Wednesday, December 19, 2012

REMEMBER


REMEMBER

Say you remember
Beechmount Ballroom of Romance
Christmas 1968
The Dubliners were playing
I saw you in the crowd
My heart skipped a beat
when you glanced my way
I waited for a slow set
then took a chance
and asked you to dance
My heart began to race
when you said yes
I held you close
as we slowly danced
and swayed to the music
I felt your warm embrace
and knew just then
that you were the one
The room began to shimmer
My heart was beating fast
I wanted to ask if you'd dance with me
for the rest of my life
I fell in love with you
that night
Life moved on
Our love grew strong
Hand in hand
and forever heart in heart
Christmas 2012
I'm glad I asked
you to dance.


Michael ' The Sheriff Sheils

Friday, December 7, 2012





A good crowd turned up last night in Navan Library for the launch of Golden Rhymes, a collection of Poetry by the Meath Junior Writers' Group. The book was compiled by the late Tommy Murry, of the Meath Writers' Circle and it was launched by Michael Farry who gave an excellent speach. Tom French of the Navan Library Service organised the event and introduced each of the young writers who read their own pieces with a confidence beyond their years. Members of the Meath Writers' Circle read some of Tommy's poems.

Michael Farry's speach can be found HERE on his blogsite.

MORE HERE on the Tara Poetry Blog Spot.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Tommy Murray R.I.P



The sad death of Tommy Murray caught everyone by surprise.  It was only two weeks ago 25th October that Tommy and the Meath Writers' Circle, met for the purpose of completing their Christmas DVD.  Tommy was in great spirits looking forward to the event he also mentioned that he was to launch a book on behalf of the Junior Writers' Group on 15th November in Navan Library. Tommy was a writer of great reknown with 13 books of short stories and poems to his credit. He also won many literary competitions throughout the country.  Tommy was always entering competitions, I like to think that he has entered a Heavenly Competition and has been shortlisted he has simply gone to collect his Heavenly reward.

Deepest condolences to his wife Josephine and family.

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Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Jim Byrne

Jim Byrne, is a founding member of the Small Impact Writers' Group. He can be heard below reading at a Creative Writers' Workshop which was held in the Newgrange Lodge, Slane Co. Meath  22/09/2012.





Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Oral History



I came across this cd today. Tom French in the Local Studies department of Meath Co. Library interviewed me as part of the Meath Oral History project in 2011.
The cd is available in the library.







Sunday, October 14, 2012

Fergies



My mind is full of memories
And thoughts of bygone years
Of games we played
And plans we made
Of hopes and dreams
And tears.

Peggy Murphy.




I had a very enjoyable night last Friday in Fergies of Kilmessan where a large crowd turned out for the launch of Peggy Murphy's DVD of her poetry collection " Dunshaughlin My Home Town. Music was provided by well known muscian Donie Clynch of Dunsany and Paul Hennessy who was a member of both the " Irish Tenors " and the  " Celtic Tenors " he also created the Peggy's DVD. John Byrne entertained the audience with his hilarious standup comedy show.

Pictured below on video is Paul Hennessy singing for Peggy, who enjoyed every moment.


Paul Hennessy


Peggy Murphy


Donie Clynch.


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Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Poetry Night.

Below are more of the readers on the poetry night.



Sean Reilly, above on video I didn't realise he was going to sing so I wasn't quick enough to get the start.


Paul Martin, Meath Writers' Circle


Willie Hodgins, Meath Writers' Circle.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Poetry Night.


The poetry reading on thursday last at Navan Library was a great success with many readers taking part. Tom French Poet and Librarian was master of ceremonies. Tommy Murray had a large crew from both his junior and senior Meath Writers' Circles.  There was a great selection of poems read on the night from: love poems to anti war poems and anything in between and also the odd piece of prose with some readers even bursting into song.
Pictured below on video is Peggy Murphy, who read on the night.  Peggy will be launching a DVD of her poetry collection " Dunshaughlin My Home Town " in Fergies of Kilmessan on Friday 12th October at 7.30pm. There will be music poetry and song on the night with some light refreshments.
Paul Hennessy who was a member of both the " Irish Tenors "and the " Celtic Tenors " and is the man who created the DVD will be there to launch the disc and might even be persuaded to sing a song.  Donie Clynch of Dunsany who is also a well known musician has promised to turn up on the night. So why not head for Kilmessan on Friday 12th for what promises to be a great night.


DVD will be selling at €10.



Peggy Murphy




Tom French of the Library Service


Michael Farry of the Boyne Writers

Tommy Murray the Meath Writers' Circle.




Saturday, September 29, 2012

National Poetry Day

Tom French, Meath Library Service and Tommy Murray of the Meath Writers' Circle will be holding a Poetry Reading night in the Navan library next Thursday 4th October National Poetry Day at 7.30pm  All are welcome so bring along your favourite poem from your school days.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

At Newgrange Lodge

I had a very enjoyable day last saturday at a creative writers' workshop held in the Newgrange Lodge organised by the Navan Writers' Group.  Pictured below is Dunshaughlin Author KT. McCaffrey addressing the crowd on the day.







On video Sean Reilly And Kimberley Murray who are both members of the group entertained the crowd with their musical talents.


Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Moose

   

Paul returned last Friday 7th September from his trip to the Arctic.  For those of you who followed his progress on the net he has posted photos on ' The Living Wilderness Bushcraft School ' blog.  As he was travelling alone he took all the photos himself, he mounts the camera on his walking stick whenever he takes a self portrait.  He also shoots video by holding the camera in his outstretched arm while moving.
He was walking one day when he came across a large moose, by the time he took out his camera the moose had scarpered hence the video below.
He was to cross a lake one day by ferry but the winds were so rough the ferry couldn't sail so he had to take a helicopter instead.  A few days later he arrived at another lake where he was to get another ferry to cross.  He hoisted the flag and waited for a local ferryman to arrive.  A Frenchman arrived shortly after him and they sat waiting for the ferryman to arrive but he never did.  They noticed canoes at the spot with life jackets inside.  So they donned the jackets and rowed across the lake it took them one and a half hours to cross.  It was a long day with neither of them knowing the others language.  It was the hunting season and that's why the ferryman wasn't there he was off hunting. The battery was gone in Paul's camera so he wasn't able to record the event but he recorded the helicopter ride a few days earlier.  He tried downloading it but because it's too long he wasn't able.  He'll edit it into smaller pieces and try later. 

Enjoy the video below.  And if you scroll down further you'll see a video of Paul and John Paul Kearney climbing Ben Nevis Scotlands highest peak in April 2008.  On an earlier trip in June 2005 Paul and his brother Austin climbed the peak but they didnt have a means of videoing it but Austin penned two poems while there they can be found on the same page as the video.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Fill up your Senses

The Navan Writers' Group will be  holding a creative writers' workshop on Saturday 22nd September at Newgrange Lodge Slane, from 10am to 5pm.
The theme for the day is ' Fill up your senses '.  The guest speaker will be Dunshaughlin author KT McCaffrey, whose new crime thriller ' The Tara Bones ' has just been published.  His previous works include ' No Curtain Call ' and  ' The Cat trap '.  There will be opportunities throughout the day for ' open mic ' sessions, so why not give it a try at reading, bring along your own piece of poetry or prose or perhaps your favourite piece from your school days.  Photographs will feature at some point during the day if you have a favourite photo why not bring it along.
Music and song will be provided on the day by Sean Reilly and Kimberley Murray who are both members of the Navan Writers' Group.
The cost for the day, subsidised by the group, is €10 and includes morning coffee and lunch.
Due to limited space, places are restricted.  All details from the secretary, Edel Gillick, on ( 085 ) 7068047 or email edelnavan@gmail.com.   

Saturday, August 25, 2012

MAP


Map from last years trip.

Click too enlarge.







Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Follow his progress.

My son Paul will be heading off on another trip to the Arctic wilderness.  He intends hiking 200 km alone across the largest wilderness in Europe.  He will cross extreme terain including the: Boreal Forest, high glaciated mountains, swamps, he will forde rivers and cross Artic Tundra.  Along with the artic weather he will also have the wild life to contend with.  The area has bears, very large moose and lynx. 
You will be able to keep track of his progress at any time of the day as he will be taking a personal locator beacon for safety. To follow his progress go to " The Living Wilderness Bushcraft School ", page and like it.
From next Monday the page will receive reports on Paul's progress. There will be a link on The Living Wilderness Bushcraft School's site just click on the link and you'll be taken to google maps where you can view his exact position.   To follow his progress CLICK HERE   you'll find the link when you enter the site. Click spot my location or you'll see beside it spot my location ok click ok. Trip starts Monday
And if you scroll down to the next page on this site you'll see a video of Paul and his Mate John Paul Kearney on the summit of Ben Nevis Scotland's highest peak in April 2008.  Enjoy.

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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

A Poem for Gaza

I knew you as a small boy
Playing dreidel in the sand.
Your father was the Rabbi,
Your Mama my best friend.

We went to school together,
And both sang khanuka songs.
Our days were warm and happy,
Before a thousand wrongs.

I loved you as a brother
When our homes were heart by heart.
But they built a wall of hatered
To drive us far apart.

One day last week I found you
Lying legless in the sand,
A bullet through your shoulder,
An AK in your hand.

I knew you as a small boy
Playing dreidel in the sand.
Your father was the Rabbi,
Your Mama my best friend.


By Ben Nuttal-Smith.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012




Celebrating the Meath Writers' Circle victory at the Battle of the Books.






Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Meath Writers' win the Battle of the Books




Just licking my wounds after the Battle of the Books in which the Meath Writers' Circle emerged victorious.



Pictured above beside score board L/R: Michael Sheils,Tommy Murray holding trophy and Frank Murphy.
Photo courtesy, Paddy Smyth of the Boyne Writers' 


Pictured some of the audience.




Myself reading.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Battle of the Books


Looking forward to the Battle of the Books, which is planned for Sunday 8th July in the Castle Hotel Trim, starting at 1.30pm. CLICK HERE for more information then click satire competition then click the website











Monday, July 2, 2012

BLACK BEAUTY


Click pic to read






Guinness

Black Beauty

Dressed to please

With that creamy head

My first thrill

Love still

Bill


Michael " The Sheriff " Sheils.



Sunday, May 27, 2012



Tommy Murray, reading in the Highlanes Gallery Drogheda Saturday 26th May 2012


Saturday, May 26, 2012


Cathy Martin, of the Meath Arts Office presided over the launching of Tommy Murray's latest book
" SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS " at Navan Library Thursday 24th May "2012.
The book is a collection of Tommy's favourite poems, published by Lapwing of Belfast.
For more details click on Meath Books website on right of page.




Tom French reading at the launch.


Tommy Murray


L/R: Tommy Murray, Cathy Martin and Tom French  

Sunday, May 20, 2012

ON THE GREAT WIDE OPEN







Unveiling the memorial L/R Mayor of Navan Anton McCabe, Eileen Mellet whose husband Padraig was killed in the mine. Eileen has fought for a long time to have a memorial erected in memory of those who lost their lives in the mine and for all deceased members of the workforce past and presen.t Pictured on the right is Sculptor Patrick Barry. 




Mayor Anton McCabe presening Eileen Mellett with a bouquet of flowers
at the unveiling of the monument " On the Great Wide Open " at the Kells Road
Roundabout, Navan, Co. Meath 18th May 2012

Eoin Mellett




L/R: Gerry Larkin, Eoin Mellett both their fathers were killed in the mine and right the Sculptor Patrick Barry. 

L/R: Mayor Anton McCabe, Eileen Mellett, presenting Edel Macarry With cheque for €600 on behalf of the Meath Womens Refuge and right Eoin Mellett. 

L/R: Mayor Anton McCabe, Eileen Mellett presenting Ann Marie Russell with cheque for €600 on behalf of the Alzheimer's Day Care Centre, Liscarton, Navan.



Mayor of Navan Anton McCabe

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

CLIMBING THE BEN




In June 2005 my sons Paul and Austin spent a week in the highlands of Scotland, climbing many of it's highest mountains including Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, which rises to a height of 4409 feet.
  The weather on the summit can be extreme with temperatures well below zero.  There are on average 261 gales per year and on many occasions wind speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour have been recorded there.  Snow can survive on these peaks until late in the summer months.
  The route they chose to climb ' the Ben ' is one of the most challenging, approaching the satellite peak of Cairn  Mor Dearg to the north east.  The two peaks are joined by a narrow rock ridge called the Cairn Mor Dearg Arete.  The ridge is crossed to reach the eastern flanks of Ben Nevis.  To take this route you need a good head for heights and a good mountaineering sense.
  While in this wonderful wild place, in the relative comfort of his tent, Austin was inspired to pen two poems, reproduced here.




A BLAZE in the Northern Sky

Tonight I lie on earthly soil under a northern sky.
Dreams of a forgotten past occupy my mind carried on th wind.
The misty mountains bring knowledge of an ancient race.
A race forgotten by time and dust.
A people who held the torch that lit the way.
Tonight I weep for the great mother.
May her children return to her, before all that is becomes the grave.
Man's destiny is his own.
But his life is given to him by the mother
A gift to repay.
Our souls are engraved in the land
So to destroy her is to enslave ourselves.
Sometimes it seems we know less than when we were born.
As the mist clears in my dream comes hope.
I see many roads before us
All leading to a final end. 
Alone we navigate the path.
Like a circle I hope it ends at the beginning
To start anew.

Austin ( Ozzy ) Sheils




JOURNEY

Let my weary head rest.
Let these tired feet renew.
To end my journey in the morning.
In this land I have travelled and spent some time.
Memories to keep, to carry to the grave.
Only me and my travelling companion
Shall share these stories to tell
Of her mountains, glens, loughs and burns.
Her beauty is vast the surface only scratched.
To come again now is not soon enough.
This land is not our own but her beauty has touched our souls,
Us and our kind, we people of the hills.
To my home I shall go to spread the word
That to journey is to feed the soul,
to experience is to learn and to learn is to grow.
There are many out there who do not know.
Stagnant souls, TV is all they know, their reality is false.
Already I have seen my own country
And in words I cannot express what I feel for her.
What she has given I can never repay.
Her troubled history she has endured.
Her strength I respect for she is of me as I am of her.
Now I know that there is more to see across the sea.
To journey another day.


Austin ( Ozzy ) Sheils







On a later trip April 2008 Paul ( Pipe ) In the company of John Paul Kearney tackled the Ben again and on that occasion he filmed it.  Video below.




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Monday, April 30, 2012

Jim Connell Festival

The Jim Connell Memorial Committee will be hosting a Trade Union weekend in Kells and Crossakiel from the 4th to the 6th May next.

For more information click HERE   For songs of Irish Labour click HERE

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Saturday, April 28, 2012

Tommy Murray's latest book SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS a collection of 44 poems will be launched on 24th May in Navan Library at 7pm. The launch will be performed by Meath Arts Officer Cathy Martin and MC for the night will be Poet Tom French of the library service. Published by Lapwing Belfast. This is Tommy's 13th book or is it 14 must check that one out. For more pay Tommy a visit HERE   

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

A Million Miles



Shannon O Connor from Navan performing her debut single " A Million Miles "

Video by Eoin C Macken.


Shannon will be appearing on The Saturday Night Show RTE 1  28th April 2012.

For more information visit Shannon's blog  HERE


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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

THE BOOM TIME RATS

Last night I lay awake trembling with fear.
I was being repossessed in a matter of three weeks.
Then realisation dawned- I was now almost homeless.
Why me I thought? Then I remembered.

In 1980, we were told we were living beyond our means by a
man dressed in a Charvet shirt who too lived,
beyond his means.
A man who stooped so low as to take £250,000 from a
friends life support fund.
What came after this?
a finance minister who then became leader, a man who
stated, " he never held a bank account while he was minister "
But all along he was signing cheques for the man in the
Charvet shirt.

The minister was warned that, " his reckless policies would de-
vour the Celtic Tiger "
He told them to, " go and commit suicide ".
He stated, " his only regret was that he had not built the Bertie Bowl ".

With leaders like this, no wonder the homeless figures rise,
people made homeless by the greedy bankers, mystery bond holders,
corrupt leaders with lavish pensions funded by the taxpayers.
People cry out for justice!
The vulnerable are hit, the sick, the blind.
Our children cry out!
No bail out for them, no Galway tent, no whip around.
Made homeless by THE BOOM TIME RATS.

Michael " The Sheriff " Sheils.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Echoes of My Lai.


Thanks to Youtube and to John Michael Turner for having the courage to speak out.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Tommy Murray on the publication of his latest book, titled " Swimming with Dolphins'. A collections of poems, it's Tommy's 14th book since he started writing in 1992. The collection is published by Lapwing in Belfast.
The book is available for €10 by contacting Tommy by email at tommymurray06@eircom.net.

Tommy keep one for me that's if they're not already sold out.

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Saturday, March 17, 2012

THE STORY OF ST PATRICK


The Story of St Patrick.
Enjoy and have a happy St Patrick's Day.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

THANK YOU





Watch this movie to the END. Something to think about. Thanks to youtube. 

Friday, March 9, 2012

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to the Navan and District Historical Society, on the launch of their new website Navan history.ie.

The launch took place in Navan Library on Thursday 16th February. The launch was conducted by the Mayor of Navan CLLR Anton McCabe.

The society was founded in 2007 and their main aim is to foster an interest in the local history of the area. They published their first journal  ( Navan it's People and it's Past,  VOLUME1 ) just before Christmas and are delighted to say that it completely sold out within a few weeks. They are running a limited reprint of the journal and hope to have copies in the shops by the end of March.

As part of the Shamrock Festival Vincent Mulvany will lead an historical walking tour of Navan starting at 10am from the CYWS Hall Fairgreen on St Patrick's Day. Vincent will also have his unique series of photographs of the Old St. Pats/ St. Finian's Study Hall on display in the CYWS Hall.

For more information visit their site   CLICK HERE

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Monday, March 5, 2012

EVICTION



I came across this video on youtube thought you might find it interesting.







Saturday, March 3, 2012

Canadian Poets Against War


I just had a poem published on Canadian Poets against war blog site      CLICK LINK. Then click poems.  http://www.poetsagainstwar.ca/about.php



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Thursday, February 23, 2012

RIVER DANCE

Reading my poem River Dance at a meeting of the Meath Writers' Circle. Video coutesy Frank Murphy of the Tara Poetry Blogg.

BY, Michael " The Sheriff " Sheils.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

NAVAN IS HER NAME


Another great song from singer song writer Navan man Eddie Who.
Thanks to Eddie and youtube.

Monday, February 13, 2012

THE HIGH HILL OF SKRYNE




The High Hill of Skryne. A beautiful song by Navan born singer songwriter Eddie Who.
Filmed by Shay Casserley.



Saturday, February 4, 2012

THE BULLY


THE BULLY

Did you think I was going to squirm
when you sent me that registered letter?
Think again it's stronger I get
under threat.
And to think that you ended it thus
CC addressees and legal advisers.
Giving me seven days to answer
or else.
It's now over a year since
I received that letter
and not a dickey bird from you
And to think that the other bully
then sent a registered letter
threatening me again
with the same false allegations.
Did he think that he would succeed
where you had failed?
Think again it's stronger I get
under threat.
He also gave me seven days to answer
or else.
And to think that he ended his letter thus
I enclose a prepaid registered envelope
for your convenience.
Now wasn't that nice of him
It's almost a year now since his letter
and not a dickey bird from him either.
How low can one go?.
I have since heard through the grapevine
that both of you have fallen out.
It was inevitable
you were both going nowhere fast.
With your lying and cheating
masters of your own downfall.

Michael " The Sheriff Sheils "