Tuesday, September 29, 2020
IT'S BEM'S LIFE 1984
MOSNEY OLYMPICS.
Bem and Del were always competitive, especially with each other.
1984 they went to Butlins with their families for a week.
Everyday Bem and Del challenged each other
in everything.
Tennis,Swimming, Pool, Table Tennis,
You name it ,they done it.
The Crowning glory for Bem came on the Thursday.
On the last day of the week there was normally
a challenge football match between the Self Caterers and people
who went full board.
So there would be a practice match first so the
"Coach" could pick the 2 sides.
On Thursday Bem and Del went up for the practice match
for the Full Board Team.
Just Before the end of the match the Coach who was refereeing
the match came up to Bem and asked him,
"Are you alright to play tomorrow?".
"Yes", said Bem.
The Coach blew the Whistle for Full Time and
ran off shouting,"Those who were picked know who they are".
The guys who weren't picked stood there bemused.
Del was one of them.
Bem felt sorry for him.
But worse was to come.
The next day ,Friday,Bem lined out for his team
and the game was 0/0 going near the end when the
Ball broke loose and Bem caught it on the volley with his left foot.
It hit the back of the net.
The match ended 1/0.
Bem was delighted but poor Del was crestfallen.
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
IT'S BEM'S LIFE 1980.
MUNICH.
Bem had mainly worked in Munich in
his time abroad.
He loved his time there.
Not that he was a big gargler but
you could get a bar open at anytime of
the day or night.
One would be closing and another
would be opening down the road.
They had plenty of Beer Festivals and the
Biggest was of course the Oktoberfest.
The Oktoberfest was a brilliant experience.
That was except that year.
The Festival consisted of numerous Beer Halls
which were huge and there was also a big
Carnival there,and plenty of food stalls.
One of the nights Bem and a good few Irish lads
were in the Hofbrauhaus Hall having a great time.
In each hall they had a traditional German band
playing up on a stage in the middle of the Hall
so that no matter where you were sitting you
could see them.
People went from Hall to Hall.
Suddenly there was a tremendous explosion.
People were confused .
A Terrorist had left a bomb in a bin a short
distance away.
Apparently he was heading to one of the Halls
but the bomb exploded prematurely and just before it
did he dropped it in the Bin.
12 Innocent people were murdered that night
and countless people were severely injured.
A good few with life changing injuries.
Bem and his mates were so lucky that night that they didn't move
to a different Hall.
Had they left at that time they would have been in
the thick of it.
Bem had mainly worked in Munich in
his time abroad.
He loved his time there.
Not that he was a big gargler but
you could get a bar open at anytime of
the day or night.
One would be closing and another
would be opening down the road.
They had plenty of Beer Festivals and the
Biggest was of course the Oktoberfest.
The Oktoberfest was a brilliant experience.
That was except that year.
The Festival consisted of numerous Beer Halls
which were huge and there was also a big
Carnival there,and plenty of food stalls.
One of the nights Bem and a good few Irish lads
were in the Hofbrauhaus Hall having a great time.
In each hall they had a traditional German band
playing up on a stage in the middle of the Hall
so that no matter where you were sitting you
could see them.
People went from Hall to Hall.
Suddenly there was a tremendous explosion.
People were confused .
A Terrorist had left a bomb in a bin a short
distance away.
Apparently he was heading to one of the Halls
but the bomb exploded prematurely and just before it
did he dropped it in the Bin.
12 Innocent people were murdered that night
and countless people were severely injured.
A good few with life changing injuries.
Bem and his mates were so lucky that night that they didn't move
to a different Hall.
Had they left at that time they would have been in
the thick of it.
IT'S BEM'S LIFE 1978.
WEDDING BELLS.
Del got married to Linda and they
asked Bem to be Best Man.
Bem lacked a bit of confidence back
then so it was a nerve racking time
for him.
He sang( tried to) Wild Rover
after the Reception.
The Wedding speech was a nightmare
as he'd never been to a Wedding and hadn't
a clue what he should be doing.
THE DUBLINERS.
Bem ,Del , a pregnant Linda
and Fran D and Flay went to
the Old Shieling(Raheny) to see The Dubliners
in Concert.
Great night,and plenty of Large
Bottles of Guinness were consumed.
Bem made it to work next morning
but was hanging for the day.
TRAVEL BUG.
Bem finished his apprenticeship after a long
5 years.
He was now ready to hit the road.
All he had been talking about the last couple
of years with his mates Frank D and Flay'
was Travelling abroad.
They were planning to travel around
Europe.
Flights were so expensive back then,
That they planned to travel by Boat,
Train and to Hitchhike.
They travelled by Train to Rosslare,
Then the Ferry to Le Harve.
Then to Brussels.
Then to Amsterdam.
They stayed in Hostels all along the way.
They stayed in Amsterdam for a month.
they got a job in a Hostel
working for bed and board and cheap Beer.
Amsterdam was a real eye opener,
Especially coming from a repressed catholic
country.
The lads found Amsterdam so liberating
and chilled.
They then headed down to Frankfurt
in Germany to look for work on
the Building sites.
They met an agent in a Pub and she fixed
them up with a start on the Monday
as Carpenters.
Only problem was the Lads were not
Carpenters.
They turned up on the Monday expecting
to be found out.
But they got a lucky break as they had to
help with demolition work.
It wasn't till a few weeks later that they
were found out, but by then they had
worked so hard the Bosses were impressed
with their work ethic and they kept them on.
The Lads had to stay on site for a few weeks
in a little wooden cabin.
No running water, no facilities,
So it was tough till they got an Apartment
to stay.
Every night they ate out.
Schnitzels and Beer they lived on.
At work Beer was freely available on site.
The Lads were taken back at first.
They decided to stick to Bainne agus aran.
The Germans laughed at them and thought
they were Pussies.
The lads eventually went their seperate ways.
Bem worked in Germany for the next 2 years
coming home for Christmas.
Munich ,Regensburg,Boden see ,Lindau
and Munster were some of the places he worked.
Travelling to other countries as well.
BAMBINO.
While Bem was away ,Del's wife gave birth
to a baby Boy.
The Ma and Da were delighted as it was their
first Grandchild.
All the Clan were delighted.
Del got married to Linda and they
asked Bem to be Best Man.
Bem lacked a bit of confidence back
then so it was a nerve racking time
for him.
He sang( tried to) Wild Rover
after the Reception.
The Wedding speech was a nightmare
as he'd never been to a Wedding and hadn't
a clue what he should be doing.
THE DUBLINERS.
Bem ,Del , a pregnant Linda
and Fran D and Flay went to
the Old Shieling(Raheny) to see The Dubliners
in Concert.
Great night,and plenty of Large
Bottles of Guinness were consumed.
Bem made it to work next morning
but was hanging for the day.
TRAVEL BUG.
Bem finished his apprenticeship after a long
5 years.
He was now ready to hit the road.
All he had been talking about the last couple
of years with his mates Frank D and Flay'
was Travelling abroad.
They were planning to travel around
Europe.
Flights were so expensive back then,
That they planned to travel by Boat,
Train and to Hitchhike.
They travelled by Train to Rosslare,
Then the Ferry to Le Harve.
Then to Brussels.
Then to Amsterdam.
They stayed in Hostels all along the way.
They stayed in Amsterdam for a month.
they got a job in a Hostel
working for bed and board and cheap Beer.
Amsterdam was a real eye opener,
Especially coming from a repressed catholic
country.
The lads found Amsterdam so liberating
and chilled.
They then headed down to Frankfurt
in Germany to look for work on
the Building sites.
They met an agent in a Pub and she fixed
them up with a start on the Monday
as Carpenters.
Only problem was the Lads were not
Carpenters.
They turned up on the Monday expecting
to be found out.
But they got a lucky break as they had to
help with demolition work.
It wasn't till a few weeks later that they
were found out, but by then they had
worked so hard the Bosses were impressed
with their work ethic and they kept them on.
The Lads had to stay on site for a few weeks
in a little wooden cabin.
No running water, no facilities,
So it was tough till they got an Apartment
to stay.
Every night they ate out.
Schnitzels and Beer they lived on.
At work Beer was freely available on site.
The Lads were taken back at first.
They decided to stick to Bainne agus aran.
The Germans laughed at them and thought
they were Pussies.
The lads eventually went their seperate ways.
Bem worked in Germany for the next 2 years
coming home for Christmas.
Munich ,Regensburg,Boden see ,Lindau
and Munster were some of the places he worked.
Travelling to other countries as well.
BAMBINO.
While Bem was away ,Del's wife gave birth
to a baby Boy.
The Ma and Da were delighted as it was their
first Grandchild.
All the Clan were delighted.
Sunday, June 14, 2020
IT'S BEM'S LIFE 1975.
ARMY GUYS.
One Day Bem and a few of the lads were going
home on the Bus after a training session in the barracks.
One of the lads suggested to go up to
The Star Cinema and gatecrash in.
The Bay City Rollers were playing there that night.
"You must be joking ,the bay city rollers,
it will be full of women," says one of the guys.
" Exactly,", says another with a grin.
All the lads were in full Uniform.
There were 8 guys .
They marched up to the Door of the cinema
with one of the guys pretending to be in
charge, " Left ,Right.......".
There were at least 6 bouncers at the door.
The guy in charge of the soldiers walked up to
them and told them they had to check
security.
A few of them started tittering .
The bouncers charged at them and they made
a run for it, laughing with relief they didn't get
beat up.
IT'S BEM'S LIFE 1974.
There's now 9 kids in the House.
Jacq was Happy as the last 2 were girls,
Kat and Rose.
Poor Jacq had been outnumbered with 6
brothers.
"YOU'RE IN THE ARMY NOW".
Bem and Ger and a few mates went
down one tuesday to Griffith Barracks
on the South Circular road beside the
National Boxing Stadium.
They were there to join the FCA,
(part time army).
They were all under age but pretended to
be older to join, Bem was 16 and Ger 15.
After a few weeks they got their own uniform.
2 nights every week they would go there.
Square bashing was the norm,
"Left,Right,Left,Right...............".
The Best days were on the Firing Range
up near the mountains.
Bem got to fire a Lee Enfield rifle,
A Bren gun,
A Gustav machine gun,
And a Bap hand pistol.
The last 2 were only a once off chance
Bem got to try.
They also got to handle grenades.
Every Summer they would go to a summer
army camp for 2 weeks and they got paid
which was a big bonus.
An advance group would go to the camp
a week before the main group.
On the way up to the camp ,2 corporals
who were travelling up by motorbike
had a fatal crash with both dying.
It was a very sad time.
Bem was picked to be a pallbearer
at one of the funerals.
It was a full Military funeral.
White gloves,White belt and full Uniform.
SOUTH PACIFIC.
The Ma was in the Ladie's Club up in
Our Lady's Hall on Mourne rd.
Every Tuesday was her only night out,
so she enjoyed her club night.
She had joined the Drama class a
couple of years before.
Every year they had a show on near
Christmas Time.
They had done the Charlston one year ,
Puss in Boots another year.
Ma was asked to sing , "I'm going to
wash that man right out of my hair".
" But i can't sing ", she says to the Da.
"Ah, you'll be grand ,Kitty ", he'd say .
Every night Ma would practice the song
at home and before long the kids would
sing along with her.
Finally it's showtime and the Hall is
packed.
Ma comes on and belts it out,
For someone who couldn't sing she done
a great number.
For years after that song was a favourite
in 177.
Everyone would have their own rendition.
DALYMOUNT.
Bem was working in Phibsboro so anytime
there was a match on in Dalymount ,Off he'd go.
Ireland played their Home matches there.
They started their first match in the Euro
Qualifiers(1976) against the Soviet Union.
Bem went down to the Match and you
just paid cash at the Turnstile and in you
went.
Some men would lift their kids over
the turnstile and just pay for themselves.
The great Johnny Giles was in midfield
along side Liam Brady( debut).
Don Givens scored a hat trick.
"That's it We're going to qualify" ,was the
general feeling in the crowd.
Ireland played Turkey away the next
month and could only draw 1-1.
Don Givens again the scorer.
Bem went to the match against Turkey
the following year in Dalmount and they beat
them 4-0 with Don Givens scoring the 4 goals.
They also beat Switzerland at home but
their 2 defeats away against the Swiss and the
Soviets cost them.
It was a pity as they had a really good Irish
Team that played good football.
Jacq was Happy as the last 2 were girls,
Kat and Rose.
Poor Jacq had been outnumbered with 6
brothers.
"YOU'RE IN THE ARMY NOW".
Bem and Ger and a few mates went
down one tuesday to Griffith Barracks
on the South Circular road beside the
National Boxing Stadium.
They were there to join the FCA,
(part time army).
They were all under age but pretended to
be older to join, Bem was 16 and Ger 15.
After a few weeks they got their own uniform.
2 nights every week they would go there.
Square bashing was the norm,
"Left,Right,Left,Right...............".
The Best days were on the Firing Range
up near the mountains.
Bem got to fire a Lee Enfield rifle,
A Bren gun,
A Gustav machine gun,
And a Bap hand pistol.
The last 2 were only a once off chance
Bem got to try.
They also got to handle grenades.
Every Summer they would go to a summer
army camp for 2 weeks and they got paid
which was a big bonus.
An advance group would go to the camp
a week before the main group.
On the way up to the camp ,2 corporals
who were travelling up by motorbike
had a fatal crash with both dying.
It was a very sad time.
Bem was picked to be a pallbearer
at one of the funerals.
It was a full Military funeral.
White gloves,White belt and full Uniform.
SOUTH PACIFIC.
The Ma was in the Ladie's Club up in
Our Lady's Hall on Mourne rd.
Every Tuesday was her only night out,
so she enjoyed her club night.
She had joined the Drama class a
couple of years before.
Every year they had a show on near
Christmas Time.
They had done the Charlston one year ,
Puss in Boots another year.
Ma was asked to sing , "I'm going to
wash that man right out of my hair".
" But i can't sing ", she says to the Da.
"Ah, you'll be grand ,Kitty ", he'd say .
Every night Ma would practice the song
at home and before long the kids would
sing along with her.
Finally it's showtime and the Hall is
packed.
Ma comes on and belts it out,
For someone who couldn't sing she done
a great number.
For years after that song was a favourite
in 177.
Everyone would have their own rendition.
DALYMOUNT.
Bem was working in Phibsboro so anytime
there was a match on in Dalymount ,Off he'd go.
Ireland played their Home matches there.
They started their first match in the Euro
Qualifiers(1976) against the Soviet Union.
Bem went down to the Match and you
just paid cash at the Turnstile and in you
went.
Some men would lift their kids over
the turnstile and just pay for themselves.
The great Johnny Giles was in midfield
along side Liam Brady( debut).
Don Givens scored a hat trick.
"That's it We're going to qualify" ,was the
general feeling in the crowd.
Ireland played Turkey away the next
month and could only draw 1-1.
Don Givens again the scorer.
Bem went to the match against Turkey
the following year in Dalmount and they beat
them 4-0 with Don Givens scoring the 4 goals.
They also beat Switzerland at home but
their 2 defeats away against the Swiss and the
Soviets cost them.
It was a pity as they had a really good Irish
Team that played good football.
Thursday, June 11, 2020
IT'S BEM'S LIFE 1973.
Bem is walking down Mourne road one Afternoon
when he gets near his house ,Mrs Cahill
from next Door opens her Front door and
she calls Bem over while waving the evening
paper ( the press).
"Bem, your name is in the paper , you've won",
she exclaims.
Bem thinks to himself,
" Have i got a walkover ?".
Bem was due to fight that Friday in the final
of the Dublin Boxing Leagues.
Mrs Cahill says," Here look yourself ,you're
going to Manchester".
Bem takes a look at the paper and on page 3,
there is his name as a winner of a Quiz he had
entered and the prize was a trip for 2 to
Old Trafford to see Man United play.
" I forgot i entered that competition ,Mrs Cahill",
he says to Mrs C.
"Actually ,your name is in the Paper twice", says
Mrs Cahill.
Sure enough Bem's name is on the Sports page.
There is a list of the Boxers fighting in the Finals in the
National Stadium that Friday.
FIGHT NIGHT.
"Ding, Ding",the bell rings.
Bem and his opponent size each other up
in the first round, probably too much as the ref,
Charlie Higgins, goes to each corner and tells
Bem and his opponent , " Lads ,less shadow boxing
and more action".
Second round is a little better but more dancing
than boxing.
Third round and finally they had a go at each other.
It's going to be a close decision.
Sure enough its a Majority Decision.
The Ref is holding Bem and his opponent's arm.
" The winner ,in the red corner is.........".
Bem is in the Blue Corner.
THE TRIP.
" Bem comes into 177 after playing his daily
game of football up at the Kiosk.
"Bem ,this came for you earlier", says the Ma
as she hands him over a thick envelope.
Bem was excited as he didn't really get
any post .
"What can this be?", he thought.
All the kids gathered around with excitement.
Bem ripped it open and out fell
tickets for the Trip to Manchester.
Boat tickets,
Train Tickets
and Match Tickets.
" Whoopee", yelled Bem.
He had already asked Del to come as the prize
was for 2.
Bem was just gone 15 and Del was 16.
Off they head that Friday night on the Ferry
to Liverpool.
It's an overnight Ferry and they arrive in
Liverpool at 7 am.
They then get a Train to Manchester.
They have a good few hours in Manchester
before kick off at 3 o clock.
They arrive at Old Trafford and go up in to
the Stand with great seats.
United were playing Newcastle United.
The Atmosphere was electric.
United won 2/1 with 2 goals from Mick Martin
and a consolation goal from Irving Natrass.
Del was delighted as he was a big United fan.
Bem was an Arsenal fan.
They arrived back in Dublin on the Sunday morning,
Exhausted but so Happy.
What a great experience they had.
Del would go back again on numerous
occasions but for Bem it was a one off.
SCHOOLDAYS OVER.
Free at last.
Bem finished his Inter Cert aged 15.
Apprenticeships were a big thing back then.
You only went on to do your Leaving Cert.
if you could afford to go to College.
Most people couldn't so after your
Inter it was out the Door.
Bem got a job as a Pantry Boy on the Trains.
He started in Heuston Station.
The Day he started his crew had already
left for Galway on the Early Train.
Bem was put on the next Train and when he arrived
in Galway after 3 and a half hours ,
he was told to stay on Train and return with his
crew back to Dublin.
By the Time the Train got back to Dublin,
Bem was shattered and was in bits from
Travel sickness.
"Hump this", thought Bem and the next
morning he asked for a transfer to the Cafe
in Heuston Station.
Bem was delighted working there.
A few months Later ,Bem was on a break in
the small Canteen when Mrs Rabbit ( who was in charge
of Canteen) called Bem out to say he was wanted at the
goods delivery door.
There was the Da, " Bem i got you a job
as an apprentice, I,ll give details when you get home".
Bem was hoping it was as an Electrician ,
a difficult Apprenticeship to get .
It was all about who you knew back then.
Turns out it was for an Upholsterer.
" A What ", says Bem to his Da.
"Doing up new furniture ", says the Da.
Bem started a couple of weeks later
and had to do a 5 year apprenticeship.
The money wasn,t great but because
it was an Apprenticeship he stuck with it.
when he gets near his house ,Mrs Cahill
from next Door opens her Front door and
she calls Bem over while waving the evening
paper ( the press).
"Bem, your name is in the paper , you've won",
she exclaims.
Bem thinks to himself,
" Have i got a walkover ?".
Bem was due to fight that Friday in the final
of the Dublin Boxing Leagues.
Mrs Cahill says," Here look yourself ,you're
going to Manchester".
Bem takes a look at the paper and on page 3,
there is his name as a winner of a Quiz he had
entered and the prize was a trip for 2 to
Old Trafford to see Man United play.
" I forgot i entered that competition ,Mrs Cahill",
he says to Mrs C.
"Actually ,your name is in the Paper twice", says
Mrs Cahill.
Sure enough Bem's name is on the Sports page.
There is a list of the Boxers fighting in the Finals in the
National Stadium that Friday.
FIGHT NIGHT.
"Ding, Ding",the bell rings.
Bem and his opponent size each other up
in the first round, probably too much as the ref,
Charlie Higgins, goes to each corner and tells
Bem and his opponent , " Lads ,less shadow boxing
and more action".
Second round is a little better but more dancing
than boxing.
Third round and finally they had a go at each other.
It's going to be a close decision.
Sure enough its a Majority Decision.
The Ref is holding Bem and his opponent's arm.
" The winner ,in the red corner is.........".
Bem is in the Blue Corner.
THE TRIP.
" Bem comes into 177 after playing his daily
game of football up at the Kiosk.
"Bem ,this came for you earlier", says the Ma
as she hands him over a thick envelope.
Bem was excited as he didn't really get
any post .
"What can this be?", he thought.
All the kids gathered around with excitement.
Bem ripped it open and out fell
tickets for the Trip to Manchester.
Boat tickets,
Train Tickets
and Match Tickets.
" Whoopee", yelled Bem.
He had already asked Del to come as the prize
was for 2.
Bem was just gone 15 and Del was 16.
Off they head that Friday night on the Ferry
to Liverpool.
It's an overnight Ferry and they arrive in
Liverpool at 7 am.
They then get a Train to Manchester.
They have a good few hours in Manchester
before kick off at 3 o clock.
They arrive at Old Trafford and go up in to
the Stand with great seats.
United were playing Newcastle United.
The Atmosphere was electric.
United won 2/1 with 2 goals from Mick Martin
and a consolation goal from Irving Natrass.
Del was delighted as he was a big United fan.
Bem was an Arsenal fan.
They arrived back in Dublin on the Sunday morning,
Exhausted but so Happy.
What a great experience they had.
Del would go back again on numerous
occasions but for Bem it was a one off.
SCHOOLDAYS OVER.
Free at last.
Bem finished his Inter Cert aged 15.
Apprenticeships were a big thing back then.
You only went on to do your Leaving Cert.
if you could afford to go to College.
Most people couldn't so after your
Inter it was out the Door.
Bem got a job as a Pantry Boy on the Trains.
He started in Heuston Station.
The Day he started his crew had already
left for Galway on the Early Train.
Bem was put on the next Train and when he arrived
in Galway after 3 and a half hours ,
he was told to stay on Train and return with his
crew back to Dublin.
By the Time the Train got back to Dublin,
Bem was shattered and was in bits from
Travel sickness.
"Hump this", thought Bem and the next
morning he asked for a transfer to the Cafe
in Heuston Station.
Bem was delighted working there.
A few months Later ,Bem was on a break in
the small Canteen when Mrs Rabbit ( who was in charge
of Canteen) called Bem out to say he was wanted at the
goods delivery door.
There was the Da, " Bem i got you a job
as an apprentice, I,ll give details when you get home".
Bem was hoping it was as an Electrician ,
a difficult Apprenticeship to get .
It was all about who you knew back then.
Turns out it was for an Upholsterer.
" A What ", says Bem to his Da.
"Doing up new furniture ", says the Da.
Bem started a couple of weeks later
and had to do a 5 year apprenticeship.
The money wasn,t great but because
it was an Apprenticeship he stuck with it.
Monday, June 8, 2020
IT'S BEM'S LIFE 1968.
PALLASKENRY.
Bem ,Del and Ger were members of the local
Youth Club,St John Bosco.
Every year the club went to a Summer Camp
to Pallaskenry in Limerick.
You could pay your money every week
until it was paid off.
Us kids were very lucky as a lot of kids
never got to go as their parents could'nt
afford it.
The Da worked in 2 jobs as money
was tight back then and there were
limited job opportunities.
He was a van driver during the day
and by night a Barman in the Clontarf
Cricket and Rugby Club.
On the Morning the club was going to
the Summer Camp ,The Ma locked Bran
in the Back Garden so he wouldn't follow us.
We got on the Bus after saying
goodbye to the Ma and the Kids.
As we went up by the canal towards
the Naas rd , Del shouted, " Look,it's Bran ".
He followed for a good few miles till
he got tired.
We were worried he would get lost
down the countryside.
The Summer Camp was great.
All types of Sport,Storytelling,
Games , Hikes, Cinema and
much more.
2 weeks in the Summer.
(Bem went for 4 years on the trot.)
When the lads got home they were so relieved
that Bran had made his way back home.
For the 2 weeks down there the boys had
no way of knowing if he was lost as
no one had a phone back then,
Not a house phone and mobile phones were not
invented yet,
IT'S BEM'S LIFE 1967.
Boy number 6 is born that May.
Al is the seventh child of Kit and Ger.
There was also a second new arrival
that year.
The Mc Govos Bitch,Tina had
given birth to a few pups.
We begged our folks for one of the pups
and eventually they agreed so long as
we kept him in a kennel as there was no room
in the house.
The Ma wouldn't have allowed a dog in the
house anyway.
Bem came up with a name for the pup.
"Bran" was going to be his name.
As Bran got bigger he would follow the lads
everywhere they went.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC.
The Da arrives home one Friday and
knocks on the front door.
Del opens the door,
"Lads give us a lift in with some stuff in the car ",
says the Da.
Del ,Bem and Ger leg it out to the car.
There in the back seat was a long wooden
Press..
"What's this for ,Da ?", Ger asks.
"You'll see when we get it into the house", says Da.
They lift it in with him and lay it on the
Living Room floor.
Da goes back out to his car and comes back
in with 4 wooden legs.
He screws them onto the press and
stands it up.
The lads realise its not a press but a
record player.
Everyone was excited as they never had
one before.
The Da opened the lid and one part was
the actual player and the other part
had a shelf for holding LP'S.
The Da had got a few LPs
1) The Sound of Music,
2) A Glen Campbell LP,
3) A few Dubliners LP s.
He added ,The Sgt Peppers Lonely hearts club
band the next year.( that was and is Bem's favourite album).
The Dubliners LP s were a big favourite as well.
Luke Kelly is Bem's favourite singer still to this day (2020).
That record player was great for the House back then,
as everyone of all ages enjoyed it.
Al is the seventh child of Kit and Ger.
There was also a second new arrival
that year.
The Mc Govos Bitch,Tina had
given birth to a few pups.
We begged our folks for one of the pups
and eventually they agreed so long as
we kept him in a kennel as there was no room
in the house.
The Ma wouldn't have allowed a dog in the
house anyway.
Bem came up with a name for the pup.
"Bran" was going to be his name.
As Bran got bigger he would follow the lads
everywhere they went.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC.
The Da arrives home one Friday and
knocks on the front door.
Del opens the door,
"Lads give us a lift in with some stuff in the car ",
says the Da.
Del ,Bem and Ger leg it out to the car.
There in the back seat was a long wooden
Press..
"What's this for ,Da ?", Ger asks.
"You'll see when we get it into the house", says Da.
They lift it in with him and lay it on the
Living Room floor.
Da goes back out to his car and comes back
in with 4 wooden legs.
He screws them onto the press and
stands it up.
The lads realise its not a press but a
record player.
Everyone was excited as they never had
one before.
The Da opened the lid and one part was
the actual player and the other part
had a shelf for holding LP'S.
The Da had got a few LPs
1) The Sound of Music,
2) A Glen Campbell LP,
3) A few Dubliners LP s.
He added ,The Sgt Peppers Lonely hearts club
band the next year.( that was and is Bem's favourite album).
The Dubliners LP s were a big favourite as well.
Luke Kelly is Bem's favourite singer still to this day (2020).
That record player was great for the House back then,
as everyone of all ages enjoyed it.
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
IT'S BEM'S LIFE 1966.
The Folks decide to get a
Kitchen Extension.
The Da knew a few people in
the Construction Industry so
they built it for a Discounted price.
Monday morning and Bem is last
out of Bed.
He is feeling Groggy.
He trundles down the Stairs.
He reaches the Kitchen door.
The Ma is busy giving Breakfast
to the Chiselers.
She looks up at Bem.
" Are you feeling Alright ,son ?",
she asks.
" I don't like the colour of your skin",
she says to Bem.
Bem goes to the mirror and gets
a fright.
His face is yellow.
The Ma brings Bem to Doctor after
dropping some of the kids to School.
" Bring him home , Mrs C and I'll
get an Ambulance to go to your
house ", he says.
" He has yellow Jaundice", he says.
The Ambulance comes at 3.30 pm.
Bem is told to strip off all his clothes
and they wrap him in a Blanket and carry
him into the Ambulance.
There is a big crowd of kids outside.
Bem is brought to Cherry Orchard
Fever Hospital in Ballyfermot.
The Ma had no one to mind the kids.
Bem went on his own in Ambulance.
He was quite Scared.
When they arrived at Hoppo they wheeled
Bem into a room on a Stretcher.
he lay there on his own.
A nurse suddenly appeared and
she produced this huge syringe.
She attempted to inject Bem
but he was'nt having it.
He pushed her away and she attempted
a few more times but gave up after
a fierce resistance from Bem.
Next Day a Doctor came to the ward
and explained to 8 year old Bem about
getting the injection.
Bem was settled now so he agreed.
For 5 weeks Bem got an injection everyday.
When he got out of the Hoppo he was finally
allowed to eat his Easter Eggs as no chocolate
was allowed because of his condition.
All the Kids had eaten their Eggs at Easter
so Bem was very Popular when he took
his ones out.
A TRIP TO BELFAST.
The Da had got a car ,An Austin A40,
Bottle green was the Body colour.
One Saturday in the Summer ,Ma and Da and
Del,Bem,Ger,Rob and Jacq. got in
to the car for a surprise day trip.
They picked their Nanny ,Maggie Nolan
up from her residence in North Wall.
The car was full to the Brim,
with 3 Adults and 5 kids.
They were heading to Belfast.
(full story in my blogger,"Growing up in Dublin")
England win the World Cup in Soccer.
They Beat West Germany 4--2 at Wembley.
Kitchen Extension.
The Da knew a few people in
the Construction Industry so
they built it for a Discounted price.
Monday morning and Bem is last
out of Bed.
He is feeling Groggy.
He trundles down the Stairs.
He reaches the Kitchen door.
The Ma is busy giving Breakfast
to the Chiselers.
She looks up at Bem.
" Are you feeling Alright ,son ?",
she asks.
" I don't like the colour of your skin",
she says to Bem.
Bem goes to the mirror and gets
a fright.
His face is yellow.
The Ma brings Bem to Doctor after
dropping some of the kids to School.
" Bring him home , Mrs C and I'll
get an Ambulance to go to your
house ", he says.
" He has yellow Jaundice", he says.
The Ambulance comes at 3.30 pm.
Bem is told to strip off all his clothes
and they wrap him in a Blanket and carry
him into the Ambulance.
There is a big crowd of kids outside.
Bem is brought to Cherry Orchard
Fever Hospital in Ballyfermot.
The Ma had no one to mind the kids.
Bem went on his own in Ambulance.
He was quite Scared.
When they arrived at Hoppo they wheeled
Bem into a room on a Stretcher.
he lay there on his own.
A nurse suddenly appeared and
she produced this huge syringe.
She attempted to inject Bem
but he was'nt having it.
He pushed her away and she attempted
a few more times but gave up after
a fierce resistance from Bem.
Next Day a Doctor came to the ward
and explained to 8 year old Bem about
getting the injection.
Bem was settled now so he agreed.
For 5 weeks Bem got an injection everyday.
When he got out of the Hoppo he was finally
allowed to eat his Easter Eggs as no chocolate
was allowed because of his condition.
All the Kids had eaten their Eggs at Easter
so Bem was very Popular when he took
his ones out.
A TRIP TO BELFAST.
The Da had got a car ,An Austin A40,
Bottle green was the Body colour.
One Saturday in the Summer ,Ma and Da and
Del,Bem,Ger,Rob and Jacq. got in
to the car for a surprise day trip.
They picked their Nanny ,Maggie Nolan
up from her residence in North Wall.
The car was full to the Brim,
with 3 Adults and 5 kids.
They were heading to Belfast.
(full story in my blogger,"Growing up in Dublin")
England win the World Cup in Soccer.
They Beat West Germany 4--2 at Wembley.
IT'S BEM'S LIFE 1965.
Baby number 6 is born this year,
Boy number 5, Philip.
The Family lived in a Two-Bedroom
Terrace House.
Bem,Del and Ger all slept in
the one bed.
Rob and Jac had their own.
All in the one room.
Ma and the Da in their room
with Baby Phil.
Back then there was no Central
Heating, so The Bedrooms were quite
cold in the Winter.
Everyone would crowd around the
Main fire in the Living Room.
When it was time to go to Bed ,the
Ma would fill up the Hot Water
Bottles and put them in each Bed.
Overcoats would be draped over
the Blankets.
During the night if you wanted a Wee
you would try and hold it till the Morning.
NELSON'S PILLAR.
The Ma's family lived near City Centre.
The Aunt Lily used to bring us on little outings.
Sometimes to Fairview Park.
Sometimes to the Strand Cinema.
One Day Lily brought us boys
Del, Bem and Ger to Nelson's Pillar.
The walk up the stairs took a long time.
The view from the Top was spectacular
although Lily had to lift us up one by one
as we were so small.
The walk down was not as bad.
Aunt Lily bought Ice Cream for
us when we were back down.
A year later and it was blown up.
( full story in my blogger," Growing up in Dublin").
A NATION ONCE AGAIN.
Back then the Da had a motorbike
for personal use.
He drove a van for McBirneys,
Which was a Big Furniture Store
on Aston Quay not far from
O'Connell Street.
One evening on his way home from
work he got hit by a car.
On the Bike he had no protection.
His leg was smashed in 2 places.
He had to have a metal pin inserted
permanently to hold his leg together.
He was in Jervis street hospital
for a few weeks.
Us kids were allowed up to visit him.
We all got to autograph his leg plaster.
He was out of work for 6 months.
That December Bem's Class were doing
their Dress rehearsal for their Christmas Concert.
They had on Black Berets and were marching in
unison on Stage ,"Left,Right,Left........",
The Song "A Nation once again ", was playing.
The Teacher decided to do this to celebrate early
the 50 year Anniversary of the Easter Rising
which would be the next April 1966.
The Teacher gave the Boys a Break
from the marching,
Next Bem heard his name being called,
It was the Da.
Bem went over to his Da who had
struggled up to the School on his Crutches.
Out of his Coat pocket he took out a bottle
of coke and a bar of chocolate.
"Here I got you these,Bem".
Bem was chuffed as that was a real
treat back then.
Bem shared some of the Chocolate but
kept the coke for himself as he did'nt
like to share from his bottle.
Boy number 5, Philip.
The Family lived in a Two-Bedroom
Terrace House.
Bem,Del and Ger all slept in
the one bed.
Rob and Jac had their own.
All in the one room.
Ma and the Da in their room
with Baby Phil.
Back then there was no Central
Heating, so The Bedrooms were quite
cold in the Winter.
Everyone would crowd around the
Main fire in the Living Room.
When it was time to go to Bed ,the
Ma would fill up the Hot Water
Bottles and put them in each Bed.
Overcoats would be draped over
the Blankets.
During the night if you wanted a Wee
you would try and hold it till the Morning.
"Gerry, We need an extension ,there's no
room in this House", says The Ma to The Da.
She got The Deaf👂 off the Da for awhile.
One Day Bem came home after school.
Just as he got to the front Door ,he heard
an almighty bang.
then another Bang........Bang..........
Bang.
He knocked at the Door , no answer.
"Hump this ", he says and he goes
next door to The Cahill's side entrance
and climbs over the Wall.
The Back garden was full of Dust.
He gets up to the window and peeks in
and the Banging starts again.
The younger siblings were sitting on the
Sofa looking at the back door.
Bem looks over at the door and there's
the Ma with a kitchen apron,
a pair of Wellies on her and a Woolie hat
swinging a big Sledgehammer at the Wall.
"Ma ,what's going on ?", exclaims Bem.
The Ma sticks her head out the back door
laughing and says ," I'm starting on this extension".
She had knocked down the inside porch at the back
door.
Bem couldn't believe it ,he mistakenly thought that
was only a job that men done.
Wonderwoman.
The Kids all helped to get rid of the rubble,
The Ma carried out all the big bits.
When the Da got home he was in shock.
He still got his Dinner that night even
though the Ma must have been shattered.
Later that year the extension was started.
NELSON'S PILLAR.
The Ma's family lived near City Centre.
The Aunt Lily used to bring us on little outings.
Sometimes to Fairview Park.
Sometimes to the Strand Cinema.
One Day Lily brought us boys
Del, Bem and Ger to Nelson's Pillar.
The walk up the stairs took a long time.
The view from the Top was spectacular
although Lily had to lift us up one by one
as we were so small.
The walk down was not as bad.
Aunt Lily bought Ice Cream for
us when we were back down.
A year later and it was blown up.
( full story in my blogger," Growing up in Dublin").
A NATION ONCE AGAIN.
Back then the Da had a motorbike
for personal use.
He drove a van for McBirneys,
Which was a Big Furniture Store
on Aston Quay not far from
O'Connell Street.
One evening on his way home from
work he got hit by a car.
On the Bike he had no protection.
His leg was smashed in 2 places.
He had to have a metal pin inserted
permanently to hold his leg together.
He was in Jervis street hospital
for a few weeks.
Us kids were allowed up to visit him.
We all got to autograph his leg plaster.
He was out of work for 6 months.
That December Bem's Class were doing
their Dress rehearsal for their Christmas Concert.
They had on Black Berets and were marching in
unison on Stage ,"Left,Right,Left........",
The Song "A Nation once again ", was playing.
The Teacher decided to do this to celebrate early
the 50 year Anniversary of the Easter Rising
which would be the next April 1966.
The Teacher gave the Boys a Break
from the marching,
Next Bem heard his name being called,
It was the Da.
Bem went over to his Da who had
struggled up to the School on his Crutches.
Out of his Coat pocket he took out a bottle
of coke and a bar of chocolate.
"Here I got you these,Bem".
Bem was chuffed as that was a real
treat back then.
Bem shared some of the Chocolate but
kept the coke for himself as he did'nt
like to share from his bottle.
Monday, May 18, 2020
IT'S BEM'S LIFE 1964.
Bem makes his First Holy
Communion aged six..
He wore a suit for the first time
although the trousers were shorts.
The most scary thing for him
was going to Confession before his
Big day.
All the kids had to queue outside this Big
Brown box with 3 doors.
It was Bem's turn now.
Deep Breaths,Butterflies in Tummy.
"Bless me ,Father, for I have sinned,
This is my First Confession", says Bem.
The Priest pulls back the little curtain
that had hid his face.
There was a steel mesh now between
Bem and the Priest.
"What are your sins,child ? says the Priest.
"Eh, I, Eh, cursed ,Father ", says Bem nervously.
" Say 3 Hail Marys and 3 Our Fathers ", says
the Priest.
"Thank you,Father", says Bem relieved thats
all he got.
He went out to the Pew and knelt down
to say his Prayers.
"Bem, what did you get?", says a Boy behind him.
Bem tells him and it turns out most boys got the same
Prayers to say.
After the Communion was over ,The Ma and Da
brought Bem visiting Aunts and Uncles and
Grandparents all over Dublin.
Bem was delighted with the few bob he got.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Muhammad Ali becomes World Heavyweight
Champion when he defeats Sonny Liston
by technical knockout in Miami,Florida.
Communion aged six..
He wore a suit for the first time
although the trousers were shorts.
The most scary thing for him
was going to Confession before his
Big day.
All the kids had to queue outside this Big
Brown box with 3 doors.
It was Bem's turn now.
Deep Breaths,Butterflies in Tummy.
"Bless me ,Father, for I have sinned,
This is my First Confession", says Bem.
The Priest pulls back the little curtain
that had hid his face.
There was a steel mesh now between
Bem and the Priest.
"What are your sins,child ? says the Priest.
"Eh, I, Eh, cursed ,Father ", says Bem nervously.
" Say 3 Hail Marys and 3 Our Fathers ", says
the Priest.
"Thank you,Father", says Bem relieved thats
all he got.
He went out to the Pew and knelt down
to say his Prayers.
"Bem, what did you get?", says a Boy behind him.
Bem tells him and it turns out most boys got the same
Prayers to say.
After the Communion was over ,The Ma and Da
brought Bem visiting Aunts and Uncles and
Grandparents all over Dublin.
Bem was delighted with the few bob he got.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Muhammad Ali becomes World Heavyweight
Champion when he defeats Sonny Liston
by technical knockout in Miami,Florida.
Sunday, May 17, 2020
IT'S BEM'S LIFE 1963
"It's a girl, it's a girl........!!!,"
exclaimed the Da as he came
bursting in the Door.
A Girl after 4 Boys.
The Folks were delighted with her.
They decided to name her after
a Famous Kennedy,
ie Jacqueline.
When the Ma came home
with the Baby,
the Boys were delighted.
In this year President
John F. Kennedy was shot dead
in Dallas.
exclaimed the Da as he came
bursting in the Door.
A Girl after 4 Boys.
The Folks were delighted with her.
They decided to name her after
a Famous Kennedy,
ie Jacqueline.
When the Ma came home
with the Baby,
the Boys were delighted.
ORPHANAGE VISIT.
Before Christmas that year the Da
delivered a load of sweets and cakes to an Orphanage
in Inchicore.
They were having a Christmas Party for the kids
Stuff that was donated by various people.
He brought Del, Bem and Ger with him.
They hadn't a clue what an orphanage was.
All the food was laid out on a big long table
draped with a white cloth.
All the kids came in and they were dressed in
their uniforms.
The three boys had normal clothes on but
because they were close in age the Ma had a habit
of dressing them the same.
People would ask if they were triplets as they
were all roughly the same height.
The kids from the Orphanage were on one side
of the hall and the( triplets) were on the other side
eyeballing each other.
Some of the kids looked lost.
They had a vacant look on them.
Most of them perked up when they got
their goodies.
Some of them came over and asked the (Triplets)
questions.
"What place are you from?".
"Will you come back here?"
(to be continued.............
In this year President
John F. Kennedy was shot dead
in Dallas.
Friday, May 15, 2020
IT'S BEM'S LIFE 1962...
Fourth Baby Boy born to
Kitty and Gerry.
Robert arrives in March.
Bem is now 4 years old.
After The Ma comes home
with Baby Robert , an Aunt who was
a bit stern comes over to help
the Ma.
Ma is lying down in the front room
and Baby is in a Moses Basket in
the living room.
Bem goes over to peek in at
the new baby, he has to go on
his tippy toes to look in,
"Get away from the Babyyyyy ",
is the roar Bem hears as the Aunt
enters the room.
Bem nearly shit in his pants
and ran away from the Basket.
Del titters in the Background.
" What are you laughing for ",
she roars at him.
Ger meanwhile was hiding under
the Table.
The Ma was'nt happy and the Aunt
never ventured to our house again.
September is School time ,
Del had been brought the year before
but kicked up such a rumpus
they left him till this year.
Monday morning Bem and Del
are dressed in tan Bomber Jackets
and Black Shorts.
The Ma and her friend Rita
bring the 2 lads, with Ger in his
Pram, up to the School .
They go to the Entrance
on Sperrin road.
When they got there Del
jumps onto the School gate and
holds on for dear life.
" I'm not going in there", he says.
Rita tries to lift him off but he isn't
having it and clings on tighter.
Bem is standing there wondering,
what this place school is like,
thinking it must be bad if Del
won't go in.
The Ma coaxes Del down and they
all go in.
Bem and Del are enrolled in Mr's
Smith's class.
After a couple of months Del is moved
to a higher age class.
Every Day for Lunch the School
would give the kids a mini bottle
of milk and a corn beef sambo.
Then play in the yard for half an hour.
Kitty and Gerry.
Robert arrives in March.
Bem is now 4 years old.
After The Ma comes home
with Baby Robert , an Aunt who was
a bit stern comes over to help
the Ma.
Ma is lying down in the front room
and Baby is in a Moses Basket in
the living room.
Bem goes over to peek in at
the new baby, he has to go on
his tippy toes to look in,
"Get away from the Babyyyyy ",
is the roar Bem hears as the Aunt
enters the room.
Bem nearly shit in his pants
and ran away from the Basket.
Del titters in the Background.
" What are you laughing for ",
she roars at him.
Ger meanwhile was hiding under
the Table.
The Ma was'nt happy and the Aunt
never ventured to our house again.
September is School time ,
Del had been brought the year before
but kicked up such a rumpus
they left him till this year.
Monday morning Bem and Del
are dressed in tan Bomber Jackets
and Black Shorts.
The Ma and her friend Rita
bring the 2 lads, with Ger in his
Pram, up to the School .
They go to the Entrance
on Sperrin road.
When they got there Del
jumps onto the School gate and
holds on for dear life.
" I'm not going in there", he says.
Rita tries to lift him off but he isn't
having it and clings on tighter.
Bem is standing there wondering,
what this place school is like,
thinking it must be bad if Del
won't go in.
The Ma coaxes Del down and they
all go in.
Bem and Del are enrolled in Mr's
Smith's class.
After a couple of months Del is moved
to a higher age class.
Every Day for Lunch the School
would give the kids a mini bottle
of milk and a corn beef sambo.
Then play in the yard for half an hour.
IT'S BEM'S LIFE....1961
Bem is 3 year old now.
Del is meant to start School.
Ger still finding his feet.
John F. Kennedy was the new American
President this year.
Dean Martin's,
"Memories are made of This".
was a number 1 in charts.
Floyd Patterson defeats Johanssen
in their third fight to retain his
World Heavy Title.
Oscar Winners were ,
Burt Lancaster /Elmer Gantry,
Liz Taylor/Butterfield 8.
Best Film/ The Apartment.
Tipperary are Hurling Champs.
Down are Football Champs.
Drumcondra FC are Soccer Champs.
St Pats are FAI Cup Winners.
Eamon de Valera is Irish
President.
Del is meant to start School.
Ger still finding his feet.
John F. Kennedy was the new American
President this year.
Dean Martin's,
"Memories are made of This".
was a number 1 in charts.
Floyd Patterson defeats Johanssen
in their third fight to retain his
World Heavy Title.
Oscar Winners were ,
Burt Lancaster /Elmer Gantry,
Liz Taylor/Butterfield 8.
Best Film/ The Apartment.
Tipperary are Hurling Champs.
Down are Football Champs.
Drumcondra FC are Soccer Champs.
St Pats are FAI Cup Winners.
Eamon de Valera is Irish
President.
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
IT'S BEM'S LIFE 1960.
Kitty and Gerry are settled in their house
with their 3 Boys.
Gerry has to take a second Job as a Barman
in Clontarf Rugby and Cricket Club
to supplement his regular job as
a Van Driver.
Shelbourne win The FAI Cup.
Limerick FC are League of Ireland Champions.
Wexford are Hurling Champs.
Down are Football Champs.
Bono and Adam Clayton (U2) born.
Packie Bonner ( Irish Goalie) born.
RTE Television started this year.
"It's Now or Never", by Elvis was
Top Song.
Irish Showbands were popular in the '60 s.
Floyd Patterson defeats Johanssen
to become the First Heavy Champ
to regain his Title.
Muhammad Ali wins Olympic Gold
at Light Heavy in Rome.
Oscar Winners,
Film/Ben Hur,
Charlton Heston/Ben Hur.
Simone Signoret/Room at the Top.
with their 3 Boys.
Gerry has to take a second Job as a Barman
in Clontarf Rugby and Cricket Club
to supplement his regular job as
a Van Driver.
Shelbourne win The FAI Cup.
Limerick FC are League of Ireland Champions.
Wexford are Hurling Champs.
Down are Football Champs.
Bono and Adam Clayton (U2) born.
Packie Bonner ( Irish Goalie) born.
RTE Television started this year.
"It's Now or Never", by Elvis was
Top Song.
Irish Showbands were popular in the '60 s.
Floyd Patterson defeats Johanssen
to become the First Heavy Champ
to regain his Title.
Muhammad Ali wins Olympic Gold
at Light Heavy in Rome.
Oscar Winners,
Film/Ben Hur,
Charlton Heston/Ben Hur.
Simone Signoret/Room at the Top.
IT'S BEM'S LIFE 1959.
Bem celebrated his first Birthday
in February.
May of that year Son number 3 was born.
Ger would be the Heaviest of all the kids
weighing in at 10 pound .
In October Kitty and Gerry got the keys to
their house in Drimnagh.
Bem had celebrated his first Birthday
in Feb.
Dwight D. Eisenhower was the US President.
The Vietnam war was in it's fourth year,
It started in 1955.
Floyd Patterson loses his World
Heavy Title to Ingmar Johanssen
from Sweden.
Oscar winners,
David Niven/Seperate Tables,
Susan Hayward /I Want to Live.
Film/Gigi.
The Clancy Brothers were a popular Band in Ireland.
Paul Anka (Lonely Boy) was a Top Hit.
Shamrock Rovers were League of Ireland Champions.
St Patrick's Athletic won the FAI Cup.
Waterford were Irish Hurling Champions.
Kerry were Irish football Champions.
Paul Mc Grath ( Irish Soccer Player) born.
in February.
May of that year Son number 3 was born.
Ger would be the Heaviest of all the kids
weighing in at 10 pound .
In October Kitty and Gerry got the keys to
their house in Drimnagh.
Bem had celebrated his first Birthday
in Feb.
Dwight D. Eisenhower was the US President.
The Vietnam war was in it's fourth year,
It started in 1955.
Floyd Patterson loses his World
Heavy Title to Ingmar Johanssen
from Sweden.
Oscar winners,
David Niven/Seperate Tables,
Susan Hayward /I Want to Live.
Film/Gigi.
The Clancy Brothers were a popular Band in Ireland.
Paul Anka (Lonely Boy) was a Top Hit.
Shamrock Rovers were League of Ireland Champions.
St Patrick's Athletic won the FAI Cup.
Waterford were Irish Hurling Champions.
Kerry were Irish football Champions.
Paul Mc Grath ( Irish Soccer Player) born.
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
IT'S BEM'S LIFE.1958.
Bem was born in Holles street Hospital in Feb........Then christened after a couple of days in Westland Row
church by 2 Aunts and then returned to Mammy in Hoppo.
He was the Second child of Kitty and Gerry.
The first child Derek was born in '56.
Bem was brought home then to Meath st in the Liberties.
Bem's father,(Gerry) was from the Liberties.
He was born in Kevin St and moved to Aungier St when he was 6.
His Father ,Patrick Carroll, died before he was born.
His Mother ,Elizabeth( nee Doyle), now a widow with 9 kids had to go to work
as there was no Government help back then.( Patrick's family had a City farm in Francis st and a Saw mill in
The Tenters and owned property in Harty Place.) But nothing came her way.
She sold fish from her Stall in Camden st.
Early every morning she would go to Smithfield Market with her Pram
to collect her fish.
Life was tough and they lived in the Top floor of a Tenement House.
Kitty was from Sheriff St,( Laurences Mansions) in North Wall.
Her father, Michael Nolan, was a Docker..
Her mother's name was Maggie(Nee Coyle)
Kitty had 8 siblings.
Her 2 Brothers were also Dockers and had travelled all over the World on Ships.
Kitty and Gerry met in a Cycling Club in Gardiner St.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Magic Moments " by Perry Como was number One in 1958.
The Hula-Hoop and the Skateboard were introduced in 1958.
Dublin were All Ireland Champions in Gaelic Football.
Tipperary were All Ireland Hurling Champions.
Drumcondra FC were League of Ireland champions.
Brazil (with the great Pele) won the World Cup in Football.
Real Madrid were European Champions,
Manchester United had an ill fated crash in Munich Airport
returning from a European Tie,(23 people died including Irish player Liam Whelan.).
Ingemar Johansson was European Heavyweight Boxing Champion in 1958.
World Heavyweight Champion in 1958 was Floyd Patterson.
Sean T. O Kelly was The Irish President in 1958.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxOscar Winners,
Best Film/The Bridge on the
River Kwai.
Best Actor/Alec Guinness/
Bridge on the River Kwai.
Best Actress/Joanne Woodward/
Three Faces of Eve.
church by 2 Aunts and then returned to Mammy in Hoppo.
He was the Second child of Kitty and Gerry.
The first child Derek was born in '56.
Bem was brought home then to Meath st in the Liberties.
Bem's father,(Gerry) was from the Liberties.
He was born in Kevin St and moved to Aungier St when he was 6.
His Father ,Patrick Carroll, died before he was born.
His Mother ,Elizabeth( nee Doyle), now a widow with 9 kids had to go to work
as there was no Government help back then.( Patrick's family had a City farm in Francis st and a Saw mill in
The Tenters and owned property in Harty Place.) But nothing came her way.
She sold fish from her Stall in Camden st.
Early every morning she would go to Smithfield Market with her Pram
to collect her fish.
Life was tough and they lived in the Top floor of a Tenement House.
Kitty was from Sheriff St,( Laurences Mansions) in North Wall.
Her father, Michael Nolan, was a Docker..
Her mother's name was Maggie(Nee Coyle)
Kitty had 8 siblings.
Her 2 Brothers were also Dockers and had travelled all over the World on Ships.
Kitty and Gerry met in a Cycling Club in Gardiner St.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Magic Moments " by Perry Como was number One in 1958.
The Hula-Hoop and the Skateboard were introduced in 1958.
Dublin were All Ireland Champions in Gaelic Football.
Tipperary were All Ireland Hurling Champions.
Drumcondra FC were League of Ireland champions.
Brazil (with the great Pele) won the World Cup in Football.
Real Madrid were European Champions,
Manchester United had an ill fated crash in Munich Airport
returning from a European Tie,(23 people died including Irish player Liam Whelan.).
Ingemar Johansson was European Heavyweight Boxing Champion in 1958.
World Heavyweight Champion in 1958 was Floyd Patterson.
Sean T. O Kelly was The Irish President in 1958.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxOscar Winners,
Best Film/The Bridge on the
River Kwai.
Best Actor/Alec Guinness/
Bridge on the River Kwai.
Best Actress/Joanne Woodward/
Three Faces of Eve.
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