MAY MEMORIES


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Posted by Tempus on May 01, 2001 at 10:33:07:

What a fabulous start to the month of May here in Castlebar.The nice day brought back some memories of this time of year as children. I remember so well gathering the primroses in what was then Flannelly's field, now known as Curragh and Chestnut Grove. There wasn't a house to be seen except for Lar Flannelly's bungalow. Up the woods as far as the railway line, careful to avoid all the thorns and the wellies always served their purpose in those days.
Throughout the streets of the town,it was a lovely sight to see the mayflowers on all the doorsteps. Flowers were brought to school for the May altar. Singing a hymn at the end of the school day, Bro. Damian the conductor, aka Birdie, and the way he would click his fingers to command attention.
The song that was played on the radio, I will always remember with fondness.It was played constantly during the month of May and was sung around the house as well.Even in later years when Gay Byrne had his popular morning radio programme on air, he always played it on May Day. That song was "Flowers of the Fairest" and was best sung by Canon Sidney Mc Ewan, who possessed a terrific tenor voice.
Then of course the May devotions. Rosary and benediction each evening at 7.30 pm. Such ceremonies served a useful exercise for us because it got you out of the house and a chance to meet up with the pals of both sexes, as the attendance at the devotions was almost mandatory, in our house at least! When you think back, how times have changed, utterly changed since then. Anyway, in my mind, they were good times and there are certainly good times now too.


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