Verse

CONFESSIONS OF A TRIDENTINE BOY

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Author: 
Sean Matgamna

CONFESSIONS OF A TRIDENTINE* BOY
(THE PRO-CATHEDRAL, ENNIS, 1950-53)

“It has been said: ‘Ireland is one huge monastery’.
In spite of exaggeration [this] correctly
emphasizes the fact that religion and the
supernatural are a vital element in Irish life.
At every twist and turn of the day a man is reminded
of the affairs of the soul. Thus he meets priests
and nuns, he passes by churches and convents;
he hears bells ringing for Mass, the Angelus, etc.
— The whole atmosphere is conducive to spirituality.”
— The Furrow,
Organ of Maynooth College,
Ireland’s leading seminary.
1954.

[Glossary, and notes
on the Pro-Cathedral, Ennis, c1950,
and on religion in Ennis then, below.]

MISSION CREEP

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Author: 
Attila the Stockbroker

By Attila the Stockbroker

I usually cheer at the word ‘revolution’
And rebels in action are my kith and kin
But when they are backed by the whole New World Order

"Spain" by W. H. Auden,

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Author: 
W. H. Auden, "Spain"

The Spanish Revolution and Civil War broke out 75 years ago.

"The stars are dead. The animals will not look.
We are left alone with our day, and the time is short, and
History to the defeated
May say Alas but cannot help or pardon."