Big Tom is still the king🎶🙃

Dear Readers (if you exist),

Good replies at the link below to my original letter which is here:

Sir, – I attended a cremation ceremony recently where the deceased chose to bow out to the strains of Four Country Roads by Big Tom and the Mainliners, and the song was kind of perfect for the occasion, so much so that I would consider using it when my own time comes. I wonder what musical choices readers may have for when they face, to borrow a phrase, the final curtain? – Yours, etc,

BRIAN AHERN,

Dublin 15.

What song would you choose for your funeral?

https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/2023/08/21/letters-to-the-editor-what-song-would-you-choose-for-your-funeral/

Comments

The Shaky Sky to Dublin

Readers of my blog (all two of you), I shot the following footage (linked below) on my descent into Dublin yesterday afternoon on a flight from Nice. I think it turned out rather well (if I do say so myself). Best, BA The link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgSCkrYZlIQ

The House by the Churchyard

This grand old house (pictured) on Main Street, Chapelizod, in the city of Dublin, wouldn't look out of place on Merrion or Mountjoy Square. Sadly though, its windows are broken and steel girders wrap around it to stop its collapse. In 2021 An Taisce (the National Trust for Ireland) listed it among Ireland's Top 10 Most-at-Risk buildings. If the house were a person, it would be described as close to death with a 'do not resuscitate' order placed upon it. An amazing feature of the house's history is that it is the setting for Sheridan Le Fanu's 1863 novel The House by the Churchyard. Per Wikipedia: 'The work inspired several later Irish writers, including James Joyce and Bram Stoker, who drew upon its Gothic horror and suspense features for their own novels. It has been considered by many critics as a precursor to the psychological horror genre.' So, in terms of literary cachet the house is up there with Joyce's House of the Dead on Usher's...

Winter Visitor

You were an angel and you came to see me Dressed in gold and hiding your wings, You were an angel and the things you told me Were things that only an angel sings. You were an angel and you came to save me From the city and its arrows and slings, You were an angel and the gifts you gave me Were gifts that only an angel brings. ©Brian Ahern 2026

bahern7

Search This Blog