Pat Mongan

zoom

Pat Mongan and Samhain group at a workshop with Terry McDonagh, National Museum of Ireland - Country Life.

By Aoife O'Toole

zoom

Patrick Mongan reading at the launch

Paul Sherwood

Thirsty work

“Talk is cheap but it takes money to buy porter”,

grumbled Tommy D’Arcy,

as he fumbled in his soiled greatcoat for coins

that would help slake his thirst.

Tommy was a drover, driving cattle from Fair-Green to train.

Thirsty work, especially if cattle darted down side-streets,

pursued by truant boys.

The Visitor

I recall his weekly visit, though

His visit at Samhain terrorised.

The stories of fairies and síógs

Had us children petrified.

Bedtime came,

We slunked away,

Covering up our dread.