In the third power cut of this winter, I was prepared for some enforced introspection
I collected my stash of candles and tealights from a drawer and sat waiting for the dark to descend. Photograph: Getty ImagesJust like Mary and her newborn baby Jesus in the manger, I breast-fed my first two babies to the light of the north star. It was before “the power” came to the island in the early 1980s and whilst my babas were not quite swaddled in straw-filled cradles, Bébhinn did sleep in a drawer for a time when we were extending our little home.
Certainly not if you saw the state of me during Storm Darragh, the extratropical cyclone that battered our country on December 5th.Councillor Claus of Alaska – Alison Healy on the other SantaFrankly, I wasn’t sure if my house had withstood the sudden and deafening growl of thunder which shook its foundations hours before Darragh swept across the horizon.
Meanwhile, I tried to exhume my granny’s soothing words that thunder was simply God moving his furniture. It crept across the room slowly, the skeletons of trees in my suburban wilderness – as I conveniently call it – swaying to its shadows. I’m hoping my pet robin is cosy in some crevice.“Is it Donald Trump’s fault that you have become so addicted to your phone, Áine?”“But it does help to have an orange Oompa Loompa to blame for the woes of the world, particularly during the festive season.
On Christmas Eve and Little Christmas Eve the rosary of cottage windows from Ballytoughy Mór to Tormore, Strake to Capnagower flickered with candlelight as islanders made their way to the church.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Man who sexually assaulted babysitter jailed as victim brands him 'subhuman'Áine McHugh said the assaults were 'progressively killing me from the inside out'
Read more »
Walshe reaches third final of week, Ryan sets new Irish record to seal semi berthThe latest sports news from The42.ie in 60 seconds
Read more »
Shelbourne Signs Young Attacker Ryan O’Kane from DundalkShelbourne have signed Ryan O’Kane, a young attacking player from relegated Dundalk, marking their first new signing of the season. O’Kane, who made over 100 appearances for Dundalk, is expected to benefit from Shelbourne's reputation for player development.
Read more »
Joe Schmidt's remarkable faith in James RyanIreland second-tow tells of his debt to Australian coach
Read more »
James Ryan's Remarkable Journey to International DebutJames Ryan, who has played sixty-six times for his country, shares an intriguing story about his international debut and the role of then Ireland coach Joe Schmidt, who was secretly keeping an eye on him while ostensibly watching his son Tim play.
Read more »
James Ryan Credits Joe Schmidt for Early Rugby LessonsJoe Schmidt saw potential in James Ryan and included him on Ireland's tour despite a serious injury. Ryan acknowledges the influence Schmidt had on his career, emphasizing the importance of preparation and mental tools.
Read more »