Rock and Roll for Sean Price's 83rd

A celebration of Sean Price’s 83rd birthday last night brought together family and friends in McTernans, writes Brian Byrne.

It wasn’t a big party, but it wasn’t quiet either, with Tony Kirwan lobbing out rock and roll musical memories from the 1950s in addition to performing a bunch of his own compositions and other popular covers.

Bill Haley’s ‘Shake, Rattle and Roll’ might have washed over the melodic consciousness of some of the Macs regulars, but there were some of us who raised an ear to a familiar of our youth. Another was his short homage to ‘The Killer’, Jerry Lee Lewis, who passed away just over a week ago.

For Sean himself, his birthday will always bring one particular specific sad memory — in 1960 it was the eve of the infamous Niemba ambush in the Congo which claimed the lives of nine of his platoon comrades, killed while out on patrol by Luba tribesmen who apparently thought they were Katangese mercenaries instead of the UN peacekeeper troops who had been sent to protect them. It was a shocking experience for the Irish contingent, deployed in a battle zone for the first time since the Irish Civil War.

“I never talk about it,” Sean told the Diary. “But I was reminded of it today when I got a birthday greeting from Jock Kelly, who was also with us in the Congo at that time.”

Still, Sean had a great time last evening. Glasses were raised in toast to many more. He's pictured above with daughters Lynda, Pauline and Shauna.

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Downtown celebrations for 96th birthday Pat

There was a buzz of celebration through this morning outside O'Connell's Bar as Pat Lynch of Logstown responded to well-wishers calling on his 96th birthday, writes Brian Byrne.

Showing little sign of his recent bout with Covid, Pat said he's 'working on' getting back to Logstown while he completes his recuperation at Curragh Lawn Nursing Home. His cake — made by Armelle's Kitchen — had the inscription which anyone who knows Pat also knows that it is entirely appropriate: 'For the Oldest Swinger In Town'.

Family and friends, and more than a few passers by also took the opportunity to congratulate him.

It's his second celebration of recent weeks — he was also guest of honour on Saturday week last for the relaunch of Kilcullen Tennis Club, of which he was a founder member some seven decades ago.

Have a great day, Pat. 

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Surprise 'Happy Birthday' for Seamus

There was a surprise on the green in front of Seamus McCoy's home at Sunnyhill in Castlemartin today, when a large group of friends gathered to sing him a socially distanced 'Happy Birthday', writes Brian Byrne.

Seamus is celebrating his 86th birthday today, and as a stalwart of the Kilcullen Tidy Towns group for years, the gathering was led by his friends from that organisation, as well as including many of his neighbours on the estate.

There was cake, whiskey (from Thailand, but adjudged 'excellent'), and lots of cards and tokens of affection.

Seamus has obviously been cocooned since the restrictions started, but KCA's Ray Kelly spoke on behalf of all present that they hoped they could celebrate properly when the crisis is over. "In a pub," he emphasised, echoing a strong wish from across the land.

Meantime, Seamus too is waiting for the time when he can don his purple KCA hi-viz and get back on litter patrol.

And to be able to get back to St Bridget's Pitch & Putt course, which reopens tomorrow for most local members. "Get your clubs polished," Club President Joe Mallon told him.

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Beep-Beep! Happy Birthday!

A member of Kilcullen Photography Club took this lovely photo of a family out for a walk near Moanbane today, with the self-explanatory sign held by one of the girls.

The photographer got permission to send the photo for publication on the Diary, but he forgot to get a name or contact details from the family.

He'd like to contact them, so he'd be obliged if they'd call on 086 8379805.

Oh, and Happy Birthday (Beep!).

Beat the Virus: Stay At Home. 

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