29th July 1999
A reader telephoned us at
the “Weekly” just before we went to print to let us
know that she has found a child’s gold bracelet in Douglas
shopping centre. If you, or anybody you know, has lost one give
us a call at 896496 and we’ll put you in contact with the
finder of the bracelet.
I was thrilled last week when I saw Douglas had been swept on the
Sunday before, but like so many thrills it was a fleeting thing.
Last Sunday there wasn’t sight of a brush to be seen in
Douglas. I have learned that Douglas is to be swept every second
Sunday. Last week I mentioned that the open-top litter bins have
to go, and hey presto, they’re gone!! They are to be
replaced by three new black topped bins. Well done to the
council, and to people who put household refuse in these bins -
it is an offence and you are libel for prosecution. Don’t do
it!
I met Ross Anderson the other day and we talked about the closing
and possible demolition of Rochelle school on Old Blackrock Road.
We talked about how the Celtic Tiger was devouring everything in
its path, and Ross made a comment, which I liked. He said,
“Ah yes, the Celtic Tiger, all teeth and no taste”. I
think it just about sums it up. A good man to have on your quiz
team is Ross, not to forget our own Tom Deasy. Ann Towler in
Ballincollig and Helen Sparrow. Not forgetting Dominic McGrath
from Shamrock Lawn. Roll on October when the quiz season starts
again.
I’m sure I speak for all of Douglas and beyond when I wish
Father Vincent Hodnett the best of luck in his new parish out in
Blackpool. Vincent has been with us for only three years and I
know from speaking to many people that he will be missed.
I’ll always remember him for his “West Cork Wave”.
Incidently, his replacement is Father Christopher Fitzgerald and
we welcome him to Douglas. I wonder if he is a Man. Utd fan also?
The new P.P. from Frankfield is Father Dan Crowley.
My daughter went on holidays to America with her child. My wife
and I insisted that she get a harness to attach herself to the
child. My old friend Dominic Walsh of Grange came to the rescue
with his own invention - a wrist to wrist harness. He also makes
pouches for money for when you go on holidays. Dominic can be
contacted at 021-363161 for all your holiday security needs -
Support local !
Next tuesday morning the changes in the Douglas village shopping
centre car park come into operation. Drivers will no longer be
able to drive straight through the centre. It will probably take
some time for us drivers to adjust to the new system, but bear
with it and give it a chance and see how it works out. If you
wish to write and let us know what you think of it, your comments
are always welcome.
By now most of you will know that Joe Piper of Piper amusements
passed away last week. Joe was the last remaining granson of
George Piper, who came from England 121 years ago. We all took a
ride in the “bumpers” down through the years and it was
Joe who ran them from the hut in the corner. I only got to know
Joe when I spoke to him and his wife Georgina last year about the
history of the Pipers. He had a great love of music of the
50’s and 60’s and local bands and singers like the
Dixies, Art Supple, Pat Lynch, Declan Ryan, etc... We heard their
records played in public for the first time in the
“merries”, because at that time there was only one
radio station, Radio Eireann, and if they didn’t like your
record only one other option was open, take it to Joe Piper and
most of Cork would hear it.
Last year I played the music at Joe’s 70th birthday party
and when I played the late 50’s Rock’n’Roll Joe
took to the floor with Georgina - and could that man jive !!
I’ve mentioned that since to people I’ve met and they
say, “you should have seen him dance in his youth, a joy to
behold!!”
As I stood in the summer sun last Saturday evening in Crosshaven
waiting for the funeral enterauge to come from Cork my mind
started to drift back to the late fifties, walking up to Goats
Cross, eating Miss Murphys steaming hot chips and Slim Whitmans,
“Indian Love Call” in the background, booming out all
over Crosshaven. One of the last things he and the Piper family
did before he passed away was to organise a free night for the
Kosovan visitors in Crosshaven. I was there, and although Joe was
very ill he still ran the “bumpers” for the night and
had a smile for everybody. What more can I say except thanks for
the merries, the memories and the good music Joe. My deepest
sympathy to Georgina, David, Mark, Jim and Shane.
Finally, this being the bank holiday weekend, take care on the
roads, belt-up, take your time and see you all next week.
Bye for now.
Michael O’Hanlon
