Dear Reader –
Today’s title is taken from one of my favourite artists’ new album. I’m trying to figure out what it means - any suggestions are most welcome!
**All hyperlinks in bold.
The Big Thing
OK - so what comes to mind when I think of a wheel is that it’s often described as man’s greatest invention. Wheels have been put to use in many different ways throughout history, but primarily made it much easier for our ancestors (and now us) to get from A to B.
Which is kind of like the concerts we put on for our piano students. People take up the piano for many different reasons, but if like many your A is not being able to play at all and your B is being able to play confidently in front of people, well then these concerts will certainly move you in the right direction.
But not just this, it’s also where the magic happens. It’s where children can discover the inner steel to keep going after a mistake, where unsure fingers can hover over notes for seemingly interminable lengths and where relieved smiles abound as generous applause sounds. It’s where younger students stare open-mouthed at what the teenagers can do and where people go home determined to practise harder so they can be as good as their peers next time.
Thanks to everyone who performed, everyone who came to watch, and to the brilliant gang of teachers and unsung heroes who made it all happen.
Where else but Sligo?
February.
Windows opening to let the world in. Emergence without emergency. Bonus Bank Holiday - Go raibh maith agat Naomh Bríd. Another chance to reset.
The sporting world wakes up. Our inner clocks chime with the return of the Six Nations. National League football and a big win for Sligo. Everything is still possible.
Walks. Wheels turning. Wash the car. No leaves yet but they’re on the way. Birdsong. This is where it all went wrong in 2020. But not this year. This is the year. And it’s only getting going.
A taste of spring. Give us more.
What’s New?
BALLYGOWAN ANYONE? In what quite a few listeners have described as our funniest episode yet, the In The Lamplight crew pounced on a loose comment and put my strong (!) water opinions to the test. Plus Stoic Philosophy and some big promises! Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts…
SEÁN DWYER: He was the wheel that made the pubs and community organisations of Sligo turn for many a year. Not one to wait for others, he was usually first in and the man to get things done. I knew him best in Connolly’s on our many Monday nights there. He knew his music, his sport and his customers and made it easy for us to do our jobs. Rest in Peace Seán.
AN CAILÍN CIÚIN: What a beautiful film. Still showing daily in the cinema in Sligo.
Finally…
I guess we should let the man himself have his say - Theo is back!
Till next time - Kieran.
