Killawalla celebrates

Killawalla celebrates in style

IT WAS a certainly a case of ‘full house’ in the village of Killawalla for the recent celebrations to honour the 40th anniversary of the opening of MacEvilly’s pub in the village. Pakie and Kathleen (nee Staunton) were joined by family, neighbours and friends as they raised a glass (or two!) to the popular couple whose hostelry has been a focal point in the community over the past four decades.
It was a time to share memories from back the years and recall the changes in life around the Killawalla area. Pakie and Kathleen received numerous messages of goodwill, and their daughters Eileen and Teresa put together a few verses in honour of the special occasion:
 
40-Year Tribute

Mam and Dad, look at the date
You opened this pub in ’68
Tonight we’re here to say well done
A unique achievement, a 40-year run
It was Dad who saw this house for sale
And felt a pub here could not fail
Yes, said Mam, your idea is clever
But beside a graveyard, Pakie, never!

You opened up on the 8th of May
In Killawalla, a busy Fair Day
The price of a pint, two shillings three pence
And of the changes we’ve seen since

The rum and black, the pint or two
Replaced by Bud and Malibu
And busy years, the stuff of dreams
Though time not bursting at the seams

As for staff, we have had the best
With the Cawleys first we were truly blessed
Sure Kevin Brady was one of us
Not forgetting Tommy on the 10 o’clock bus

Long hours, hard work, ready to drop
Dad hoping no question of the shop
And the midnight hours about to tick
As Dad begged the Eamons to tell it quick

But our culture is changing, so the experts say
And the country pub has had its day
But Mam and Dad you’ve proved them wrong
And MacEvilly’s Pub is still going strong


And its success is thanks to you
Our customers who are loyal and true
And Mam and Dad, good health and cheers
Cause it’s been a wonderful 40 years.

Fond memories of an uncle departed

STRANGE how memories come floating back after all the years. The recent death of my uncle John Goggins (pictured)  in Claremorris, coming just three months after that of Joe Dolan, revived childhood memories of when John worked for some years in Mullingar during the 1960s.
The showband era was moving in to full swing and John became good friends with a young and aspiring singer from Mullingar by the name of Joe Dolan. John had a car at the time and even took Joe along to some of those early gigs around the Westmeath area. That was before Joe and The Drifters really hit the big time and Joe subsequently went on to become one of the great icons of the Irish music industry.
Down through the years, my uncle had a special fondness for Joe Dolan and, whenever they met, they always reminisced about those early, innocent and happy times in the town of Mullingar.
John was an employee of the Esso company at the time and it was through his years with Esso that he made so many friendships around Mayo, Galway and Roscommon.
He was a gentleman who obviously struck a chord in the hearts of so many people, judging by the huge attendances at the funeral ceremonies. He had his own unique style of humour and had a great rapport with people of all ages. All in the family circle are deeply appreciative of the many expressions of sympathy from throughout the community and much further afield.