickens are sourced in
Ireland. They do not import fillets or chickens from abroad. Get
well to my friend of 50 years, Bryan Flynne from Blackrock Road,
who’s just after surgery in the Cork University Hospital. I’m
sure all his friends like me wish Bryan a speedy recovery. Well
done to all at the hospital who looked after Bryan so well and
continue to do so.
Bye for now, Michael O'Hanlon.
PS: Good luck to John Cuddihy of Texaco, South Douglas Road with
their marvellous promotion. It’s a winner John!!
