Hello and welcome
to this week’s issue of Ireland’s Own.
We are delighted to once again get out our travelling boots and hit the road for County Monaghan. In this week’s cover story, ‘Exploring County Monaghan’ David Tucker reveals what the north eastern inland county, described as ‘Ireland’s best kept secret’, has to offer.
John Wright explains how Liam Clancy, the youngest of The Clancy Brothers, made his way as part of the group before turning solo. Paddy Ryan brings us the genius of Harry Clarke. Clarke was undoubtedly Ireland’s greatest stained glass artist. His magical works still have the power to enchant all those who encounter them, writes Paddy.
In her ‘Ireland’s Myths And Legends’ series, Gemma Grant recalls the tale of ‘Mongán’, son of King Fiachra Fionn, while in his ‘Role of the Irish in WW2’ series, Con McGrath features Sligo-man Dermod Kirwan who worked for the British Admiralty as a Radio Operator.
Pope John XXIII died 60 years ago, and Ray Cleere celebrates the life of ‘The Good Pope’. In ‘What Do You Know About June?’ Francis K. Beirne tests your knowledge of people and events associated with the month.
Mary Angland continues her series on famous battles that helped shape the country, this week she recalls how Scottish Ambitions ended at the Battle of Faughart. In ‘Hung up Over Hangers!’ Gerry Moran bemoans both the abundance and scarcity of the humble wire clothes hanger!
This week’s original short story is ‘Girls’, by Alan Egan. In ‘The King’ Remembered, Anthony Costelloe celebrates the stage and screen life of Yul Brynner. The Civil War series also continues, this week Eamonn Duggan chronicles ‘The Legacy of the Civil War and the Road to Recovery’.
We have all this for you to enjoy alongside regular favourites such as Cassidy Says, Dan Conway’s Corner, Marjorie’s Kitchen, Pete’s Pets, Stranger Than Fiction, Catch the Criminal, jokes, songs, puzzles, Pen Friends, gardening advice, Classic TV & Film, rivers of Ireland, memories and much more.
I hope that you enjoy this week’s issue and I will look forward to catching up with you all again next week. Until then, take care.
Best wishes,
Seán Nolan, Editor, Ireland’s Own
