26-8-2020
Ed's Blog From The Bog
Céad mile míle fáilte to this week's blog from the bog coming to you from glorious Glasnevin in leafy north County Dublin. Much to report and lots to share with our golfing friends from all over the World.
A Staycation With A Difference
Yes indeed it has been quite a few days for your blogger. From the beautiful surroundings of Thurles GC to a hospital in Dublin has been my lot during the past few days. The consultant has issued me with a yellow card quickly followed by a red card + a 4 week suspension from all golfing activity for as he said "masquerading as a golfer". My condition is not in the least life threatening although I have threatened the consultant a couple of times.
Westmanstown Was Wonderful
Our 3rd event of the season took us to wonderful Westmanstown in County Dublin. And what a pleasant start awaited us as IBG stalwart and Westmanstown GC member Michelle Hughes took us all by surprise with beautiful "goody bags" for all the players and guides. A brilliant day's golf culminated in a thrilling victory for Patrick Morgan Jnr. who pipped your blogger to the post on a countback. It was nice to see Patrick back in the winners circle. after his recent illness.
It's A Long way To Tipperay
The long journey to Thurles in county Tipperary was rewarded with a fine day's golf. And what a beautiful course it is. "Long but forgiving" was how my guide Brendan Hand described it and nobody could argue with that. Patrick Jnr was a deserving winner but one of the stars of the day was the redoubtable Adrian Downey who left most of the big guns in his trail as he blasted his way to a stunning 2nd place finish. It was such a pleasure to see our courageous captain Philip Bond playing so well. The Ardrahan crooner has plenty of ammunition left in those clubs of his.
Grangecastle Next On the List
Yes indeed it's back to Grangecastle GC in south Dublin for the 5th leg of our order of merit c'ship. This Friday August 28th.will see our warriors descend on the lush fairways of Adrian Downeys local course for what should be a battle for the ages. I've placed my bets with Paddy Power but my lips are sealed as to who I'm betting on. Suffice to say that he's a former distinguished hurler and referee and lives next door (nearly) to ex Dublin manager Jim Gavin. And by the way he's also a fairly speaker of the Irish language.
Slán Agus Beannacht
Time for me to say Slán agus beannacht goodbye and God bless. Hopefully my next blog won't be from a hospital bed and remembering always that our golfing community is a community of friends even in the small island of Ireland.
Ed Maguire.
+---------------------------------------+
Ed's Blog From The Bog
Céad mile míle fáilte to this week's blog from the bog coming to you from glorious Glasnevin in leafy north County Dublin. Much to report and lots to share with our golfing friends from all over the World.
A Staycation With A Difference
Yes indeed it has been quite a few days for your blogger. From the beautiful surroundings of Thurles GC to a hospital in Dublin has been my lot during the past few days. The consultant has issued me with a yellow card quickly followed by a red card + a 4 week suspension from all golfing activity for as he said "masquerading as a golfer". My condition is not in the least life threatening although I have threatened the consultant a couple of times.
Westmanstown Was Wonderful
Our 3rd event of the season took us to wonderful Westmanstown in County Dublin. And what a pleasant start awaited us as IBG stalwart and Westmanstown GC member Michelle Hughes took us all by surprise with beautiful "goody bags" for all the players and guides. A brilliant day's golf culminated in a thrilling victory for Patrick Morgan Jnr. who pipped your blogger to the post on a countback. It was nice to see Patrick back in the winners circle. after his recent illness.
It's A Long way To Tipperay
The long journey to Thurles in county Tipperary was rewarded with a fine day's golf. And what a beautiful course it is. "Long but forgiving" was how my guide Brendan Hand described it and nobody could argue with that. Patrick Jnr was a deserving winner but one of the stars of the day was the redoubtable Adrian Downey who left most of the big guns in his trail as he blasted his way to a stunning 2nd place finish. It was such a pleasure to see our courageous captain Philip Bond playing so well. The Ardrahan crooner has plenty of ammunition left in those clubs of his.
Grangecastle Next On the List
Yes indeed it's back to Grangecastle GC in south Dublin for the 5th leg of our order of merit c'ship. This Friday August 28th.will see our warriors descend on the lush fairways of Adrian Downeys local course for what should be a battle for the ages. I've placed my bets with Paddy Power but my lips are sealed as to who I'm betting on. Suffice to say that he's a former distinguished hurler and referee and lives next door (nearly) to ex Dublin manager Jim Gavin. And by the way he's also a fairly speaker of the Irish language.
Slán Agus Beannacht
Time for me to say Slán agus beannacht goodbye and God bless. Hopefully my next blog won't be from a hospital bed and remembering always that our golfing community is a community of friends even in the small island of Ireland.
Ed Maguire.
+---------------------------------------+
29-7-2020
Ed's Blog From the Bog
Céad míle fáilte and a hundred thousand welcomes to this week's blog.
Truthfully it might be better to call it "Ed's Brief Blog From the Bog" on this occasion.
Anyway we have a few snippets of news to share with you.
Kilcock was An Awesome Challenge
Last week's order of merit outing was to Kilcock GC in County Kildare where your blogger was a very fortunate winner. However the story of the day was the ding dong battle for 2nd place between Wally Roode and Patrick Morgan Jnr. This was truly a battle for the ages that ebbed and flowed like a wild Irish river. In the end the two warriors could not be separated but the real drama of the day deserves a paragraph of its own.
More Power To Paddy Power
One of our new members is a gentleman from New Ross in the beautiful
County of Wexford. Like many of us this amiable man from the banks of the river Slaney has had to face many challenges during his lifetime. Paddy would agree that joining IBG has been a redemptive experience for him just as it has been for so many more of us. Thus it was that the biggest cheer at our presentation of prizes at Kilcock GC was reserved for Paddy. When Adrian Downey announced that the nearest the pin prize on the par three was won by Paddy Power there was unrestrained applause and emotion. It was one of the finest moments of our season.
My Mole Near The Hole
Once again I have to report that my mole near the hole has been extremely busy of late. As you all know our next order of merit outing is tomorrow. We will be teeing off from 11.00am and a great days golf is anticipated on the beautiful fairways and greens of Westmanstown Golf Club. One of the most popular members of Irish Blind Golf is a very charming lady named Michelle Hughes who is a member of Westmanstown. My mole near the hole at Westmanstown has told me that Michelle has recently been victorious not once but twice at that course. Michelle is fully deserving of her success and has been a stalwart of our organization for some time now.
Captain Philip Bond
Philip Bond is in the 2nd year of his captaincy and what a popular leader the Kinvara man has been. Galway's loss has definitely been our gain as the distinguished former Garda has led from the front and set a very positive example for all of us. But the crooner from Kinvara had a recent health setback which put a halt to his gallop (Well it is Galway races week) for a little while. The really good news is that Philip is on the mend aided and abetted by his lovely wife Kathleen and hopes to be back on the fairways soon.
See You All Tomorrow
Well it's time for me to say slán agus beannacht to all of you. Hope to see many of you at our big order of merit outing to Westmanstown GC tomorrow. We are expecting a big turn out and a great day of golf. Hope our little blog finds you all in good form and that you are all fighting fit during these difficult times.
Ed Maguire.
+---------------------------------------+
Ed's Blog From the Bog
Céad míle fáilte and a hundred thousand welcomes to this week's blog.
Truthfully it might be better to call it "Ed's Brief Blog From the Bog" on this occasion.
Anyway we have a few snippets of news to share with you.
Kilcock was An Awesome Challenge
Last week's order of merit outing was to Kilcock GC in County Kildare where your blogger was a very fortunate winner. However the story of the day was the ding dong battle for 2nd place between Wally Roode and Patrick Morgan Jnr. This was truly a battle for the ages that ebbed and flowed like a wild Irish river. In the end the two warriors could not be separated but the real drama of the day deserves a paragraph of its own.
More Power To Paddy Power
One of our new members is a gentleman from New Ross in the beautiful
County of Wexford. Like many of us this amiable man from the banks of the river Slaney has had to face many challenges during his lifetime. Paddy would agree that joining IBG has been a redemptive experience for him just as it has been for so many more of us. Thus it was that the biggest cheer at our presentation of prizes at Kilcock GC was reserved for Paddy. When Adrian Downey announced that the nearest the pin prize on the par three was won by Paddy Power there was unrestrained applause and emotion. It was one of the finest moments of our season.
My Mole Near The Hole
Once again I have to report that my mole near the hole has been extremely busy of late. As you all know our next order of merit outing is tomorrow. We will be teeing off from 11.00am and a great days golf is anticipated on the beautiful fairways and greens of Westmanstown Golf Club. One of the most popular members of Irish Blind Golf is a very charming lady named Michelle Hughes who is a member of Westmanstown. My mole near the hole at Westmanstown has told me that Michelle has recently been victorious not once but twice at that course. Michelle is fully deserving of her success and has been a stalwart of our organization for some time now.
Captain Philip Bond
Philip Bond is in the 2nd year of his captaincy and what a popular leader the Kinvara man has been. Galway's loss has definitely been our gain as the distinguished former Garda has led from the front and set a very positive example for all of us. But the crooner from Kinvara had a recent health setback which put a halt to his gallop (Well it is Galway races week) for a little while. The really good news is that Philip is on the mend aided and abetted by his lovely wife Kathleen and hopes to be back on the fairways soon.
See You All Tomorrow
Well it's time for me to say slán agus beannacht to all of you. Hope to see many of you at our big order of merit outing to Westmanstown GC tomorrow. We are expecting a big turn out and a great day of golf. Hope our little blog finds you all in good form and that you are all fighting fit during these difficult times.
Ed Maguire.
+---------------------------------------+
16-7-2020
Ed's Blog From the Bog
Céad mile míle fáilte and one hundred thousand welcomes to this week's blog coming to you from the beautiful emerald isle of Ireland. These are strange and difficult times that we live in but I hope that our friends in the world of blind golf are keeping well and that a vaccine will be found that will help to rid us of the scourge that is the corona virus.
Beechpark Was Beautiful
The Irish blind golf season started off with a bang at Beechpark GC on Friday of last week. Your blogger was the surprise winner on the day but the real winners were all the men and ladies who adorned the occasion with their presence. Patrick Morgan Jnr finished strongly to claim 2nd spot on a day when scoring was very difficult. The greens were lightning fast and the approaches to the greens were equally challenging. However it has to be said that Beechpark was a really beautiful location and that everybody enjoyed playing there.
The New Kids on The Block
Really delighted that IBG has so many newcomers this year and they are all very welcome indeed. Paddy Power, Marion Hegarty, Tom O Rourke, Eamonn Gallagher and
Madeline McNamara are the 5 newcomers who rose to the challenge of Beechpark GC made a great start to their careers in blind golf. Tom was in my group and created the sensation of the day by nearly holing his drive on the first Par 3. I'm told that Paddy, Eamonn and
Madeline made steady starts and most importantly that all thoroughly enjoyed the first outing with Irish blind golf. Dr Handa would have been really proud to have witnessed his dream becoming a reality in far flung Rathcoole.
From Hertfortshire To Here
Yes indeed that was the journey in life that Marion Hegarty undertook when she came to live in Ireland. Marion was one of our 5 newcomers last Friday and the lady from Hertfortshire in England was a surprise packet on a day of surprises. Guided by her son Dominic Marion showed that she will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming weeks and months. Marion possesses a beautiful golf swing and like the other four beginners will be a big addition to Irish blind golf.
My Mole Near the Hole
Yes indeed my mole near the hole has resurfaced once again and has been very busy indeed. He told me (and this is on very good authority) that some of our golfers are in strict training for the season that lies ahead of us. At least 4 of our golfers are doing lots of gym work and especially weight lifting. I have to put my hand up and say mea culpa, mea culpa, because I have been doing lots of weight lifting over the past few months. Yes I have lifted many bottles of red wine and a very occasionally resorted to lifting large bottles of Guinness. Mind you all in the interest of fitness and preparation for the new season.
IBG Handa Kilcock Classic
We are all looking forward to our next event which takes us to Kilcock Golf Club in Kilcock
Co Kildare. This is a very long course and will present a challenge for all of us. The bookmakers have installed Wally Roode as a firm favourite because the long hitting
Sth African's style will be suited by the course. Patrick Morgan Jnr will have a lot to say about the outcome but I'm reliably informed that the real surprise packet could be the dynamo from Dundrum Carol Brill. Anyway it will be a really enjoyable day for all of us in the
"short grass" county of Kildare.
The Friendship Of Friends
I often refer to the blind golf world as a community of friends and it is in that spirit that our little blog goes out from Navan to blind golfers all over the world. It is truly wonderful to enjoy the friendship of friends and this is especially true during these difficult times. I'm going to finish off this week with a short little poem of mine which I included in my blog a couple of years ago. The island referred to is Inniskee Island just off the coast of beautiful County Mayo.
Friendship
As I listen to the haunting sound,
Of the waves near Inniskee;
I'd like to be the kind of friend,
That you have been to me.
That faithful friend that you may find,
If you look inside your heart;
And realize that each new year,
Brings the chance of a brand new start.
I'd like to be that kind of friend,
Who never questions why;
But loves you just the way you are,
With a love that money can't buy.
Until the next time slán agus beannacht and everybody keep well.
Ed Maguire (IBG)
+---------------------------------------+
Ed's Blog From the Bog
Céad mile míle fáilte and one hundred thousand welcomes to this week's blog coming to you from the beautiful emerald isle of Ireland. These are strange and difficult times that we live in but I hope that our friends in the world of blind golf are keeping well and that a vaccine will be found that will help to rid us of the scourge that is the corona virus.
Beechpark Was Beautiful
The Irish blind golf season started off with a bang at Beechpark GC on Friday of last week. Your blogger was the surprise winner on the day but the real winners were all the men and ladies who adorned the occasion with their presence. Patrick Morgan Jnr finished strongly to claim 2nd spot on a day when scoring was very difficult. The greens were lightning fast and the approaches to the greens were equally challenging. However it has to be said that Beechpark was a really beautiful location and that everybody enjoyed playing there.
The New Kids on The Block
Really delighted that IBG has so many newcomers this year and they are all very welcome indeed. Paddy Power, Marion Hegarty, Tom O Rourke, Eamonn Gallagher and
Madeline McNamara are the 5 newcomers who rose to the challenge of Beechpark GC made a great start to their careers in blind golf. Tom was in my group and created the sensation of the day by nearly holing his drive on the first Par 3. I'm told that Paddy, Eamonn and
Madeline made steady starts and most importantly that all thoroughly enjoyed the first outing with Irish blind golf. Dr Handa would have been really proud to have witnessed his dream becoming a reality in far flung Rathcoole.
From Hertfortshire To Here
Yes indeed that was the journey in life that Marion Hegarty undertook when she came to live in Ireland. Marion was one of our 5 newcomers last Friday and the lady from Hertfortshire in England was a surprise packet on a day of surprises. Guided by her son Dominic Marion showed that she will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming weeks and months. Marion possesses a beautiful golf swing and like the other four beginners will be a big addition to Irish blind golf.
My Mole Near the Hole
Yes indeed my mole near the hole has resurfaced once again and has been very busy indeed. He told me (and this is on very good authority) that some of our golfers are in strict training for the season that lies ahead of us. At least 4 of our golfers are doing lots of gym work and especially weight lifting. I have to put my hand up and say mea culpa, mea culpa, because I have been doing lots of weight lifting over the past few months. Yes I have lifted many bottles of red wine and a very occasionally resorted to lifting large bottles of Guinness. Mind you all in the interest of fitness and preparation for the new season.
IBG Handa Kilcock Classic
We are all looking forward to our next event which takes us to Kilcock Golf Club in Kilcock
Co Kildare. This is a very long course and will present a challenge for all of us. The bookmakers have installed Wally Roode as a firm favourite because the long hitting
Sth African's style will be suited by the course. Patrick Morgan Jnr will have a lot to say about the outcome but I'm reliably informed that the real surprise packet could be the dynamo from Dundrum Carol Brill. Anyway it will be a really enjoyable day for all of us in the
"short grass" county of Kildare.
The Friendship Of Friends
I often refer to the blind golf world as a community of friends and it is in that spirit that our little blog goes out from Navan to blind golfers all over the world. It is truly wonderful to enjoy the friendship of friends and this is especially true during these difficult times. I'm going to finish off this week with a short little poem of mine which I included in my blog a couple of years ago. The island referred to is Inniskee Island just off the coast of beautiful County Mayo.
Friendship
As I listen to the haunting sound,
Of the waves near Inniskee;
I'd like to be the kind of friend,
That you have been to me.
That faithful friend that you may find,
If you look inside your heart;
And realize that each new year,
Brings the chance of a brand new start.
I'd like to be that kind of friend,
Who never questions why;
But loves you just the way you are,
With a love that money can't buy.
Until the next time slán agus beannacht and everybody keep well.
Ed Maguire (IBG)
+---------------------------------------+
29-11-2019
Ed's Blog From the Bog
Céad míle, míle fáilte, a hundred thousand welcomes to this month's blog from the bog, coming to you from the windswept and beautiful west coast of Ireland. It has been a hectic year for blind golfers here in Ireland and all over the World, but there is much to look forward to in the coming year, and especially
the ISPS Handa Blind Golf World Championship, which is being hosted by
South Africa in 2020. We met all of the South Africa contingent at the British Blind Golf Open, in Cheshire earlier in the year and they have assured us that they are going to host a fabulous competition.
Darragh Dares to Dream
Forgive me if I wind the clock back to the fantastic Irish Blind Golf open, which was hosted at Nuremore Golf Club in Carrickmacross a couple of years ago. The event was notable for the entertainment which was organised by Irish Blind Golf which included a Riverdance show, ballad groups, traditional Irish music and so much more. The golf will be remembered for the victory of Thurles, Co Tipperary's, Darragh Stakelum, who pulverized the field with an awesome display of golf. Sad to say that Darragh has been very ill for well over a year now and has played very little golf in the interim. The personable Thurles native has been in hospital for several months, but we are delighted to report that he is now back home and on the mend. And yes Darragh will dare to dream that he can get back out on the fairways again to play the game that he loves.
Patrick Junior To The Fore
Patrick Morgan Jnr has become so well known all over the world of blind golf and further afield that when the name Patrick Jnr is mentioned nowadays, there's no need to add Morgan, because everybody knows who is being spoken about. He is now in the realm of Tiger, Rory, Bruce, Pádraig etc. And Patrick Jnr has added to his long list of successes by once again winning the ISPS Handa IBG Irish order of merit title for 2019. He was chased all the way to the winning post by Carol Brill and Wally Roode.
Wally is of course a native of Sth Africa and I'm sure he'll be preparing for the World C'ship in his native country.
Hugh Kennedy-What a Coincidence
One of our new members this year is Hugh Kennedy, a very impressive golfer whose wife Patricia aids and abets him on the golf course. The amiable Hugh was a very well known club footballer in his younger days and won a Down Senior football with his club up in County Down. I got the shock of my life on Hugh's first outing with IBG when he asked me did I have a brother named Tom Maguire. When I answered "yes" Hugh said "Well he played with me on the Glenn John Martin's in the Down senior football c'ship. which we won". So sad to relate that my beloved brother Tom joined the All Star team in Heaven a few short months ago.
Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a anam.
My Mole Near the Hole
Yes indeed my "mole near the hole" has been very busy recently and tells me that one of our members has been very busy with media engagements of late. Turn on your TV or your radio and she's being interviewed and she features regularly in the papers. I am of course referring to Carol Brill, who also featured on Radio and TV in the Netherlands recently. The intrepid Dublin lady was part of a presentation function which seen 250,000 euros being awarded to a university research programme in the Netherlands featured on Dutch radio and TV recently. The researchers are hoping to have positive results that will hopefully be of great assistance to people who suffer with Usher's Syndrome (blind and deaf). Carol has suffered from this condition for several years.
Best Wishes To All
It's time for me to put my pen away and wish you all a very happy holiday period. I wonder if Dr Handa fully realizes how much we appreciate his continued generosity and his wonderful sponsorship of blind golf all around the world. Joan and myself met the great man in Tokyo 3 years ago when he sang "Danny Boy" for all of us. I hope Kyoichi shows him this little blog. As I often say in this blog the world of blind golfers is really a community of friends and it is in that spirit that we wish you all well and hope that 2020 will continue to be a good year for you
Slán agus beannacht.
Ed Maguire.
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20 – 8 - 2019
Ed's Blog from The Bog
Céad míle, míle fáilte to this week's "blog" coming to you from the beautiful county of Meath just down the road from Dublin. Much to report and lot's to share with all of our friends here in Ireland and in over 20 other countries around the World.
Massereene and Galgorm Were Gigantic
We are all just back from Ballymena in county Antrim after what can only be described as the greatest few days of our lives. The ISPS Handa Invitational was on a level that very few of us have ever experienced before. Kudos and heartiest congratulations to Fallon White, Jackie Neill, Paul Gallagher, Gary from Galgorm, the incredible Niall Horan and absolutely hundreds of others who made this a championship for the ages.
Irish Blind Golf Walks the Walk
Forgive me if I get a little bit parochial here but IBG will forever be indebted to the organizers for their foresight and magnanimity in inviting the Irish International blind golfers to
Galgorm Castle GC. and for providing us with the opportunity to showcase what Irish blind golf is all about. The stated ethos of ISPS Handa is the POWER OF SPORT and the ability of sport to break down barriers and provide opportunities for everybody. It gives people with disabilities the chance to walk the walk and strut their stuff.
The 7th Hole was 7th Heaven For Patrick Jnr
The seminal moment of the entire tournament for many people came at the 7th tee on day one. This was the "beat the pro" challenge at an extremely difficult par 3. But cometh the hour cometh the man and in this case a very young man indeed as Patrick Morgan Jnr, of Irish Blind Golf walked up to the tee. Having already had a practice effort which did not work out very well for the Italian open champion and multiple winner all over the world flexed his muscles as he listened carefully to his guide (dad Pat). The dynamo from Dublin swung his club effortlessly and the ball arched its way up onto the green. The applause lasted for several minutes as Patrick had indeed beaten one of the pros. I got lucky myself also as my guide Michelle Hughes guided me brilliantly onto the same green.
Thank You TG4, RTE Radio and Harry Cook
Everybody at Gallgorm Castle were delighted by the media coverage given to the Irish blind golf team and we are indebted to RTE Radio and TG4 who spent hours televising the Irish blind golfers for the main evening tv news. Plaudits also to the irrepressible Harry Cook who brought a new dimension to the concept of television coverage. What a wonderful person. And speaking of wonderful people the fantastically charitable and supportive Dr Haruhisa Handa has to be complimented on his continuing support for golf and for blind golf in particular. We all missed his fantastic note perfect tenor singing voice at Galgorm Castle.
Another Win for Wally
Last Friday saw us all come down to earth so to speak, as we tackled the many water obstacles and dog legs at beautiful Knightsbrook GC. in Trim Co. Meath. It was South African born Wally Roode who strode the fairways like a man possessed. Now resident in Dublin the former tennis legend left the rest of the field for dead as he won by 3 strokes from Galwegian Ger Bond, brother of our esteemed captain Phillip. 18 members teed it up at the lavish Royal county golf complex including 3 of our 4 new members.
Adrian Dared To Dream
The ISPS Handa British Open at the challenging Cheshire Course at Carden Park was notable for the difficulty of the course but also for the wonderful performance of our very own Adrian Downey. The Clondalkin Cyclone put on a performance for the ages as he came in a gallant 3rd, in a highly competitive stableford field. Shot of the tournament was without a doubt provided by the Stourbridge stalwart Nick Mills in a category won by the one and only Derrick Sheridan.
My Mole Near the Hole Has Been Busy
Yes indeed my mole near the hole has been very busy of late and tells me that one of our female members has been practicing relentlessly on the beautiful island of Fuerteventura in advance of her comeback at our next event. Good news also for one of the most talented golfers in the world of blind golf. Yes Irish Open Champion Darragh Stakelum is making a very good recovery from an illness and might even be able to tee it up at our next event. Tipperary's brilliant display yesterday will no doubt have speeded up his recovery.
Next Event - Knightsbrook GC
Just a gentle reminder that our next event in our order of merit c'ship takes us back to Knightsbrook GC, on Fri Aug 30... Tee off times from 11.18am. A record turnout is predicted.
Absent Friends
Our captain Phillip Bond has told me that we might have a very special guest at his captain's day banquet. Yes it's so sad to reflect on the passing of our co-founder the amiable and ever smiling Jimmy Murray and yet the sadness is tempered by the knowledge of the wonderful life that he lived and the values that defined him.
Friendship
I hope you don't mind me sharing this little poem that I wrote a short time ago. I have always regarded the world of blind golf as a community of friends scattered over several countries. I regard Dr Handa as being our spiritual leader. All of us have forged friendships that have lasted for years and all this through our common bond of......being blind and visually impaired golfers. Inniskea is a beautiful island off the coast of Mayo and I hope you like this little poem.
Friendship
As I listen to the haunting sound
Of the waves near Inniskee;
I'd like to be the kind of friend,
That you have been to me.
That faithful friend that you may find,
If you look inside your heart.
And realize that each new year,
Brings the chance of a brand new start.
I'd like to be that kind of friend,
Who never questions why;
But loves you just the way you are,
With a love that money can't buy.
Slán agus beannacht-goodbye and God bless, until the next time.
Ed Maguire.
+---------------------------------------+
11-7-2019
Ed's Blog From The Bog
Céad míle, míle fáilte to this week’s blog from the bog and I hope it finds you all in good form and enjoying the weather wherever you are around the world. And first and foremost today our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Brendan "Bottler" Grace who has just passed away. Brendan was the outstanding comedian of his own and many other generations and helped to keep this country laughing during good and bad times.
Roode Rules the Roost at Westmanstown
Last week's outing to Westmanstown was significant on many levels. I was playing in the company of Patrick Morgan Jnr. and newcomer Hugh Kennedy. Patrick Jnr. returned a fantastic score of 37 stapleford points and none of us believed that such a score could be bettered on such a long and demanding course. But cometh the day cometh the hour and South African born Willem Wally Roode rose to the challenge like a man possessed. The genial ever smiling native of Johannesburg brought a new dimension to the word determination as he strode the fairways like a colossus to register a fully deserved triumph. The ever improving Adrian Downey added another feather to his cap as he snatched 3rd place ahead of one of the largest fields of the season.
Céad Míle Fáilte Hugh Kennedy
Yes indeed and a hundred thousand welcomes to new member Hugh Kennedy from beautiful County Down. The former football star with Glenn John Martins outside Newry has won three Co Down senior football c'ships and has the distinction of keeping a tight rein on superstar Sean O Neill on many occasions. But by a remarkable coincidence one of the midfielders for the 1962 triumph was a player named Tom Maguire who only passed away a few weeks ago. Tom was my brother a man that I looked up to and was fiercely proud of. Hugh's wife Patricia made a big impression on all of us and I have to say that this charming couple are a great addition to our ranks.
My Mole Near the Hole
My mole near the hole has been very busy of late and no more so than at Westmanstown GC. where he deemed that Hugh Kennedy's chip in from near a rabbit hole on the 15th was the shot of the day. He also informed me that I had a double hit on a ball on the back nine. The news that our esteemed captain Phillip Bond is yet again over in Alvor in sunny Portugal
came as no surprise as the Ardrahan "crooner" and his charming wife Kathleen have fallen in love with the Algarve.
Marc, Maria, Jeus-Jugadores, Asociados y Voluntarios
Some of the nicest people that we have met were the Spanish blind golf
team. They made a very positive impression on all of us at international events in Italy and Spain. We hope to develop our friendship with them and initiate international competitions between Ireland and Spain. Marc is also a world class downhill skier which is pretty awesome for a visually impaired person. Hasta luego mi amigos.
Thanks a Million Michelle
The famous Beatles song could very well have been written about Michelle Hughes who has been guiding with IBG for many years. But the Westmanstown GC. member exceeded all expectations for our recent outing to her course. As she was busy supporting Padraig Harrington at Lahinch, Michelle left instructions that we be well looked after in her absence. Her generosity knows no bounds and was greatly appreciated.
Thank you Michelle.
The Knightsbrook Challenge
As our next order of merit event won't be until August 30th,we have
arranged the Knightsbrook Challenge for Fri August 16th, tee times 1.15-1.55. This will be a unique outing on the beautiful Trim Co. Meath course,
because visually impaired golfers and their guides will be playing so a fun
day is expected. This will not be an order of merit event but could be the most enjoyable outing of the year.
Time to Say Goodbye
Yes indeed it is time to say slán agus beannacht and hope you all cheer for Mayo this weekend.
Ed Maguire
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27-6-2019
Ed's Blog From The Bog
Céad míle, míle fáilte, a hundred thousand welcomes to this week's "blog from the bog" coming to you from the sweltering east coast of Ireland. Much to report and lots of results and good news to bring to you
Patrick Jnr Unleashes A Tornado in Thurles
Yes indeed and what a day we had at Thurles GC in leafy Tipperary where
Patrick Morgan Jnr unleashed a flurry of golf shots that would put Rory McElroy and Dustin Johnson to shame. His 40 stapleford points on a long
unrelenting golf course drew gasps of admiration from the many spectators who had gathered for a fundraiser later in the day. Your chastened blogger amassed a very satisfying 35 points, while Carol Brill continues to impress and her 3rd place finish sets her up nicely for the defense of her British Open title in July.
Adrian Downey - Courage Personified
Our charismatic former chairman showed immense commitment and
enormous courage by taking to the fairways despite suffering from a
debilitating back condition. The former Dublin hurler demonstrated the
heart of a lion in completing the arduous 18 holes and came off the 18th
with a big smile on his face.
The John and Joe Show
It was a pleasure and a privilege to be in the group that included Clare's,
John O Grady and Callan Co Kilkenny resident Joe Lonergan. John's drive on the 14th was the longest of the day while shot of the day was Joe's
wonderful approach shot on the 16th. Joe's guide Dinny and the inimitable
Paddy O’Grady who was guiding for son John added to what was truly a
unique and wonderful day in sunny Thurles.
A Contender For Fluke of The Century
Yes everybody I have to put my hand up and accept responsibility for a "shot" that my guide Martin McGuinness described as "fluke of the century". Martin lined me up 65 yards from the hole, I swung a pitching wedge, the ball was heading for the clubhouse window past the 17th hole, there was an almighty bang, I said to Martin,"there goes the window",
but when we went up the ball had hit the flag and fallen into the hole. By
the time we had gotten back to base the distance had increased to 165 yards. TR Dallas has a hit song titled "The Story I Tell You is True" and his song would have suited this occasion.
Isn't It Lovely to Enjoy the Friendship of Friends
A long standing friend of mine Navan's Joe McGrath used to use the above expression and I believe this to be so true in the world of blind golf
which is really an expended large family group around the world who enjoy each other's company and meeting up at local and international events. This little blog goes out to visually impaired golfers and other friends all over Ireland, Canada, USA, The Netherlands, Spain, Australia,Austria, Italy, Portugal, Sth Africa, Japan, Scotland, England and Israel.
We are in reality an international community of friends.
My Mole Near the Hole
I have to confess that my "mole near the hole" has been extremely quiet and well behaved of late but he couldn't resist telling me about one of our golfers who had a long conversation with a tree in Thurles. Apparently the words "bleedin" and "chainsaw" were to the fore in the one sided conversation. The greens which were very difficult were also the subject of some very colorful comments which cannot be repeated here.
Westmanstown - Fri July 5th
The race for the order of merit title is hotting up and my mole near the hole has informed me that Pat Morgan and son Patrick Jnr are getting some extra warm weather practice abroad. They'll be back in time for our
next outing which will take us to Westmanstown GC, Dublin on Fri July 5th.
(11.00-12.00). Michelle Hughes assures me that she will have the course in perfect order for us for what should be a great outing. Our esteemed captain Philip Bond tells me that he has fully recovered from Galway's
double defeats and that he will be leading the charge at Westmanstown.
Incidentally "Tee To Green" which appears in The Irish Independent every Thursday carry all our results and fixtures.
Slán agus Beannacht
Well it's time for me to say slán agus beannacht goodbye and God bless until the next time. Hope our little blog finds you in good health and good spirits.
Ed Maguire.
+---------------------------------------+
Ed's Blog From The Bog
Céad míle, míle fáilte, a hundred thousand welcomes to this week's "blog from the bog" coming to you from the sweltering east coast of Ireland. Much to report and lots of results and good news to bring to you
Patrick Jnr Unleashes A Tornado in Thurles
Yes indeed and what a day we had at Thurles GC in leafy Tipperary where
Patrick Morgan Jnr unleashed a flurry of golf shots that would put Rory McElroy and Dustin Johnson to shame. His 40 stapleford points on a long
unrelenting golf course drew gasps of admiration from the many spectators who had gathered for a fundraiser later in the day. Your chastened blogger amassed a very satisfying 35 points, while Carol Brill continues to impress and her 3rd place finish sets her up nicely for the defense of her British Open title in July.
Adrian Downey - Courage Personified
Our charismatic former chairman showed immense commitment and
enormous courage by taking to the fairways despite suffering from a
debilitating back condition. The former Dublin hurler demonstrated the
heart of a lion in completing the arduous 18 holes and came off the 18th
with a big smile on his face.
The John and Joe Show
It was a pleasure and a privilege to be in the group that included Clare's,
John O Grady and Callan Co Kilkenny resident Joe Lonergan. John's drive on the 14th was the longest of the day while shot of the day was Joe's
wonderful approach shot on the 16th. Joe's guide Dinny and the inimitable
Paddy O’Grady who was guiding for son John added to what was truly a
unique and wonderful day in sunny Thurles.
A Contender For Fluke of The Century
Yes everybody I have to put my hand up and accept responsibility for a "shot" that my guide Martin McGuinness described as "fluke of the century". Martin lined me up 65 yards from the hole, I swung a pitching wedge, the ball was heading for the clubhouse window past the 17th hole, there was an almighty bang, I said to Martin,"there goes the window",
but when we went up the ball had hit the flag and fallen into the hole. By
the time we had gotten back to base the distance had increased to 165 yards. TR Dallas has a hit song titled "The Story I Tell You is True" and his song would have suited this occasion.
Isn't It Lovely to Enjoy the Friendship of Friends
A long standing friend of mine Navan's Joe McGrath used to use the above expression and I believe this to be so true in the world of blind golf
which is really an expended large family group around the world who enjoy each other's company and meeting up at local and international events. This little blog goes out to visually impaired golfers and other friends all over Ireland, Canada, USA, The Netherlands, Spain, Australia,Austria, Italy, Portugal, Sth Africa, Japan, Scotland, England and Israel.
We are in reality an international community of friends.
My Mole Near the Hole
I have to confess that my "mole near the hole" has been extremely quiet and well behaved of late but he couldn't resist telling me about one of our golfers who had a long conversation with a tree in Thurles. Apparently the words "bleedin" and "chainsaw" were to the fore in the one sided conversation. The greens which were very difficult were also the subject of some very colorful comments which cannot be repeated here.
Westmanstown - Fri July 5th
The race for the order of merit title is hotting up and my mole near the hole has informed me that Pat Morgan and son Patrick Jnr are getting some extra warm weather practice abroad. They'll be back in time for our
next outing which will take us to Westmanstown GC, Dublin on Fri July 5th.
(11.00-12.00). Michelle Hughes assures me that she will have the course in perfect order for us for what should be a great outing. Our esteemed captain Philip Bond tells me that he has fully recovered from Galway's
double defeats and that he will be leading the charge at Westmanstown.
Incidentally "Tee To Green" which appears in The Irish Independent every Thursday carry all our results and fixtures.
Slán agus Beannacht
Well it's time for me to say slán agus beannacht goodbye and God bless until the next time. Hope our little blog finds you in good health and good spirits.
Ed Maguire.
+---------------------------------------+
17/05/2019
Ed's Blog From The Bog
Céad míle fáilte, one hundred thousand welcomes to this week's "blog" and I hope it finds you all well and of course playing plenty of golf. This little blog goes out to blind golfers and their friends in several countries and also to golf magazines and a number of newspapers.
We all have one thing very much in common and that is playing the game of golf. Isn't it wonderful to belong to a community of friends who have made little of the challenge of being blind or visually impaired,and yet being able to play competitive golf.
Storm Carol Blew Them All Away
The Elmgreen Blind Golf Classic on the March 26th produced some stellar golf from a big and competitive field. However our esteemed secretary Carol Brill done a veni,vidi,vichi, as she blew the field apart with a display for the ages. The British Open champion scored a whopping 40 stapleford points to overcome the brave challenge of Patrick Morgan Jnr,who was followed in 3rd place by Wally Roode. Delighted to report that IBG captain,Philip Bond returned an excellent 24 points and that Clondalkin dynamo,Adrian Downey had an fabulous outing returning a very creditable 29 points total. There are many astute followers of blind golf who believe that the former Dublin hurling legend could be a good each way bet to be
win this year's British Open.
Beechpark A Walk in the Park for Patrick Jnr
Isn't it amazing how a name can be instantly recognizable to everybody? Well when the name Patrick Jnr appears in print or on radio or television people nearly always know it's Patrick Morgan Jnr. The 22 yr old has blazed a trail around the World over the past 3 years from Arizona to Canada, Japan and all over Ireland and Europe. There's a saying that "nice guys finish last" well let's put that theory to bed because young Patrick is a serial winner and is also one of the nicest people in the world of blind golf. He treated the beautiful but very difficult Beechpark golf club like a walk in the park as he strolled to victory over your very humbled blogger on the 10th of May. This was our first time playing Beechpark GC,
in Dublin and I must say it was a wonderful experience. By the way I was in Belmullet
Co Mayo a couple of weeks ago and spoke to many people who had seen Patrick Jnr, put on an awesome golfing display at Carne Golf Links a few months ago.
Next Up Hollywood Lakes Classic-June 7th
Yes indeed our next major outing will be to Hollywood Lakes, Nth Dublin for our annual fundraising classic on June 7th. Peter Gorey is the man who makes our classic such a success every single year. I don't know where he gets the energy from but when I find out I'm going plug into it because I could sure use some of it. It's going to be a brilliant day out and will as always be great fun. Everybody whether blind,visually impaired or with perfect eyesight has to putt blind fold on two of the holes. It's always great craic and if you'd like to play just contact any of the members of IBG. You'll get a big céad mile fáilte,and have a great day out.
Contact number 0876031046 and don't forget to "tell them that Ed sent you"(apologies to Darren Clarke ha,ha)
My Mole Near The Hole has Been Busy
My mole near the hole has been extremely busy over the past few weeks and has whispered that one of our members is threatening to bring a chain saw to Beechpark GC when next we play it. My lips are sealed suffice to say that the south Dublin resident was heard making some threatening gestures to several trees on the back 9. I'm also led to believe that Darragh Stakelum who is recovering from a long illness may be spending some time in Mooncoin Co. Kilkenny in the near future. I don't know what Liam Sheedy will make of that Darragh (ha,ha). I think Darragh who is the current Irish open champion will need a special dispensation as Kilkenny and Tipperary are mortal enemies on the hurling field. Anyway we all wish Darragh a speedy and full recovery and hope he'll be back in action with us very soon. He's greatly missed.
Thurles GC Classic 21st June
Incidentally, speaking of Darragh our next order of merit outing will be the Thurles GC Classic on June 21. I believe some golfers may be staying over night in the Tipperary venue and it's also Darragh's home town. Carol Brill and Patrick Jnr are the early favourites but Wally Roode and others will have a big say in the outcome. Wally is representing Ireland in the Sth African Blind Golf open as I write these words and we wish him all the best in Johannesburg.
Slán Agus Beannacht
Well it's time for me to wish you all slán agus beannacht, until the next time and thank you for your continued support of IBG and the blind golf
communities all over the world.
Ed Maguire.
+---------------------------------------+
Ed's Blog From The Bog
Céad míle fáilte, one hundred thousand welcomes to this week's "blog" and I hope it finds you all well and of course playing plenty of golf. This little blog goes out to blind golfers and their friends in several countries and also to golf magazines and a number of newspapers.
We all have one thing very much in common and that is playing the game of golf. Isn't it wonderful to belong to a community of friends who have made little of the challenge of being blind or visually impaired,and yet being able to play competitive golf.
Storm Carol Blew Them All Away
The Elmgreen Blind Golf Classic on the March 26th produced some stellar golf from a big and competitive field. However our esteemed secretary Carol Brill done a veni,vidi,vichi, as she blew the field apart with a display for the ages. The British Open champion scored a whopping 40 stapleford points to overcome the brave challenge of Patrick Morgan Jnr,who was followed in 3rd place by Wally Roode. Delighted to report that IBG captain,Philip Bond returned an excellent 24 points and that Clondalkin dynamo,Adrian Downey had an fabulous outing returning a very creditable 29 points total. There are many astute followers of blind golf who believe that the former Dublin hurling legend could be a good each way bet to be
win this year's British Open.
Beechpark A Walk in the Park for Patrick Jnr
Isn't it amazing how a name can be instantly recognizable to everybody? Well when the name Patrick Jnr appears in print or on radio or television people nearly always know it's Patrick Morgan Jnr. The 22 yr old has blazed a trail around the World over the past 3 years from Arizona to Canada, Japan and all over Ireland and Europe. There's a saying that "nice guys finish last" well let's put that theory to bed because young Patrick is a serial winner and is also one of the nicest people in the world of blind golf. He treated the beautiful but very difficult Beechpark golf club like a walk in the park as he strolled to victory over your very humbled blogger on the 10th of May. This was our first time playing Beechpark GC,
in Dublin and I must say it was a wonderful experience. By the way I was in Belmullet
Co Mayo a couple of weeks ago and spoke to many people who had seen Patrick Jnr, put on an awesome golfing display at Carne Golf Links a few months ago.
Next Up Hollywood Lakes Classic-June 7th
Yes indeed our next major outing will be to Hollywood Lakes, Nth Dublin for our annual fundraising classic on June 7th. Peter Gorey is the man who makes our classic such a success every single year. I don't know where he gets the energy from but when I find out I'm going plug into it because I could sure use some of it. It's going to be a brilliant day out and will as always be great fun. Everybody whether blind,visually impaired or with perfect eyesight has to putt blind fold on two of the holes. It's always great craic and if you'd like to play just contact any of the members of IBG. You'll get a big céad mile fáilte,and have a great day out.
Contact number 0876031046 and don't forget to "tell them that Ed sent you"(apologies to Darren Clarke ha,ha)
My Mole Near The Hole has Been Busy
My mole near the hole has been extremely busy over the past few weeks and has whispered that one of our members is threatening to bring a chain saw to Beechpark GC when next we play it. My lips are sealed suffice to say that the south Dublin resident was heard making some threatening gestures to several trees on the back 9. I'm also led to believe that Darragh Stakelum who is recovering from a long illness may be spending some time in Mooncoin Co. Kilkenny in the near future. I don't know what Liam Sheedy will make of that Darragh (ha,ha). I think Darragh who is the current Irish open champion will need a special dispensation as Kilkenny and Tipperary are mortal enemies on the hurling field. Anyway we all wish Darragh a speedy and full recovery and hope he'll be back in action with us very soon. He's greatly missed.
Thurles GC Classic 21st June
Incidentally, speaking of Darragh our next order of merit outing will be the Thurles GC Classic on June 21. I believe some golfers may be staying over night in the Tipperary venue and it's also Darragh's home town. Carol Brill and Patrick Jnr are the early favourites but Wally Roode and others will have a big say in the outcome. Wally is representing Ireland in the Sth African Blind Golf open as I write these words and we wish him all the best in Johannesburg.
Slán Agus Beannacht
Well it's time for me to wish you all slán agus beannacht, until the next time and thank you for your continued support of IBG and the blind golf
communities all over the world.
Ed Maguire.
+---------------------------------------+
25/03/2019
Ed's Blog From the Bog
Céad míle fáilte to this week's "blog" and I hope it finds you all in good spirits and that your golf swing is in good working order. Our golfing year is up and most definitely running and we're hoping to have a stellar season. I know that this little blog goes out to blind golf organizations in many countries so we wish you all well.
Our Captain Splits The Fairway
Our first event of the year took us to Castle Golf Club which is situate in leafy south Dublin. And what a day and what a challenge it turned out to be. The captains of Castle GC,
Carina Staunton(must have connections in Mayo) and Joe O Hare honoured us at the first tee,
where our esteemed captain Phillip Bond split the fairway with a huge drive. To say that they were impressed would be putting it mildly as the genial Joe O Hare muttered, "I wouldn't mind hitting a drive like that any time".
Brill Storms the Castle
It was a day for low scores as a whipping wind and dozens of very uncooperative trees conspired to make life difficult for everybody. But cometh the hour cometh the hero as British open winner, Carol Brill cast the winter blues aside with aplomb as she stormed the barricades and withstood a gallant late challenge from 2018 order of merit champion
Wally Roode to finish a deserving winner. Patrick Morgan Jnr, who many consider will give everybody a run for their money in 2019 hung in for a gallant 3rd place.
My Mole Near the Hole
Yes indeed my mole near the hole has been really busy of late and told me that one of our members was seen talking to a tree, yes you read it correctly he was "talking to a tree"
at Castle Golf club last Friday and it was hilarious. Now I know that King George 5th of England had many interesting conversations with trees but I don't believe he ever threatened to come back with a chainsaw because "you're in my bleedin way".
The recent AGM of IBG saw a lot of changes to the committee with the most notable being the election of Eamon McGee as our new chair person. Eamon is a person with much experience and an individual of high integrity. He replaces Adrian Downey who gave stellar service and was persuaded to remain on the committee as our treasurer. So it's onwards and very much upwards for Irish Blind Golf as we embrace a new season full of confidence
and hope.
Dates For Your Dairies
It's going to be a very busy season for Irish blind Golf both domestically and on the international front. Our next outing will be to Elm Green GC on Friday, April 5th where we will be teeing off from 11,00am, and we would like to remind everybody about our
Hollywood Lakes fundraiser on June 7th which is such great fun and is such an important date in our schedule.
Slán Tamall
Yes it's time to say slán tamall (goodbye for a while) and hope you are all well and that you are enjoying your golf and your lives. As we have often heard the blind golf world is like one big extended family where friendships are formed that last a lifetime. It is in that spirit of comradeship and congeniality that I say farewell and that I quote an old Irish saying,
"A stranger is just a friend that you have yet to meet".
Ed Maguire
+---------------------------------------+
01/01/2019
Ed's Blog From The Bog
Just a very brief message to wish you all well. 2019 has finally arrived and with it comes the hopes and aspirations of so many people here in Ireland. The last year brought its difficulties and challenges for Irish Blind Golf, but life would surely be boring without its challenges. I firmly believe that the next year will be pivotal and will see us scale heights that will make us an even stronger organization.
Jimmy Murray RIP
The loss our founder and spiritual leader, the legendary Jimmy Murray came as a monumental shock to all of us but Jimmy's beloved wife Maureen insisted that the continuing growth and expansion of IBG would have been Jimmy's greatest wish and would be his legacy. This is one of the many reasons why we must try to make 2019 a year to be remembered. Ar dheis lamh De go raibh a anam uasal.
AGM and Other Matters
It is expected that our AGM will be around the same time as last year but this will be confirmed in the very near future. We are also delighted that Darragh Stakelum is on the road to recovery and that our esteemed captain Philip Bond is also in great shape again. Rumours that the Ardrahan hurling team want him to make a comeback could not be confirmed but I know they're looking for a big strong full forward.
Have a Happy and Healthy 2019
Joan and myself would like to wish you all a very happy and an even healthier new year and may all of your dreams come true. I'm finishing off this little blog with a small poem that I wrote today. It's about friendship and Inniskee Island which I mention in the poem, is just of the coast of Mayo and has a special place in my heart.
My Friend
As I listen to the haunting sound,
Of the waves near Inniskee;
I'd like to be the kind of friend,
That you have been to me.
That faithful friend that you may find,
If you look inside your heart;
And realize that this new year,
Brings the chance of a brand new start.
I'd like to be that kind of friend,
Who never questions why;
But loves you just the way you are,
With a love that money can't buy.
Ed Maguire 01/01/2019
Slan agus beannacht oraibh go leir.
Ed's Blog From The Bog
Just a very brief message to wish you all well. 2019 has finally arrived and with it comes the hopes and aspirations of so many people here in Ireland. The last year brought its difficulties and challenges for Irish Blind Golf, but life would surely be boring without its challenges. I firmly believe that the next year will be pivotal and will see us scale heights that will make us an even stronger organization.
Jimmy Murray RIP
The loss our founder and spiritual leader, the legendary Jimmy Murray came as a monumental shock to all of us but Jimmy's beloved wife Maureen insisted that the continuing growth and expansion of IBG would have been Jimmy's greatest wish and would be his legacy. This is one of the many reasons why we must try to make 2019 a year to be remembered. Ar dheis lamh De go raibh a anam uasal.
AGM and Other Matters
It is expected that our AGM will be around the same time as last year but this will be confirmed in the very near future. We are also delighted that Darragh Stakelum is on the road to recovery and that our esteemed captain Philip Bond is also in great shape again. Rumours that the Ardrahan hurling team want him to make a comeback could not be confirmed but I know they're looking for a big strong full forward.
Have a Happy and Healthy 2019
Joan and myself would like to wish you all a very happy and an even healthier new year and may all of your dreams come true. I'm finishing off this little blog with a small poem that I wrote today. It's about friendship and Inniskee Island which I mention in the poem, is just of the coast of Mayo and has a special place in my heart.
My Friend
As I listen to the haunting sound,
Of the waves near Inniskee;
I'd like to be the kind of friend,
That you have been to me.
That faithful friend that you may find,
If you look inside your heart;
And realize that this new year,
Brings the chance of a brand new start.
I'd like to be that kind of friend,
Who never questions why;
But loves you just the way you are,
With a love that money can't buy.
Ed Maguire 01/01/2019
Slan agus beannacht oraibh go leir.
