IRISH MEMORIES
Visitors to Ireland from wherever they come always vow to return. The beautiful scenery friendly and marvellous hospitality leaves lasting impressions. The Irish love music and dance and wonderful singers and bands are a byword down the ages.
Daniel O’Donnell (pictured) has entertained millions across the globe. A native of Donegal in the country’s northwest. St Patrick’s day (March 17) is a great day for folk of the Emerald Isle wherever they may be, and they sure know well how to celebrate.
On my last visit to the Emerald Isle a decade and a half ago one of many highlights was to attend a Daniel O’Donnell concert.
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The amazing Neale Daniher has just published another book The Power of Choice. He sent me a signed copy with a wonderful message. It is truly and inspiring “read” containing far more wisdom and life lessons than we get from most of our various leaders. Neale is a truly great Australian, and his name will echo down the ages. I keep in touch with his wonderful mum Edna, who lives out the evening of her life on the typical “bush” homestead deep in the sun parched Riverina.
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TWO CRICKET HEROES
Recently honoured for their magnificent contributions to Kilmore Cricket Club and the game itself, Laurie Boyd and Raymond Cowell are true legends of the summer game. Laurie has given more than six decades service to his beloved club- as junior player, senior star, captain, coach, committeeman, president, treasurer, groundsman. He has seen the club survive tough times and great times to become the thriving entity it is today. Ray has played a significant role also for many years on and off the field of play. His significant roles have been served out with devotion to duty. The pair may have few equals across our vast land, in any avenue of sport or service.
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BR DOUG WALSH (RIP)
A dedicated Marist, Brother Doug Walsh, was farewelled to a large crowd at Heidelberg ahead of burial in Kilmore Catholic cemetery recently. “Doug” had spent seven decades in the Marist order including years at ACK. Beyond his teaching and pastoral days he did much charity in the Heidelberg area and surrounding suburbs. He was a revered figure to all who knew him. He loved his time as Boarding Supervisor at ACK and thrived on the life and times of the three hundreds boarder students. He loved the weekend activity including visits by families to time with the boarders. Doug was very proud of the history of Assumption and the fact that for more
than a century it was known as one of the nations top boarding schools with high academic achievement and great sporting record.
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