Fr Eamon releases latest book of poetry with a theme of stories from near and far YOUNG FOOTBALL COUNTY TEAMS OF SLIGO MOUNTAIN TRAIN
EAMON FLANAGAN, a priest originally from Killaraght in south Sligo and who has connections to Easkey, has released his latest book.
‘Memory: Near and Far’ is a collection of poetry which includes a number of references to Sligo and among many other places.
These verses reflect Ireland in its essence both recollected,and portrayed in some great stories that inspire. They also affirm the true reality, energy, and hope and while the focus is mostly Catholic, there is too a strong recognition of human-divine values, that are universal and carry great potential. Fr Flanagan imagines the Catholic Church collaborating with people of goodwill, and working towards a new transformation of the world ‘to the glory of God the Father’
Fr Flanagan is member of the Congregation of the Mission, the Vincentians, and he works in Dublin. He was ordained a priest in 1964. He is the author of 13 books of poetry and prose. At college he studied the ancient classics and Spanish. Later he specialised in the Carmelite mystics of Spain. His ministries in life included parish and seminary work, teaching, religious formation and spiritual direction. Fr Flanagan, a weekly Sligo Weekender reader, kindly gave permission for us to reproduce some of the verses from his new book,
Colleges led the way as good examples At football in the open field of winning Provincial titles, so that horizons gleamed With youthful hopes of new embers kindling.
In twenty-twenty-one the Sligo Minors,
United from colleges, formed a great plan; Following enlightened guidance and belief,
They won Connacht joy, ending long years of pain. In ‘twenty-two, inspired by Dessie Sloyan’s
Craft and career, Under-twenty victory
Was brilliantly achieved on groud of the West,
For the first time, making special history.
This year, a double was reached in this grade As Paul Henry added to Minors’ success.
The team honoured Sligo and touched all the land. Almost winning the All-Ireland in final prowess.
Here a whole people are gladly involved
From towns, living farmsteads, churches, villages; Faith, work together, prudence, all virtues join; Here, life flows from the past to future ages.
It begins at Carrick-on-Shannon, in west
Direction by green swathes on the Plains of Boyle Whose rich pastures are filled by cattle and sheep, Where staunch farming stock thrives by honest toil.
Leitrim mountains appear on the horizon Like a painting of dark, blue, low cloud,
And sunshine reflects from high Slievanierin In a county of beauty with stories proud.
From Boyle, famed Middle Ages town,
The train veers north by holy slopes of Assylinn Over the loud, chattering river that drains
Three counties, tops up lakes, gives fish, water clean.
A railway, unique inland in our nation,
Now climbs through trees and cliffs of the Curlews. From afar, it seems a thread pulled through a maze. I love the neat homesteads, and aerial views.
On the left, south, are Killaraght, Coolavin; Bricklieve, Keash Hill stand mightily to the east. Ox Peaks are like warriors beyond Ballymote. All give food for prayer, divinely-set feast.