Dear Reader –
Today’s letter features local heroes from Sligo to New Jersey, some in their prime and others past it, some celebrated in literature - others in song. But first, something to think about as we approach the end of 2022…
**All hyperlinks in bold.
The Big Thing
As a teacher and a parent, the school term can bring a comforting structure to the year.
And so now that the Hallowe’en break is over, this week brings an opportunity to reflect, to plan, maybe even to begin again in order to make the most of the six-week pre-Christmas block that lies ahead of us. If this is something you like to do, here are a few words that made me think recently…
“You have two essential tasks in life - to be a good person and to pursue an occupation that you love. Everything else is a waste of energy and a squandering of your potential”.
I’d love to hear what that sparks in you.
Where else but Sligo?
Two more quotes for you in this section today.
Firstly - as I heard repeatedly on Saturday night - “Any day you beat Mayo is a good day”!
I unexpectedly ended up in the company of a gang of men who had just represented the Sligo GAA Masters (Over 40s) team and won the Ruddy Cup in a 3 point win over neighbours Mayo. I knew most of them, having played either with or against them over the years, and spending time with them brought back great memories of football days from 15-20 years ago.
And this brings me to the second quote - from Roman philosopher Epictetus - “For this is your duty - to perform well the character assigned you. That selection belongs to another”.
None of us pick the county we play for, or indeed support. It’s down to decisions made (or not made) by previous generations of our families. And so the characters we were assigned were those of Sligo footballers, Sligo supporters. Coming from a small county in the smallest province. Competing each year against bigger neighbours with distinct natural advantages.
But although our medal hauls may not be as plentiful as those of others, and although we generally lose more matches than we win, the stories recounted and laughs had on Saturday night were representative of the power of sport to surpass the result of a game on any given day.
Parts played well. Worth celebrating - win or lose.
What’s New?
LOCAL HEROES - A CELEBRATION OF SLIGO SPORT: The above pictures are courtesy of a recently-released book of this title by Sligo journalists Jim and Leo Gray. I attended the book launch a few weeks ago and on the way home I said to my wife how lucky I felt to be included in it. It’s a wonderful celebration of Sligo sport, the beauty of the book for me lying in its scope. Included are lots of famous names, but also many lesser-known sportsmen and women whose achievements in many cases match or even surpass their more celebrated contemporaries. The real heroes in this case however are the authors Jim and Leo Gray, who in the pre-local radio and internet era were the voices of sport in Sligo. This book is a testament to their knowledge, experience, character and writing ability.
BREE’S UPDATE: Seamie is still away touring so I was joined last night in Bree’s by my old musical sparring partner Dave Flynn. Dave was playing great stuff and was able for any requests that the Bree’s Monday crew sent our way, including impromptu renditions of The Lovecats and Candy. Seamie will be back next week and every Monday for the month of November. Special guest Cathal Roche will join us on November 21st.
BRUCE: A worldwide phenomenon, but also a local hero in his own way - this article is a must-read for any Springsteen or indeed music fans.
Finally…
And this is from the interview that inspired the above article. Springsteen firstly provides great insight and then delivers an incredible performance.
Till next time - Kieran.
