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Posted by Tempus on June 07, 2003 at 17:43:38:
In Reply to: all quite on the western front (part 2) posted by gt on June 07, 2003 at 06:19:26:
Nicely said gt.
Had to take a stroll down town earliet today to get bread for my mother. Destination....the Upper Crust, formerly known as Lavelle's Bakery. Remember their slogan, Lavelle's bread, the best in the West!
Weather was just glorious, warm and sunny and not a sinner on the Mall. Down past Rock Square to Castle Street and noticed a lot of cars outside the Convent, or should I say, what used to be the Convent. Past Stewarts,all boarded up now, where you could once buy the nicest ice creams in town.
Next past Byrne's sweet shop, it too closed. Then Teddy Norrison's jewellers, boarded up, then the Castle Bakery that was, then Luddens and Heverin's, boarded up. Next to what is now an opticians shop run by a daughter of Rita Quinn, Pharmacist from Main Street. This was of course the mecca of our lives for so many youngsters, the one and only May Leonards. The sweet emporium of the world. Then next door to what was Flannelly's butchers now occupied by The Book & Card Shop and that is followed by a bookies, which was quite busy with punters trying to decide who would eventually win the derby! Then to another closed down clothes shop, which once housed Pat Lavelle's saddliery shop. Which reminds me of a tale I was told many moons ago, about Pat's opinion of the fashion craze of the time when the ladies wore stiletto heels "The only thing I can see them good for is for taking a thorn out of a snipes arse" and of course his definition of bagpipes..."like a greyhound farting on a galvanise roof"!!
Next to what is now Cafolas chip shop once occupied by Pee Flynn's mother where she had a drapery shop. Then to the Castle Inn pub, where Neary's lived and had a small restaurant there, and Batty Mc Dermott's place was next and then on to Don Racine, which used to be a pub called the Goal Post and before that Rhattigans. Anyone remember the long black and white apron John Rhattigan used to wear? Now folks, that's only one side of Castle Street covered and there are a lot of run down premises there. However, do not despair, in the sunshine it doesn't look too bad.
On my return journey, as I approached the Mall, there was a large crowd assembled at the old Methodist's church and lo and behold there was a wedding in progress. I don't know, but I bet it was a long time since there was a wedding held in that place before.And that's why all the cars were outside the convent. Any way, it was a lovely sight on a lovely day and the wedding party and guests were blessed with such sunshine on the Mall.
Now if somebody else wants to cover the opposite side of Castle Street, bee my guest but for the moment, sin mo scéal ar fad.
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