Ten years on the Rock!

We ago,with recall memories zero of seven,the Celticten years Tiger. Apartmentsgo, houses here abroadgot bigger were and all bigger. the Bertie a coalition was with elected PDs once and again, Greens. Thewe were bubble living was beyond about ourto burst, means. History,with Paisley was and made McGuinness.up North, The power, Chuckle Brothers sharing sure we never thought we’d see it. KerryThe Kingdomhoped for back-to-back,were eager for medals. Donaghy buried two goals that day, another bad day for the Rebels! Padraig Harrington won the Open, we roared and prayed and cried. The young proud son of Ireland, held the Claret Jug with pride. Rugby history – in Croke Park, the likes we’d never seen. Emotions - were running high, as they played “God save the Queen”. But sad days came upon us, Joe Dolan, so suddenly did go. The Westmeath Bachelor, a heart throb,

“Goodbye Venice”, was now goodbye Joe. Christy Hennessy too, slipped quietly,

The Messenger Boy, no longer would be.

A hero for people far and wide, was buried in his native Tralee. Changes were made in St

Brendan’s,

Tom Leane to Ballyheigue by the sea.

And Danny, once here as a curate, returned as our new P.P!! Kevin Sullivan moved to the College,

Patsy, from Ghana to stay, was anxious to work here in Kerry, so to Rock Street he soon made his way. ’09 brought us more changes, To Tarbert for our Danny B. And Padraig from St John’s, our neighbours, to begin his second stint in Tralee. That Autumn, reductions were starting,

St Brendan’s, now two, and not three.

David was sent over to Millstreet, but ‘twas horses, not dogs, by Noel C! Patsy soon made an impression, in his lycra cycling wear.

On his racing bike, his head down low, and his backside in the air! The cycling gear was very tight, with contours here and there. Causedwith thoughts distractionsso very to quare! on-lookers, Hehis Joe fancyhas Hanley taken camera andup gave a John new us hobby, Cleary,a shock. a warning,a rival, a new kid on the block! He takingtip toes pictures around of in beesthe garden,on the trees.And blossoms and flowers in full colour,and a rabbit, chewing grass on its knees! The and daffodilstulips of yellowget such and attention,red. He framed,has a right ginormousover his selfie,bed! He’s gadgets, mad for contraptions and all He stuff downloadsfor ipads hisor a lunch screen. in the morning, a phone app, to keep his clothes clean. He told Bishop Ray he likes Kerry, sure Ghana, a distant memory away.

He was appointed as PP to Ballinskelligs, along the Wild Atlantic Way! A nice rural parish in Kerry, Ballinskelligs, The Glen, Portmagee.

Three churches in scenic South Kerry, such a contrast to urban Tralee. He dreams of movie stardom, on Skelligs, ‘way over the sea. He hopes to get an audition, to have “Star Wars” on his CV! A warning to Patsy in leaving, Skellig Chocolates is down there, nearby.

Such truffles for breakfast and dinner, will drive your cholesterol sky high! Ten years have flown by so quickly, we hoped you could stay for more. But we know South Kerry calls you, with plans and great changes in store. We thank you Patsy for being with us, for your dedication and your care. We hope you’re enriched as a person, in the years that you’ve spent with us here. As you look to the majestic Skellig, remember us, back here on The Rock!

And cherish the wonderful memories, of God fearing people and stock. We wish you well for the future, as you serve in pastures new. May health and happiness be your blessing, our best wishes will always be with you. By Fr Padraig Walsh (August 2017)