Flynn Clan - poems and stories

This is a song about the Flynn family as we arrived in the world. It is sung to the tune of "Lanigan's Ball"

In Baile Ath Cliath Granda O'Rourkes daughter

had found her own Fergus and be-come his wife

Along had come Bernie and then came young Tony

When Geraldine arrived 'twas a wonderful life

Chorus

All the neighbours said they were gorgeous

Such lovely kids they never had seen

You must be proud to have garsoons like 'em

But three is enough if you know what I mean

When young Fergus came his da's chest expanded

'cos now he had someone to carry his name 

With little Fiona the bells of Iona

were peeling in praise of her beauty and fame

Chorus

All the neighbours said they were gorgeous

Such lovely kids they never had seen

You must be proud to have garsoons like 'em

But five is enough if you know what I mean

Then there was a break and 48 months passed

and some people thought our Ma would have no more

But the pride of the nation, the cream of creation

was waiting his chance to come in the door

Dr Wilson arrived and said to "Boil water,

tonight will be born a Lord or a Khan"

Now jump into action because them contractions

are saying we'll soon see a hell of a man

Chorus

Another four years brought tears up in heaven

for small angel Cormac about to de-tank

The nurse said amazingly cute number seven has

something about him that looks like a yank

Chorus

We're going to move to a place called Killester

Said Da to Ma one night so let's celebrate.

A short while thereafter mid lashings of laughter

Our Aideen arrived and all said it was great

Chorus

All the neighbours said they were gorgeous

Such lovely kids they never had seen

You must be proud to have garsoons like 'em

But eight is enough if you know what I mean

Killester was quiet and full of young ladies

with buns in their ovens and babes in their arms

Ma said let's not tarry we'll show them with Barry

That Flynn babies are still the ones with the charms

Chorus

All the neighbours said she was lucky

to have lovely children all handsome and fine

Kathleen they said, you'll have to make more Flynns

But no said our Ma I've enough with me nine

- Lorcan 

The Journey The day that we left it was raining It’d been bucketing down for some days We tried to drum up optimism for the journey that stretched ´fore our gaze Yes 900 miles is a long road to be driven in thunder and rain So just as we got in the gluistean* we looked up to heaven again car* “Can’t You give us a break just this one time We promise that we will be good” And d’yaknow someone up there reacted ‘Cos maybe they thought that we would We drove dry through Holland and Belgium It rained just a bit in North France Occasional showers throughout England We began to believe we’d a chance At midday we reached the Welsh border and the sunshine peeped out from a cloud We let out a Celtic Yahooyah and we screamed and we shouted aloud The lightening dragons retreated The loud Gods of thunder drew back Come over to Ireland said Sunshine Of me now there will be no lack The Arrival The sight of Howth Head from the ferry As you pull slowly towards Dublin Bay Has been oft poemed about in great writings “With justice” is all I will say. But Dublin Bay in its beauty does not prepare one for the shock of the noises and traffic and chaos that’s seen in the new Dublin docks An hour and a half took the ferry to cross the great, wide Irish sea It took us two hours from the North Wall to Killester, me mother to see	But when we got there it was worth it Just to see the wide width of her smile She hugged us and kissed us in welcome and the world was alright for a while "Sit down for some tea at the table Would you like some auld lettuce and ham There’s a nice piece of cake in the kitchen Sit down here and talk to your Mam." "And how is Aunt Sadie and Paddy? And how is Aunt Yvonne and John? And when will the Aussies arrive here? ‘Can’t wait to see Catherine and Tom" The sun was still grinning in heaven when we took to the road to head south As we drove down the street where I grew up A smile creased the sides of my mouth It’s easy to get to “Le Ceile” Just head towards Blackrock’s what they say Turn left when you hit N11 Turn right at the turn after Bray Well that’s what we did and we found it On the Laragh road just outside town The mountainous welcome that met us Left us laughing and yelling like clowns Next morning at breakfast in Wicklow which Betty prepared with such love We looked at the shining blue heaven And thanked our good Friend up above. The Meetings Anthony said “If this keeps up We can spend the day on Silver Strand” Aideen and Des have a tent there” We said, “Yes! That would be grand” And that’s what we did and a grand day was then had by one and by all We went for a swim and Bar B Qued and talked of the coming great ball
Helen, Prianka and Sandra were soon yapping away like old mates Paul was surrounded by beauty “Dad, I think Ireland is great” Some manual labour the next morn on Deidre and Dylan’s new pad I mixed the concrete, Paul barrowed While Anthony laid the new path We called in to Geraldine in Artane On the way from the airport that day We’d collected Ma Edith Senoga And there was just so much to say “Hello, I am so glad to meet you” said big Liam “and this Liam’s my son” Oisin is off in Espana And this one right here is our Fionn “Fergus and Ronan will meet you in the course of the days I am sure And your heart will jump out to Xavier Just seeing him is a great cure” And this gorgeous creature is Sineid She’s our sister Aideen’s big girl Ma Senoga repeated the strange names with her mind in a bit of a whirl We then took her up to Killester Where the two grandmas finally met The feeling of warmth hasn’t left me and nor do I want it to yet The next day we went for Jelena and finally we were all there Her arrival was somewhat belated And almost gave Paul first grey hair. "The short way to Chris and to Fergus is to drive left across Sally Gap The sight of Lough Dan is enchanting Just drive straight and don’t mind the map." "Turn right at the first sign for Tallagh Turn right at the lights past the pub Turn right at the next lights and third right" And you will find this south-side Dub	We sat down to rashers of bacon And sausages, cheese and sliced ham And laughter and chit-chat and stories And then we walked round by the dam Niall introduced his new girlfriend And Daren and Maren their child Colm and Paul and young Ciaran Soon had their young cousin beguiled The next day we started to head west to see the great, tall Cliffs of Moher Still later we travelled round Dingle And collected sea-shells on the shore Angela’d been there with Barry We saw their new house out in Rush The view of the Bay from their garden stilled our voices down into a hush Eimear and Donal and Helen were all three quite soon the best mates They played hand-in-hand in the garden We laughed ‘cos we thought it was great Time is a rushing we realized When somebody said it in shock Our holiday is now half over "Believe me just look at the clock" We went to McClorys on Wednesday while A and B got Antoinette Cliona arrived from Roscommon But everyone wasn’t there yet Cormac and Lesley and Dana and Gary her handsome young man arrived on the Friday in Grandmas all bursting and full of elan On Thursday we’d gone north to Antrim to visit the Giant’s Causeway The Irish were always great builders Our Mama Senoga did say Then Saturday dawned with excitement That night was to be the big meet With Bernie and Peter from England Arrivals were almost complete
We were all very sorry Fiona And Tara and Karen and Jim and Elizabeth and our own Bobby Weren’t there for the Jamboree Flynn It would have been great to see Jayden in the arms of our Erin go Breah We want to say "Cead mile failte" to the new little Flynn and his Da The Hooley But still there were one or two others And soon all our minds were abuzz Meeting Rory and Brian and the Tommies And Cathrine, the cute Aussie Fuzz And they brought along a few children and we all told each other our name Then Brida and Eileen and Declan and Simon all joined in the game “Do you know who I am, I remember when you were this high to me knee Ah there’s Aunt Yvonne I’ll go over and kiss her and greet her with glee” “And there’s cousin Kevin and Ava All this way with their kids from the States” “And are you the son of Aunt Kathleen? Said Mary, “now don’t you look great” A room full of strangers assembled And really there wasn’t a chance That we could melt into one unit Well! That was until the first dance. There’s something in being a Paddy There’s something that makes us feel proud There’s something that makes us act different that makes us stand out in a crowd Well everyone there was a Paddy The black and the brown and the white We danced and we sang and we chin-wagged Boy we had a hooley that night	We started with Irish Folk-dancing Some young girls that leapt round like elves “And now folks the auld Walls of Limerick But this time we’ll do it ourselves” We hopped and we skipped and we sweated And Cormac twice stood on me toe Till finally, exhausted, ‘twas over “Come on folks lets have one more go” Now I (and I’ll be quite truthful) If I had been given a choice Would’ve gladly put five of me knuckles down the throat of the kid with that voice. I looked round to find the young culprit to say “Have respect for me age" And there to my most great amazement Stood Kathleen and Tom on the stage They crossed and they swung like teenagers We raised up a hip hip hurrah Come on Ma you’re like a young Colleen Come on Tom you Buichaill go breah And then to the sounds of Uganda Some backsides were given a life They shook and they bounced and contorted and I felt so proud of my wife The dancers of Egypt were famous With Tutankamun long ago We now know the reason in Ireland ‘Cos Ava put on a great show And more dancing followed and singing With Tom Watson crooning his way And juggling and laughter and yapping At midnight we wanted to stay But even the best nights are over And sometime it’s time to go home We’ll all take fond memories with us Where’ere on this planet we roam Lorcan 23 August 2000

Deidre and Dylan

Dublin dollies dancing in the mountains

Early morning giggles in the glen

Irish folk discoursing in the local

Raucous singing jingling now and then

Ditties, jokes and craic to raise the ceiling

Recollecting moments that we'd made

Effervescent, lively, loving laughter

Fabricating memories that won't fade.

Little girls grow up and leave us hoping

Yearning always for what once has been

Needing memories means we're growing older

Nicer nieces there have never been

Dylan is the one who's come to take her

You should know what lucky lad you are

Live your life with passion and with pleasure

Abhor the normal. Reach out for the stars.

Never stop too long to count your losses

Men who do must take what's second best

Chances come along - but very seldom

Good to know you took the very best

Rare's the chance that brought you two together

Abide in luck. May love be in your home

Today your names become entwined together

Henceforth they are written in a poem.

Love and best wishes from Germany from Lorcan, Betty, Paul, Bobby and Helen.

50 Word stories

50 word stories from the Flynn clan around the world

Dia Dhuit ar Nollaig a Chroi,

One email request was enough to tap the mine of talent that seems to be inexhaustible. This idea started out as a Christmas present to Mam/Grandma but I am sure she would agree that it be shared with us all. You make her proud.

Lorcan

27, 26, 23!

Where have the years gone? I wonder as I think of my children. Seems like yesterday when they were born, when mom and dad were their whole universe. Now other people populate their lives. Our home is quieter, sometimes lonesome. Only memories occupy the now empty rooms.

Betty Von Dormagen

Sleepyhead

“Jesus,” he said. “You gave me a fright. What are you doing wandering around this time of night?”

He felt annoyed as the warmth he’d accumulated dissipated in the chilly air.

“Whasamatter, can’t you sleep?” He pretended interest but he was beginning to drift off again.

“Sorry Peter,” said Jesus

- Lorcan

The Last Job
Beneath frosty starshine, hot breath formed clouds over the group. They
waited, building adrenalin and preparing to launch into lightspeed
action the moment their leader appeared from the shadows. His task was
finally completed, disturbing no sleeper. He returned, scattering snow
crystals. "All done boys! Home Rudolf! Ho ho ho!"

- Antoinette

A Flight to Remember.

The young pilot gazed in awe at the changing earth below his small aircraft.

He had never had such a rush of adrenaline or felt so powerful and close to God. Nothing would ever be the same after today.

He straightened his airplane and pointed the Enola Gay towards home.....

- Barry

Santa Has Been

Sleepy eyed Lorcan followed me downstairs. We squealed with wonder and excitement at the gaily-decorated Christmas tree surrounded with presents. Forgetting we were supposed to be quiet we woke up our Mammy, Daddy, four brothers and three sisters. But nobody minded cause Santa had been and we all loved Christmas.

- Fiona

Waiting

Waiting. Thoughts with nowhere to run but hope and fear of an unknown future.

Waiting. Nervous glance towards the ticking clock never reaching five.

Waiting. The echo of footsteps in sterile halls.

Waiting. Weak knees rise to meet a steadier gaze in white

The waiting is over - “it’s a girl.”

Paul

Thinking of home

She remembers the laughter and sounds of voices.

Smells which she loved.

She laughs at past fights, feels the gentle touch of each hug.

Her tears are filled with gratefulness and her heart makes a big jump.

Every morning of each day.

Till the day we'll meet again.

At home.

Helen

Maestro

The music crescendoed; the immediate silence louder than the preceding climax. He counted, four five beats before lowering his baton. The applause washed over him. He looked up humbly, grateful that he had been a part of such beauty.

“Thank you,” he said as the nurse handed him his medicine.

– Lorcan

Expectation

She followed as he raced forward. No longer attentive to the other, each
moved in their own world. They progressed carefully along corridors and
through doors. Hearts racing, both anticipated the end of this journey. At
any moment they would be seen.

“Leslie! There’s Aideen,” cried Cormac.

“Welcome to Ireland!”

Leslie

Miscalculations

The excitement was palpable as the boys gathered in
Flynn’s backyard.

Their toil and sweat from the construction was finally
over, She was ready for the high seas.

Gingerly they inched the boat towards the gate, but
stopped abruptly when they noticed.

One vital calculation was missing from their project.

Angela

Quick note, this is about a patient of mine that pulled out her trach,
yes I did save her and she is happy and healthy now :) and will never do that again.

A time too react.

The panic the fear, I must push them aside.
I can see the tears streaming down her eyes.
No time to think just react.
I grab the suction, I must act fast.
No though for myself I’m covered in blood,
I take a second to ask what have you done?

Erin

here is a true and unique (kind of) story....
Cathleen's Clan and Counting....

Bernie, Elizabeth, Ben.
Anthony, Antoinette, Devoran, Deirdre, Katie, Cliona, Abby.
Geraldine, Liam, Fergus, Xavier, Oisin, Ronan, Fionn, Evan.
Fergus, Darren, Lisa, Roisin, Sophia, Niall, Caolim, Ruane, Colm, Ciaran, Paul.
Fiona, Tara, Karen.
Lorcan, Paul, Bobby, Helen.
Cormac, Erin, Jayden, Cierna, Dana, Yusuf, Amal.
Aideen, Sinead, Sandra.
Barry, Eimear, Donal, Dearbhla.

And believe it or not - that is exactly 50!
Barry

Rushing

Rushing to the door, keys in hand, late as usual, despite best plans.

Traffics bad and paring’s short, breathless through those sliding doors.

I rush in to the Arrivals Gate, Excitement mounting, I can’t wait.

Resist the temptation to jump up and down,

Cormac and Leslie are back in Town.

Aideen

Annette and I are having fun with your 50 word suggestion.........she sent me something about Jim and myself ending with, Got Yeh! soooo I typed up the following for her,

Got Yeh Back!

One minute Panos was there, the next he was gone. Annette tried to scream but no sound came. Her stomach contracted with fear as she realized, she was lost in a dark forest. That's when Panos jumped out from behind a tree and said, "Got yeh back!"

Fiona

Having a ball
Meave and Pat went to the Park one sunny afternoon. They brought a red ball, some sandwiches and a blanket to sit on. They played with the red ball and eat their food.
The red ball blow away but Pat managed to catch it. Everyone had a really lovely day.

Dylan & Dee McGrath

Nostalgia

Clouds seethed, gathered and darkened. My nose twitched in anticipation of a long-ago but unforgettable memory. The wonderful smell of Africa after a downpour. Except, I’m far away from my native home in a place where rain leaves no pleasant sensation – only wet feet and a yearning for sunshine.

Betty

Today

We have today, but always worrying about tomorrow. Why not live for today, as tomorrow is not ours..ever! Only this moment this minute, a gift to weave our forever...

So whatever there is, live for today it is all there is, no tomorrow, no wishful thinking...

only here and now...!

Judy

Attempted murder

Sunday, cooking up scrambled eggs and toast for Mother. Not really paying attention to this ordinary task, the toaster screams. I switch it off and pop, a mouse sails over my shoulder and lands behind me. Staggering, he looks accusingly at me before disappearing. The day is no longer ordinary.

Aideen

Anticipation

There is nothing on earth like waiting in anticipation

Sitting down and enjoying a mulled wine

A platter of different cheeses passed around

Another with brown bread and salmon

The aroma wafting from the oven and the sound of the turkey crackling

Finally the sound we await: ‘Aideen calls Dinner’

Des

A Judge
A wig, a red robe, a court room, a knock.
All rise,bow and sit.
A desk top, a mallet, a pile of files, a pen, counsel, accused, an expectant crowd.
Glasses askew, a piercing stare. A charge, a plea, a sentence. A loud bang. Next!
The only things a judge knows.

The Joy of Living
What a joy , to be alive!
To hear the wind rustling in the pawpaw and guava trees.
To see the lizard scurrying by as if the devil was after him.
Yes, there is joy in the simplest things. If only we care to live and not merely exist.Live now

Father Dear
He was the most loving father, the apple of our eyes.
Such a generous heart, a beautiful smile and lovely stories to tell.
A kind word, a helping hand for friends and strangers alike.
What a blessing dear wonderful father, a gem so rare , a precious memory treasured for ever.

3 from Flavia

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An unbelivable chance is born

Comment on recent events in Northern Ireland

An unbelievable chance is born

I have watched them on the news each day

Pale, tired-eyed faces

From dark meeting rooms in grey

Back-street houses.

I have zapped them away, just catching words

Meaningless political words,

Or have listened awhile as they voiced

Meaningless, political words.

I thought before I zapped away

Of a mocking tale or a gibe

To please a companion

Around the table in the canteen,

Being certain that they and their like

Lived where hope has no morn:

All changed, changed utterly:

An unbelievable chance is born

That man leaves a stage

Now full of potential,

His deeds a monument

That will stand until

His is just another name

That kids have to learn

Pointlessly for their exams.

How wonderful that day

That he made possible.

This man his companion

In efficacy, optimism and commitment

Who supervised the invasion

Of those who come to share with us

The new abundance.

That man had the gift of words.

He can paint pictures.

Of ordinary men that make 

Him and them extraordinary

This other his helper and friend

Was a believer in force.

In the end he forced respect

For his beliefs and integrity.

This other man I had dreamed

A power-mongering, vain-glorious lout.

Who had done most bitter wrong

But one whom others loved,

As one whose song

Did not change with the seasons

He was there from the start

Of the awful comedy;

He, too, has been changed in his turn,

Can I too?

An unbelievable chance is born

Minds with one purpose alone

Through summer and winter seemed

Enchanted to a stone.

To us in tvland it seemed.

A waste of time and energy

To try one more time to bend

Unbending wills and hearts  

And mouths from which only

Meaningless, political words

Were vomited year after year

As ordinary people cried

Tear after tear.

But we did not know

That change

Minute by minute change;

Second by second change

Dripping inexorable stalactite-forming change

Can take place if there is hope.

We did not know that hope

Had not wild-geesed away

Like some of us to comfortable

Lives in far off lands

Where flickering images and 

Meaningless, political words

Could be zapped away and

Not thought about

Too long a sacrifice

Can make a stone of the heart.

O may it now suffice?

It is heaven's part, our part

To murmur name upon name,

Of the fallen

And keep their names alive

Never to forget the hatred

That ended their lives abruptly

Never to allow it take root

Again in Irish soil.

Now let us honour them in verse

As others were before

Those whose actions 

Have now ended

A full century of war

Let us say 

Ahern and Blair 

And Doctor Paisley too

And Adams and MacGuinness

Gentlemen. Thank you.

An unbelievable chance is born

-          Lorcan Flynn

(with apologies to you know who J

A moment at the Ruhi course

A certain moment

There was a certain moment just as we had ceased to pray

A moment of pure silence that you seldom find today

The final note had sounded, a hush was in the air

My friend: That sound of silence sounded like another prayer.

The trees outside our window looked skyward from new snow

The faces in the room around shone with an inner glow

I swear the room was pregnant with new possibilities

Not just a day of Ruhi; No! A taste of sanctity

And then we’d all stand up and stretch and open our last page

And laughter would soon bubble out and every heart engage

We learned and laughed and laughed and learned and painted, learned and sung

And learned and laughed and sung and prayed – The ten of us were one

We were a jolly bunch of fools, all different - all the same

We’d come to Tambach strangers but ‘twould ne’er be so again

We were not simply ships that cross at night each other’s way

No! We were souls who met there in a God-determined way

And though like ships we’d raise our sails to make tracks through life’s waves

The Tambach bonds that tied us then will last beyond our graves

For each will take some memory of our long - but too-short stay

For me the sweetest one is of that moment every day

Lorcan - Tambach Dec 18-25 2005

Baha' House of Worship Langenhain Germany