Longford Local

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‘Bad Blood’ by Lorne Patterson to be launched this Wednesday,  December 4th

By Audrey Healy

Next Wednesday December 4th sees the launch of ‘Bad Blood’, a new book written by one of County Longford’s most talented writers, Lorne Patterson, who last year published ‘Witch’. This week he is excited and proud – as he should be – about the birth of his new book as he takes time out to talk to longfordlocal.com about his new writing career.

“I grew up in a family of readers and I remain a devourer of books. Also, my father was a professional writer. I’ve always enjoyed creative writing, and had the encouragement of a number of good friends to keep at it. However, it wasn’t really until I came to County Longford and availed of the many local supports – writers groups, workshops, readings, festivals, a writer-in-residence- that my writing took off.”

Lorne’s first work ‘Witch’ remains very special to him and he looks back on it with pride. “The book is a story of two Scottish witch hunts, separated by some four hundred years, that collide in contemporary Scotland. Even though it was published as a horror story – and received favourable reviews as a horror story - I still see it as a dark romance.”

However next week the venue will be The Green in Edgeworthstown which will play host to the launch of his second achievement – the launch of ‘Bad Blood’. He enthusiastically takes up the intriguing story. ‘Bad Blood’ is the story of a man who has been a patient in a psychiatric high-security unit for a long time. When we meet Lenny, the unit is in a state of transition as it moves from the stewardship of one Consultant and an innovative but controversial therapeutic regime, to the control of a new Medical Officer and a contain-and control approach to care. Already disturbed by many aspects of the care he and his fellow patients have been subjected too, Lenny comes into increasing conflict with that regime. Matters come to a head when Lenny’s meddlesome behaviour is deemed by the new Consultant to be evidence of mental illness, requiring more of the shock treatment he fears and loathes. The confrontation becomes physical and the response of those in charge is overwhelming. But Lenny – nicknamed ‘the Professor’ - is a veteran of psychiatric institutions, not easily cowed.

During his period of medicated seclusion, Lenny broods. 'Thoughts leaping hot-footed from the grid in my cranium as the swamp juice wears off. Smoky thoughts. Incendiary thoughts.' He concludes that the new regime no longer deserves to control the lives of himself and his incarcerated peers and decides to end that dominance. To achieve that, the Professor secures the assistance of some of his fellow patients

Even as the clock ticks down to his planned shock treatments, the more authoritarian of the staff take steps to isolate and break their most meddlesome patient. That includes using other patients against the Prof, especially Wilson, a rage-filled sociopath. Lenny is already a focus of Wilson’s malevolence and now Wilson targets Lenny’s friends on the unit.

As the struggle moves towards its climax both Lenny and his opponents find it difficult to cope. Lenny is forced to confront his own history and the reason that compels him to be so stubborn on behalf of other mental patients. He continues to be tormented too by his fear over his 'bad blood', the madness and rage that he believes has been passed to him. The final clash is explosive and unforgiving; the consequences, unexpected.

‘Bad Blood’ also explores mental illness itself: what it is, who gets to say so, and the types of intervention that can be – that too often have been - imposed on disturbed men and women in the name of ‘care’.

The book took a staggering ten years to write so Lorne has shown real dedication in keeping at it. “I don’t know how many times I reworked the manuscript. My first book and new story have been more reasonable, about two years each.”

Who does he hope ‘Bad Blood’ will appeal to?

This, he says is a “tricky” question. “I write for myself. I know my style appeals to some but not to others, but the book might also appeal to people who are interested in the subject matter - mental illness.”

Lorne was a psychiatric nurse for many many years – I ask if his vast experience in this field was useful in his research for the manuscript?

He readily agrees. “A lot of the story is based on my thirty years’ experience as a psychiatric nurse in State institutions, private medicine, and in the community but the issues involved in psychiatric care are often complex as well as controversial, and I tried hard to be balanced as well as accurate.”

Where will the book be available?

The book will be available at the launch for a special price of €9.99. Otherwise, it is available from the Wordsonthestreet Publishers online bookstore, and shortly, in both print and kindle editions, from Amazon. Also, in certain Easons bookshops around the Midlands.

I ask about the launch?

“It will take place in my home town of Edgeworthstown. Sheila Reilly of the Longford Leader will be launching the book. Part of the money raised on the night will be going to the Edgeworthstown Tidy Town group, a group of local volunteers that strive to make Edgeworthstown a more pleasant place to live in.“

So what's next in the pipeline for Lorne?

“The sequel to Witch. It’s still centred around two main characters from Witch, Detective Sergeant Jamie McFadden of Strathclyde Police, ex-Army, a divorced, isolated burn-out, and his lover, the Red Witch, his murderous, but oh so wonderful, Maggie. But Hour of the Witch has a much wider scope, as the menace of the past, only partially revealed in Witch, becomes frighteningly present.

Hour of the Witch has a simple premise: the witch hunts failed - now it’s their turn.”

Lorne Patterson is an Edgeworthstown writer and member of the Ballymahon Writers Group. He is a psychiatric nurse and a community educator who has worked in a number of countries, including Britain, the United States and Russia. A past runner-up in the Sean Ó Faoláin short-story competition, he published his first book, Witch, in 2012 to critical acclaim.

Samples of Lorne’s writing can be found on his website, www.lornepatterson.com.

Last Thursday November 28th saw well known face around Longford, Jude Flynn, published his 11th edition of the popular series of ‘Fireside Tales’ – the ideal Christmas present this year.

The much loved Leitrim man, who has adopted Longford as his home town for many years was in fine fettle in County Longford Library and attracted a record crowd as many gathered to celebrate this astounding achievement in the presence of many Councillors and public representatives.

Addressing those present, County Longford Librarian Mary Carlton Reynolds paid tribute to Jude for what she now describes as “an annual event”, the publication of another edition of ‘Fireside Tales’. “We have had many book launches throughout the year in Longford which has been described as the third best County in Ireland for organising Gatherings – but I have to say the launch of Jude’s book is always one of our favourites!,” she said to much applause.

“Jude does all his own research, gathers all the information, designs the book and prints it himself and we in Longford owe him a great deal of gratitude for what he does and the information and stories he preserves in print. Jude has a great sense of pride in his own place and money can’t buy that,” she stressed.

Mayor of County Longford Larry Bannon pointed out that the new publication of the eleventh edition of ‘Fireside Tales’ was clearly “a labour of love” for Jude and that he was doing “a great service to the people of Longford town and county in recording history and storing stories which would be otherwise forgotten.” “There is something here for everyone in this book,” he concluded “and though Jude says his next book will be his last, “I have no doubt that we will all be gathered here in years to come celebrating the launch of more.”

Performing the launch of the book itself was RTE Midlands Correspondent and Lanesboro native Ciaran Mullooly who conceded that his own literary career “pales into insignifance” when compared with Jude who he described as “prolific”. “When I worked in Longford 720 years ago I remember Jude writing plays at the time and that was way back in the eighties,!” he laughed. “Jude”, he continued, “is actually unique in carrying out a great service to the community in recording the folklore and heritage of the many parishes throughout the area. He is effectively retracing stories from the grave to the archives and it is tremendous and will go on and on. It is a wonderful success story and I would also like to thank Jude on a personal level because he once interviewed my Uncle and afterwards he sent me a cassette of the interview without being asked to, just silently sent it to me in an envelope and every now and then I listen to it and that’s him – no fuss. It’s a gift for life. He’s a gentleman.”

In his speech the ever modest and unassuming Jude said that the compliments uttered by those who has taken to the microphone before him had been “exaggerated” and he confirmed that next year’s 12th book would be his last.

He went on to tell a series of funny stories and jokes that warmed people to him and gave those present a taste of the book which will no doubt be in many Christmas stocking’s this year.

Colmcille Christmas Market 2013 

Raising funds for local Palliative Care Services

A fabulous array of local crafts, baked goods, fashion items and more will be available for viewing and sale on December 8th at the Colmcille Community Centre for their annual Christmas Market, which will be raising much needed funds for local Palliative Care services.

More from the local committee below. Make sure to put it in your diary and pick up some items on the day ! 

Event Details

“Chorus Angelorum launched”

The Sacred Music of St. Mel’s Cathedral 1856 – 2013

By Audrey Healy. Photos Tiernan Dolan

It’s often been said that when you sing, you pray and it’s true to say that for one hundred and fifty seven years the choirs of St. Mel’s Cathedral have been doing just that – and doing it in style!

Last Friday evening the history and glorious achievements of the many choirs who have sang their hearts out in St. Mel’s were celebrated in print and pictures through the pages of fhe spectacular new publication that has recently been produced by the Parish Communications Group of St. Mel’s Cathedral.

“Chorus Angelorum – The Sacred Music of St. Mel’s Cathedral 1856 – 2013” was launched on Friday 22nd November at 8.00 pm in St. Mel’s Cathedral Centre by the new Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise Francis Duffy, in the presence of a large gathering including his predecessor former Bishop Colm O’Reilly, who was just last week awarded the Freedom of Longford.

As part of the beautiful ceremony those in attendance in the beautifully adorned centre were treated to the music of no less than three choirs from the region. St. Joseph’s Folk Group, under the direction of Catherine Corkery, performed ‘Christ be our Light’, followed by an Instrumental piece and then the now infamous Clouds Veil by Fr. Liam Lawton which has become so well know throughout the world.

St. Mel’s Cathedral Choir were next and under the direction of Fintan Farrelly performed ‘O Sacrum Convivium’, ‘Ave Maria’ and A Clare Benediction’, while the final piece, to rapturous applause, came from St. Mel’s Cathedral Folk 

Group, who are directed by Fr. Brendan O’Sullivan. They sang The Lord is my Shepherd, ‘Vive Jesu El Senore’ and a hauntingly beautiful rendition of the late Christy Hennessy’s ‘Remember Me’.

Since 1856 a great many people have contributed generously as organists, choir members, musicians and soloists leading the parish community in praying through sacred music. This impressive 144 page illustrated history book honours the contribution of so many down through the years. 

In his address Bishop Francis Duffy paid tribute to all those involved in the choirs, past and present, making a special mention to Fr. Tommy Devine who was a late vocation to the priesthood and an organist in St. Mel’s. He congratulated the communications group on the ‘Chorus Angelorum’ publication and wished all those in choirs well for the future.

This beautifully artistic volume has been designed by Noel Strange and celebrates the commitment of all with a trove of photographs, stories from past years, poems and songs and we anticipate that these will evoke wonderful memories for many people.

Match Reports: Did you hear about the pound coin thrown onto the pitch at Ibrox? Scottish police are still trying to determine whether it was a missile or a takeover bid!  No such uncertainty though regarding the value of the boys and girls of UCL HARPS FC. They proved, yet again, to be worth their weight in gold by putting in a hard week of training and, with the support of their managers and supporters, they went out and did the club proud this past weekend. Here's how they got on: U15s: From the first whistle UCL Wildcats in their 3rd game of the season pounced on Castlepollard. With an impressive display of confidence and teamwork, the girls never let go of their prey, finishing off the game with a well deserved 7 - 1 victory. Goal Scorers: Ciara Cadam; Megan Jobe; Andrea Farrell; Leah Brady; Katie Sheridan. Manager: Alison Jobe & Michael Masterson U14s: UCL Hawks had a fantastic game against Abbey Rovers on Sunday. With a full squad the boys played to the very best of their potential displaying skilful and confident football skills. They won the game 5 - 3. Goal Scorers: Joseph Hagen (4); Eoin Hawkins (1).  Well done Lads! Special thanks to Kevin Kilbride for helping out with the Hawks on Sunday.

Manager: Alison Jobe U13s: UCL Foxes displayed all the skill and effort any up and coming team should, displaying great passing and ball control and showing ease and comfort in their positions against Gaels Utd on Saturday.  The final score didn't really reflect the work rate put in by the whole team.  UCL 1, Gaels United 2. Goal Scorer: Mya Murtagh. Full team:  Mya Murtagh, Karen McLoughlin, Nessa Farley, Nicole McNally, Lana McGahren, Gemma Healy, Clodagh Duffy. Manager: Alison Jobe and Michael Masterson As with the UCL Foxes, sometimes the final score doesn't reflect how a match was played. Such was the case this past weekend when UCL Buffalos lost 2 - 0 to Stonepark. Despite the final result, the lads should be proud of themselves after having put in a huge effort and delivering a fine performance - their best of the season with many of the spectators agreeing that the Buffalos deserved to come away with at least a draw. Manager: Alison Jobe. U12s: What are they feeding those sharks? Despite being short a couple of players, UCL Sharks recorded another great team performance and continued their seemingly unstoppable campaign with a convincing victory over Castlepollard Celtics on Sunday. Manager: Enda Boylan. U11S: UCL Dolphins were at home to Ardagh on Saturday. In a great match which was really well supported by both teams (thank you mums & dads) the girls played their hearts out in a real end to end game and really tried their best throughout the whole match.  Final score UCL Dolphins 1, Ardagh 5. Full team:  Eleanor Lynch, Jessica Pratt, Caitlin O Reilly, Lauren & Rosien O Reilly, Emily O Reilly, Shauna Reilly, Kate Madden, Elianna Madden. Manager: Alison Jobe. U9s: After a couple of weeks rest and with time to sharpen their claws, UCL Tigers were let loose in Drumlish on Sunday. They sprang out from their cage and, from the get-go, did not disappoint. With a great team performance and goals from 5 of the team, the Tigers finished off Gaels United Lions (ironically) with a final whistle score of 7 - 1. Manager: John Patten.

Training: Training for all players continues at the usual times. Newly Qualified Referee: UCL HARPS FC is delighted to welcome Jessica Healy as its newest qualified referee. She refereed the U9 game in Drumlish on Sunday. The club wishes her every success in her new role! UCL HARPS FC Weekly Notes UCL HARPS FC notes are sent out by email on a weekly basis to a mailing list made up from the email addresses supplied by parents/guardians at registration. If you would like for others to be added to the mailing list, please send their email address to Eddie Ward (contact details below)

Bishop Colm O’Reilly awarded Freedom of Longford

Former Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois Colm O’Reilly was bestowed a great honour by his community last evening [Monday, Nov 19th 2013] when he was awarded the Freedom of Longford.

The 78 year old resigned from his post as Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise earlier this year after thirty years at the helm and was subsequently succeeded by Bishop Francis Duffy.

Article - Audrey Healy | Photos - Michael Croghan

The decision to award him the freedom of the County was originally put forward by Longford County Mayor Larry Bannon at a recent meeting of Longford Council and unanimously supported by his chamber colleagues.

Speaking at the official ceremony, which took place in the Council Chamber in Longford Town, Mayor Larry Bannon paid tribute to the Bishop for his “care and compassion to the people of Longford”, and in particular to the associations of ACCORD, St. Christopher’s and St. Vincent de Paul.

Addressing the gathering which was attended by members of Longford Council Council and current Bishop of Ardagh of Diocese and Clonmacnoise, Bishop O’Reilly said, “It is a great honour for me to receive this award here tonight – I am only the fourth person to do so – and the first cleric. Having spent so much time in Longford I have a special attachment to my native County and if I had received the award in another place, though it would also be very much appreciated and welcome it would not mean as much.”

As the date of reopening St. Mel’s Cathedral for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve 2014 draws ever closer, the much loved cleric spoke of those first few emotive days after that horrific event – and a strange occurrence which preceded it. “I have so many painful memories of that day in 2009 and have suffered many troubled sleepless nights. One of the thoughts going through my mind has always been ‘why should it happen to me?’ However I think about it more positively now and see it now, not as the end of a painful journey but the beginning of a new phase of a new life.”

He went on to recall something deeply personal which drew parallels with the Cathedral inferno. “I was in the city of Narobi in 1993 where I had occasion to visit for my brother’s illness. I became ill and was admitted to hospital on 23rd May for ten days when I had this horrendous nightmare in which the Cathedral was completely destroyed! The statues were gone and there was debris everywhere, it was so realistic, I couldn’t believe how this could happen to me and when the actual event happened in 2009 the devastation of that nightmare flashed back to me in my mind, it was so real. However I have put it all behind me now and God willing what’s ahead is happiness.”

The Parish Communications Group of St. Mel’s Cathedral are delighted to announce the launch of “Chorus Angelorum – The Sacred Music of St. Mel’s Cathedral 1856 – 2013”on Friday 22nd November at 8.00 pm in St. Mel’s Cathedral Centre, Longford. The book will be launched by Bishop Francis Duffy with all three parish choirs performing some of their favourite pieces.

Since 1856 a great many people have contributed generously as organists, choir members, musicians and soloists leading the parish community in praying through sacred music. This 144 page illustrated history book honours the contribution of so many down through the years.

This beautifully artistic volume designed by Noel Strange, celebrates the commitment of all with a trove of photographs, stories from past years, poems and songs and we anticipate that these will evoke wonderful memories for many people.

 St. Augustine said “Singing is for one who loves,” and there is also an ancient proverb: “Whoever sings well prays twice over.” In celebrating the contribution of the parish choirs, we recognise the importance place of music in our worship. As well look forward to our restored Cathedral in the not too distant future, may we continue to ‘Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has worked wonders.’

All are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served.

Club notes from UCL Harps Soccer Club [Nov 18th 2013]

Club Correspondent - Eddie Ward 

Match Reports

While not getting the limelight in quite the same way as did the newly appointed national duo this week, UCL HARPS FC teams deserve their share of praise as they, yet again, under the stewardship of their managers & trainers willingly gave up their free time to turn up for training and to play playing honest, solid and inspiring football for and on behalf of the club.  Here’s how they got on:

  U17s:

Ballyboro provided the backdrop for a match that turned into an epic battle, UCL fought every inch of the way to deny the home side taking the victory. Two fine goals delivered from the boots of Colm O’Reilly and Robbie Fitzpatrick ensured that the game ended in a 2 – 2 draw.

Manager: Axel Noack

  U15s:

UCL Wildcats were at home to Ballyboro. In appalling conditions the girls played their second game of the season. The Wildcats were very much on top at the end of the first half being 1 nil up at the break thanks to a great goal from Leah Brady. Their upper hand wasn’t to continue in the second half when the Ballyboro girls pulled back 3 goals. Ciara Cadden scored for UCL late in the second half leaving the final score Ballyboro 3, UCL Wildcats 2.  There are lots more games to come for the girls for the rest of the season so lets put this game down to experience and move on to the next game!

Manager: Alison Jobe & Michael Masterson

  U14s:

UCLHawks found their mojo this weekend with a convincing defeat of Melview. The first half was like watching paint dry, with neither side making much of an impact on the pitch. However in the second half the Hawks really got down to business. Joseph Hagen got a hat trick with the help of two great crosses from Shaun McKeon. Eoin Hawkins, much to the delight of the team and the supporters, scored a brace with a further two goals coming from Shaun McKeon and Evan O Connor. Despite all the goals scored this was very much a team performance so well done to all the boys! Final Score UCL 7 Melview 3

Manager: Alison Jobe

  U13s:

A full squad of determined UCL Gazelles travelled to Murrayfield to take on Olympic. This determination and the fact that both sides were closely matched provided the perfect ingredients for a tight and exciting match. Olympic opened the scoring, quickly followed by a score from Johanna Sheridan. Her second goal came as the result of a great pass from Kayla Brady. Team work, passing and encouragement from team mates and parents from the sideline contributed to a final whistle score of 2 – 1 to the UCL Gazelles.

Manager: Lesley Brady.

  U12s:

‘The Rock’ was yet again the killing ground where the UCL Sharks circled around and finished off Lisryan Rovers making this their 5th consecutive win. The UCL lads displayed some dazzling footwork and passing, allowing Diarmuid Boylan to score from a brilliant pass from Mickey Gormley and for Paddy Daly to hit 2 into the net. While Lisryan kept the Sharks at bay in a tight end to end second half it wasn’t enough to halt them taking the spoils. Final Score: UCL Sharks 3, Lisryan Rovers 1.

Manager: Enda Boylan.

  U11s:

For those present, the final score of 11 – 2 against UCL Pumas did not reflect how the UCL lads played. They were plucky, determined and worked hard throughout the game. Special mention to Aodan Harte and Matt Hackett who scored a great goal apiece. A great effort lads! Meanwhile, UCL Panthers put up a good fight against Melview Lions who on the day won out. Final Score: Melview 5, UCL Panthers 1. Goal Scorer: Paul Finnegan.

Manager: Petra Hoffman.

  U10s:

UCL Vipers deployed their skills and deadly venom to defeat Ardagh Utd by 5 goals to 1. Goal Scorers: Darragh McConnon, Eoghan Hartin, Spencer Dolan; Cillian Brady. Great job lads! 

Manager: Gavin Hartin.

  U9s:

UCL Dingos have had a great season so far. Last Saturday they defeated Abbey Rovers by 4 goals to 1 – with the lads notching up an impressive 4 wins out of their 5 group games. Goal Scorers: Thomas Partington 2; James Garvey 1; Stephen Sheridan 1.The Dingos were formed in September and since then they have worked hard and are developing into a promising team. They are looking forward to the rest of the season. Well done lads!

Manager: Eddie Ward.

  Training:

Training for all players continues at the usual times.

  UCL Weekly Notes

UCL HARPS FC notes are sent out by email on a weekly basis to a mailing list made up from the email addresses supplied by parents/guardians at registration. If you would like for others to be added to the mailing list, please send their email address to Eddie Ward (contact details below) 

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