{"id":12347,"date":"2017-04-04T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-04-04T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mickgb.com\/?p=12347"},"modified":"2024-04-08T01:12:35","modified_gmt":"2024-04-08T01:12:35","slug":"doirse-de-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mickgb.com\/en\/doirse-de-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Doirse De 2"},"content":{"rendered":"

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D O I R S E<\/span><\/h1>

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L E<\/h2>

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PEADAR BAIR\u00c9AD<\/span><\/h3>

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Cuid a D\u00f3.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

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           <\/h5>
Caibidil 15<\/h5>

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Roghn\u00fa Gairme sna Daichid\u00ed<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

Thaitin idir scoil agus scola\u00edocht liomsa, chuile l\u00e1 riamh, agus d\u00e1 chomhartha sin, d\u2019\u00e9ir\u00edodh liom cib\u00e9 ceacht n\u00f3 cleachtadh a thugta\u00ed dom ar scoil, a dh\u00e9anamh gan str\u00f3. Am ar bith ar theastaigh teachtaireacht \u00f3 dhuine de na m\u00fainteoir\u00ed, b\u00ed cinnte gur ormsa a thitfeadh s\u00e9 an gn\u00f3 sin a dh\u00e9anamh d\u00f3. Thug sin deis domsa tr\u00e9imhs\u00ed a chaitheamh amuigh ar bh\u00f3ithre Iorrais, ag rothaiocht liom ar mo sh\u00e1imh\u00edn s\u00f3 ar rothar bre\u00e1 r\u00e1sa\u00edochta an Mh\u00e1istir. Th\u00e9inn go dt\u00ed Oifig an Phoist, le haghaidh na litreacha, chuile mhaidin, geall leis, agus th\u00e9inn go dt\u00ed an baile m\u00f3r le teachtaireachta\u00ed don bPr\u00edomhoide, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed a leann\u00e1n ina c\u00f3na\u00ed i mB\u00e9al an Mhuirthead, agus minic a theasta\u00edodh uaidh sc\u00e9al eic\u00ednt a chur chuici i rith an lae. I gc\u00e1s d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id, n\u00ed raibh le d\u00e9anamh aige ach glaoch ormsa, agus a rothar r\u00e1sa\u00edochta a thabhairt dom, agus d\u2019fh\u00e9adfadh s\u00e9 a bheith cinnte ansin go sroichfeadh a theachtaireacht a ceann scr\u00edbe, ar an d\u00e1 luathas. Is cuimhin liom freisin, nuair a thosaigh an Cogadh M\u00f3r, sa bhliain 1939, go gcuireadh an tArdmh\u00e1istir, an tUas. Se\u00e1n \u00d3 Cr\u00f3in\u00edn, m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in agus Proinsias Mac Eoin, go dt\u00ed teach Mhic Eoin ar an nGeata M\u00f3r, le h\u00e9isteacht leis an nuacht ar an Raidi\u00f3, agus sc\u00e9ala an chogaidh a thabhairt ar ais linn chuige. Anois, c\u00e9 go mb\u00ednn amuigh ar theachtaireachta\u00ed, leath na gcuarta, n\u00edor chuir an eala\u00edn ch\u00e9anna sin isteach puinn ar mo chuid scola\u00edochta, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed ar mo chumas, cib\u00e9 a bh\u00edodh \u00e1 dh\u00e9anamh acu agus mise ar f\u00e1n \u00f3n seomra ranga, d\u2019\u00e9ir\u00edodh liom an m\u00e9id sin a phiocach suas, gan str\u00f3, agus cib\u00e9 obair bhaile a bh\u00ed le d\u00e9anamh againn, a dh\u00e9anamh gan teip, chuile o\u00edche. N\u00ed h\u00e9 sin amh\u00e1in \u00e9 ach d\u2019\u00e9ir\u00edodh liom corr scilling a shaothr\u00fa as mo scileanna l\u00e9inn, n\u00f3 thagadh scol\u00e1ir\u00ed \u00e1irithe chugam, leis an obair bhaile ch\u00e9anna sin a dh\u00e9anamh d\u00f3ibh, agus iad bre\u00e1 s\u00e1sta na pingneacha a bhronnadh ormsa, mar ch\u00faiteamh. Minic a d\u2019\u00e9irigh liomsa f\u00e1il isteach chuig na scann\u00e1in tostacha, tr\u00edd an gcleas c\u00e9anna sin. <\/p>

Thart ar an am sin, agus n\u00e1isi\u00fain mh\u00f3ra an domhain ag pleanncadh agus ag leadradh a ch\u00e9ile, agus ruda\u00ed \u00e1 gciond\u00e1il anseo i dt\u00edr na h\u00c9ireann, thosaigh an M\u00e1istir \u00d3 Cr\u00f3in\u00edn ag iarraidh treoir ghairme eic\u00ednt a chur ormsa. D\u2019iarr s\u00e9 m\u00e9 a sti\u00faradh an bealach seo, agus d\u2019iarr s\u00e9 m\u00e9 a sti\u00faradh an bealach \u00fad eile, ach i ndeireadh na d\u00e1la, ba \u00ed an tsagartacht a roghnaigh mise. Anois, caithfear a thuiscint, nach raibh puinn gustail ag mo mhuintir, agus d\u00e1 thairbhe sin, n\u00ed bheadh s\u00e9 ind\u00e9anta acu, m\u00e9 a chur go M\u00e1nuat, n\u00f3 chuig ceann ar bith de na Cliarscoileanna ardn\u00f3sacha, ach, n\u00edorbh fh\u00e1l go haer \u00e9! n\u00f3 bh\u00ed \u201cCumann Misin\u00e9ir\u00ed chun na hAifrice\u201d, n\u00f3 an SMA<\/em>, mar a thugtar orthu, bre\u00e1 s\u00e1sta gas\u00fair de mo leith\u00e9idse a ghlacadh isteach ina scoileanna-san, ar th\u00e1ille an-\u00edseal, ag s\u00fail go leanfadh uimhir \u00e1irithe de na dalta\u00ed sin leo go nd\u00e9anfa\u00ed sagairt do na Misin d\u00edobh, i ndeireadh na d\u00e1la. Tuigeadh d\u00f3ibh, d\u00e1r nd\u00f3igh, go gcaillfeadh siad roinnt mhaith acu, san aon bhliain d\u00e9ag idir th\u00fas an ch\u00farsa agus l\u00e1 an oirnithe. B\u2019fh\u00e9idir go dt\u00f3gfadh siad isteach thart ar ch\u00faig dhuine is fiche in aghaidh na bliana, ach chuile sheans nach nd\u00e9anfa\u00ed ach c\u00faigear, n\u00f3 seisear, d\u00edobh sin a oirni\u00fa, ar deireadh thiar. Ach bh\u00ed siad l\u00e1n-ts\u00e1sta leis na huimhreacha sin, mar tuigeadh d\u00f3ibh, go raibh siad ag leathadh an bhriathair i measc an phobail, ina mbealach fh\u00e9in. Ach ba bheag a thuig mise faoi na c\u00farsa\u00ed sin, agus m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in agus an M\u00e1istir ag cur c\u00farsa\u00ed creidimh agus sagartachta tr\u00ed ch\u00e9ile, i Scoil N\u00e1is\u00fanta na Cille M\u00f3ire Iorrais, i ndeireadh thriochaid\u00ed agus i dt\u00fas dhaichid\u00ed na haoise seo caite. Ar aon chuma, bheartaigh m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in dul chun na hAifrice im\u2019 mhisin\u00e9ir. Bh\u00ed gr\u00e1 im chro\u00ed agam, an t-am sin, do ghormaigh na hAifrice. N\u00ed \u00f3n gcnoc n\u00f3 \u00f3n ngaoth a bhailigh m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in an chr\u00e1ifeacht, n\u00f3 ba dhuine \u00ed mo Mham, a raibh creideamh aici a chuirfeadh an cnoc thall ar an gcnoc abhus, agus chomh maith le sin, t\u00f3gadh m\u00e9 i bpobal ina raibh c\u00e9ad faoin gc\u00e9ad acu ag cleachtadh a gcreidimh, agus ag glacadh le f\u00edric\u00ed na Cr\u00edosta\u00edochta. Sea, agus \u201cfair play<\/em>\u201d don Mh\u00e1istir, bh\u00ed seisean s\u00e1sta an cupla punt a chur sa chiste, a bheadh riachtanach, le gas\u00far dem leith\u00e9idse a chur chun an Chol\u00e1iste \u00fad i mB\u00e9al an \u00c1tha Fhada, i ngiorracht roinnt m\u00edlte do Bhall \u00c1lainn, i gContae Mhaigh Eo.<\/p>

Ba ghearr go raibh an sc\u00e9al i mb\u00e9al gach \u00e9inne.<\/p>

\u201cAr chuala t\u00fa an nuacht?\u201d ad\u00e9arfadh duine. <\/p>

\u201cC\u00e9n nuacht at\u00e1 i gceist agat?\u201d<\/p>

\u201cC\u00e9n nuacht, an ea? Go bhfuil Peadar Mhichael Mhic\u00ed ag dul sna sagairt!\u201d<\/p>

\u201cAg magadh f\u00fam at\u00e1 t\u00fa? mar nach bhfuil a fhios ag an saol m\u00f3r go bhfuil n\u00edos m\u00f3 n\u00e1 a phaidreacha ar a aire ag an bPeadar c\u00e9anna, bail \u00f3 Dhia air!\u201d.<\/p>

\u201cB\u2019fh\u00e9idir go bhfuil, agus b\u2019fh\u00e9idir nach bhfuil, ach sin an sc\u00e9al a chuala m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in, anois d\u00edreach, \u00f3 Tom an Phosta, agus nach bhfuil an Tom c\u00e9anna sin an-mh\u00f3r le Bair\u00e9adaigh na Druime?\u201d<\/p>

\u201c\u00d3, bhuel! m\u00e1 bh\u00ed an sc\u00e9al ag Tom an Phosta, caithfidh go bhfuil bun\u00fas eic\u00ednt leis. Bhuel anois! c\u00e9 chreidfeadh go raghadh an diabhail\u00edn c\u00e9anna sin le sagartacht?\u201d B\u2019in mar a bh\u00ed i measc na gcomharsan, na laethe \u00fad, i l\u00e1r na bliana \u00fad 1940, agus mise ag f\u00e1il r\u00e9idh le hiomaire nua a bhasl\u00fa dom fh\u00e9in, n\u00f3 n\u00edor ghn\u00e1th-rud \u00e9, an t-am sin, buachaill \u00f3g dem leith\u00e9idse, Cliarscoil a thabhairt air fh\u00e9in.<\/p>

Chuaigh chuile sh\u00f3rt ar aghaidh go seoigh, ar feadh scathaimh. Ach de r\u00e9ir mar a bh\u00ed an l\u00e1 sprioc\u00e1ilte ag druidim linn, bh\u00ed ag dul ina lu\u00ed ormsa, m\u00e9id na c\u00e9ime a bh\u00ed \u00e1 t\u00f3g\u00e1il agam. Ach d\u00e1 fhaid an l\u00e1, tagann tr\u00e1thn\u00f3na, agus ba \u00e9 an d\u00e1la c\u00e9anna agamsa \u00e9. Ar deireadh thiar thall, th\u00e1inig an l\u00e1 m\u00f3r. An o\u00edche roimh r\u00e9, bhailigh na comharsanna uilig isteach sa teach s\u2019againne, le sl\u00e1n agus beannacht a chur liomsa, n\u00f3 ba \u00e9 sin n\u00f3s na muintire thiar, ag an am sin. <\/p>

Faoi\u2019n am sin freisin, bh\u00ed chuile short, a bheadh ag teast\u00e1il uaim sa Chol\u00e1iste, ceannaithe agus pac\u00e1ilte, i gc\u00e1s bre\u00e1, nua, taistil. Mo Mham agus mo dheirfi\u00faracha ba mh\u00f3 a rinne an gn\u00f3 sin, n\u00f3 ba bheag scil a bh\u00ed agamsa i gc\u00farsa\u00ed pac\u00e1la, ag an am, murab ionann is anois. <\/p>

Ar maidin, bhuaileamar b\u00f3thar. N\u00ed g\u00e1 a r\u00e1, nach raibh carr, n\u00f3 cairt, le s\u00edob a thabhairt dom go B\u00e9al an Mhuirthead, mar n\u00ed th\u00e9adh an bus thar an mbaile m\u00f3r sin siar, ag an am sin. Deirid\u00eds go raibh an droichead r\u00f3-ch\u00fang, r\u00f3-lag, n\u00f3 n\u00f3-rud-eic\u00ednt-eile, agus sa tsl\u00ed sin, f\u00e1gadh muintir na Leithinse lena mbealach fh\u00e9in a dh\u00e9anamh go B\u00e9al an Mhuirthead, d\u00e1 mbuailfeadh an fonn taistil iad. Mar sin, ar rothar is ea chuaigh m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in go B\u00e9al an Mhuirthead, an mhaidin sprioc\u00e1ilte sin. Chuaigh mo dhearth\u00e1ir Se\u00e1n, Gr\u00e1sta \u00f3 Dhia air, in \u00e9ineacht liom, leis an gc\u00e1s bre\u00e1, donn, nua sin, a iompar, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed Se\u00e1n n\u00edos sine agus n\u00edos foirfe na m\u00e9. B\u2019eisean an duine ba shine den \u00e1l, agus meas d\u00e1 r\u00e9ir againne air. Chuir Se\u00e1n ar an mbus m\u00e9, thug mo ch\u00e1s don tiom\u00e1na\u00ed, do \u201cL\u00e1cha\u00ed Clarke\u201d, agus d\u2019fh\u00e1g sl\u00e1n liom. <\/p>

Bh\u00ed m\u00e9 liom fh\u00e9in ar deireadh, agus geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, go ndeachaigh an cumha agus an t-uaigneas go smior na gcn\u00e1mh isteach ionam. D\u2019fh\u00e1g m\u00e9 B\u00e9al an Mhuirthead faoi ghradam, m\u00e9 gl\u00e9asta in \u00e9ide \u00e1bhar sagairt, agus n\u00edos m\u00f3 airgid i mo ph\u00f3ca, n\u00e1 mar a bh\u00ed feicthe agam riamh roimhe sin. \u201cL\u00e1cha\u00ed Clarke\u201d ag tiom\u00e1int agus \u201cGeorge Ormsby\u201d ina sti\u00farth\u00f3ir againn. Ba nuacht chuile sh\u00f3rt domsa, n\u00f3 n\u00ed raibh m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in n\u00edos faide \u00f3 bhaile n\u00e1 B\u00e9al an Mhuirthead, riamh roimhe sin. Nach orm a bh\u00ed an t-ionadh, nuair a chonaic m\u00e9 crainn den ch\u00e9ad uair riamh, ba bheag n\u00e1r bhain a n-uaisleacht agus a n-airde radharc na s\u00fal d\u00edom! Ar deireadh thiar, shroicheamar B\u00e9al an \u00c1tha, ach n\u00ed raibh ar mo chumas dul n\u00edos fuide, an l\u00e1 sin, n\u00f3 n\u00ed raibh ach traein amh\u00e1in ag f\u00e1g\u00e1il B\u00e9al an \u00c1tha, in aghaidh an lae, an tr\u00e1th sin, agus d\u2019im\u00edodh sin ar maidin. \u00c9inne ar theastaigh uaidh dul n\u00edos faide n\u00e1 B\u00e9al an \u00c1tha, d\u2019fh\u00e9adfah s\u00e9 fanacht go dt\u00ed an l\u00e1 arna mh\u00e1rach. Chuir m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in f\u00fam, an o\u00edche sin, in \u201c\u00d3st\u00e1n an N\u00e9fin\u201d, agus bh\u00ed m\u00e9 ar mo chois go bre\u00e1 luath an mhaidin d\u00e1r gcionn. Ar ball, rinne m\u00e9 mo shl\u00ed go St\u00e1isi\u00fan na Treanach. \u00d3, a Thiarcais! n\u00e1r mh\u00f3r idir \u00e9 agus tada d\u00e1 bhfaca m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in riamh roimhe sin! Cheannaigh m\u00e9 mo thic\u00e9ad agus isteach liom ar an ard\u00e1n, le fanacht leis an traein. N\u00ed raibh m\u00e9 im aonar ansin, ach oiread, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed slua m\u00f3r daoine bailithe ansin, agus iad ag fanacht ar thraein \u00fad na maidine. Chaith m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in an t-am ag si\u00fal liom s\u00edos suas ar an ard\u00e1n, agus mo thic\u00e9ad greamaithe go teann im ghlaic agam, go dt\u00ed go raibh an traein socraithe s\u00edos sa st\u00e1isi\u00fan, ach n\u00ed i gc\u00f3na\u00ed a thagann an cr\u00faisc\u00edn sl\u00e1n abhaile \u00f3n tobar, agus ba \u00e9 an d\u00e1la c\u00e9anna agamsa \u00e9 agus an tic\u00e9ad dra\u00edochta sin, n\u00f3 cib\u00e9 \u00fatam\u00e1il a bh\u00ed ar si\u00fal agam, thit an tic\u00e9ad s\u00edos uaim, idir an traein agus an ard\u00e1n. \u00d3, a Thiarcais! conas a gheobhainn greim ar mo thic\u00e9ad dra\u00edochta ar\u00eds? Agus mura bhfaighinn, is d\u00f3cha nach ligf\u00ed ar bord na traenach chor ar bith m\u00e9. Bhuel, ar \u00e1mhara\u00ed an tsaoil mh\u00f3ir, bh\u00ed fear bre\u00e1, scaf\u00e1nta, \u00f3g, \u00f3 Bheannchor Iorrais, duine de mhuintir U\u00ed Mhurch\u00fa, ar an bhf\u00f3d, agus d\u2019fh\u00e1g seisean a mh\u00e1la taistil ar leataobh, agus s\u00edos leis de l\u00e9im, idir an traein agus an ard\u00e1n, agus i bpreab na s\u00fal, bh\u00ed mo thic\u00e9ad caillte sl\u00e1n s\u00e1bh\u00e1ilte ina ghlac aige. Thug s\u00e9 ar ais dom \u00e9. Ghabh m\u00e9 mo bhu\u00edochas \u00f3 chro\u00ed leis, agus sa chomhr\u00e1 a lean an eachtra sin, d\u2019inis s\u00e9 dom, go mba bhall de Aerfh\u00f3rsa Shasana \u00e9, agus go raibh s\u00e9 tar \u00e9is saoire a chaitheamh sa bhaile, i mBeannchor Iorrais. \u201cAgus ar ghlac t\u00fa aon ph\u00e1irt f\u00f3s sa Chogadh M\u00f3r\u201d arsa m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in leis. \u201cAbair \u00e9,\u201d ar seisean, \u201cn\u00f3 is beag l\u00e1 nach dt\u00e9im fh\u00e9in, is mo bhu\u00edon trodair\u00ed, ar aer-ruathair, thar chr\u00edocha na Gearm\u00e1ine isteach, ag buam\u00e1il, ag troid, ag spiaireacht.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cAgus an bhfuil s\u00e9 cont\u00fairteach bheith i mbun na hoibre sin?\u201d<\/p>

\u201cBhuel,\u201d ar seisean, \u201cis beag l\u00e1 nach gcailleann muid comr\u00e1da\u00ed amh\u00e1in, ar a laghad, agus n\u00edl ann ach cluiche gill, mar ad\u00e9arf\u00e1. Bh\u00ed an t-\u00e1dh i mo chaip\u00ednse, go nuige seo, agus t\u00e1 s\u00fail le Dia agam, go dtiocfaidh m\u00e9 sl\u00e1n abhaile \u00f3n gcogadh millteach, uaf\u00e1sach, seo.\u201d<\/p>

Bhuel, ag an bpointe sin, chualamar fead caol, ard, cluasphl\u00e9ascach, na traenach, agus \u00ed r\u00e9idh chun b\u00f3thair. Chuamar ar bord. D\u2019fh\u00e1gas fh\u00e9in sl\u00e1n le mo chara nua, an fear bre\u00e1, ard, rua, dath\u00fail sin, \u00f3 Bheannchor Iorrais, agus muid ag s\u00fail go gcasfa\u00ed ar a ch\u00e9ile sinn ar\u00eds, ach t\u00e1 fait\u00edos orm, n\u00e1r casadh Mac \u00fad U\u00ed Mhurch\u00fa ar\u00eds orm, \u00f3 shoin i leith, agus n\u00edl fhios agam \u00f3 thalamh an domhain, ar th\u00e1inig s\u00e9 sl\u00e1n \u00f3n mbearna bhaoil, n\u00f3 ar cailleadh \u00e9 ar mhisean, n\u00f3 ar ruathar eic\u00ednt, thar theorainn na Gearm\u00e1ine isteach. Cib\u00e9 faoi sin, ba \u00e9 an Mac U\u00ed Mhurch\u00fa \u00fad mo ch\u00e9ad laoch, agus bronnaim anois an curadhmh\u00edr air, b\u00edodh s\u00e9 beo, n\u00f3 b\u00edodh s\u00e9 marbh.<\/p>

Ar ball, d\u2019ardaigh an traein a seolta, agus as go br\u00e1ch lei, go torannach, ardghl\u00f3rach, agus mise \u00e1 sciobadh aici l\u00e9i, \u00f3 dh\u00fatha\u00ed mo mhuintire, agus \u00f3 nead teola\u00ed na h\u00f3ige. Nach orm a bh\u00ed an t-ionadh, agus an traein sin ag r\u00e9abadh lei tr\u00ed ghoirt is tr\u00ed mh\u00f3in\u00e9ir, tr\u00ed bhailte is tr\u00ed choillte, go dt\u00ed gur stop si sa deireadh i mBall \u00c1lainn, agus n\u00e1r cuireadh fainic na bhfainic ormsa, tuirlingt ag an st\u00e1isi\u00fan sin? Bhailigh m\u00e9 mo chip is mo mheanaithe, agus amach liom de r\u00faid as an traein \u00fad, an ch\u00e9ad traein d\u00e1r leag mise s\u00fail riamh uirthi, agus chomh luath is a bh\u00ed mise bailithe liom amach aisti, lig s\u00ed fead mhag\u00fail, aisti, agus as go br\u00e1ch lei ar\u00eds, go torannach, gaileach, rothach, amach as st\u00e1isi\u00fan \u00fad Bhall \u00c1lainn. Bhreathnaigh m\u00e9 timpeall orm fh\u00e9in, n\u00f3 d\u00faradh liom go mbeadh duine eic\u00ednt ansin romham, le treoir a dh\u00e9anamh dom. Th\u00e1inig fear bunaosta im threo i leith. <\/p>

\u201cAn tusa an Bair\u00e9adach?\u201d ar seisean liom. <\/p>

\u201cIs m\u00e9,\u201d arsa m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in \u00e1 fhreagairt. <\/p>

\u201cTar liomsa, m\u00e1 sea,\u201d ar seisean, \u201ct\u00e1 c\u00f3ir iompair anseo amuigh agam, le t\u00fa a thabhairt go dt\u00ed Col\u00e1iste an Chro\u00ed R\u00f3Naofa, i mB\u00e9al an \u00c1tha Fhada.\u201d <\/p>

Lean m\u00e9 amach as an st\u00e1isi\u00fan \u00e9, agus do bhar\u00fail, c\u00e9n gl\u00e9as iompair a bh\u00ed aige ansin faoi mo chomhair? C\u00e9ard eile a bheadh aige ann, ach carr cliath\u00e1nach? <\/p>

Go bre\u00e1 ar fad, arsa mise liom fh\u00e9in, beidh \u201cjaunt \u201c bre\u00e1 agam \u00f3n st\u00e1isi\u00fan traenach seo go dt\u00ed an Col\u00e1iste.<\/p>

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Ceann Scr\u00edbe Sroichte<\/p>

Caibidil 16.<\/p>

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Tar \u00e9is d\u00fainn roinnt ama a chaitheamh ar an gcarr cliath\u00e1nach \u00fad, shroicheamar Col\u00e1iste an Chro\u00ed R\u00f3-Naofa, i mB\u00e9al an \u00c1tha Fhada, i l\u00e1r Chontae Mhaigh Eo, agus mura raibh ionadh ormsa ar fheice\u00e1il an Fhoirgnimh r\u00edoga sin dom, n\u00ed l\u00e1 go maidin \u00e9! Foirgneamh m\u00f3r, ard, gal\u00e1nta, ba ea \u00e9, a raibh cuma an airgid agus an tsaibhris air, \u00f3 bhun go barr. N\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, nach bhfaca mise tada d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id riamh cheana. Bh\u00ed g\u00e1ird\u00edn\u00ed glan-bhearrtha os a chomhair amach, agus oifig\u00ed agus seant\u00e1in, de chuile shaghas, timpeall an T\u00ed Mh\u00f3ir. N\u00edor t\u00f3gadh an foirgneamh c\u00e9anna sin le bheith ina Chol\u00e1iste Sagartachta, ach is amhlaidh a bh\u00ed an Teach c\u00e9anna sin mar \u00c1rus c\u00f3naithe ag Cr\u00edosta\u00ed d\u00edograiseach, ar theastaigh uaidh a chion fh\u00e9in a dh\u00e9anamh do na misin choigr\u00edocha, agus c\u00e9ard a rinne s\u00e9 ach idir Theach agus fheilm a bhronnadh, scun scan, ar an SMA. Bl\u00e1cach ba ea an fear sin, agus caithfidh go raibh spar\u00e1n maith teann aige, le f\u00e1ltas chomh fial, flaithi\u00fail, a chur ar f\u00e1il do na misin choigr\u00edocha sin. Is d\u00f3cha gur de bharr na flaithi\u00falachta c\u00e9anna sin a deineadh Cunta den Eaglais Chaitliceach Romh\u00e1nach de.<\/p>

Nuair a shroicheamar \u00e1r gceann scr\u00edbe. Bh\u00ed sagart ansin romhainn, le f\u00e1ilte a chur romham agus le m\u00e9 a sti\u00faradh chun an tSuainleasa. Tugadh leaba dhom istigh sa suanlios sin. Seant\u00e1n ollmh\u00f3r ba ea an Suanlios c\u00e9anna, a raibh leapacha do, thart ar thriocha duine ann. Bh\u00ed seant\u00e1n eile taobh leis, a raibh an fhairsinge ch\u00e9anna ann. N\u00ed raibh m\u00f3r\u00e1n sp\u00e1is le sp\u00e1r\u00e1il istigh sa Suanlios sin, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed na leapacha c\u00f3ngarach go maith d\u00e1 ch\u00e9ile ann. Bh\u00ed scaraoid bh\u00e1n ar chuile leaba acu sin, agus ciumhais scoth\u00f3gach ar chuile scaraoid acu. Ar na balla\u00ed, bh\u00ed picti\u00fair bheannaithe agus cros ollmh\u00f3r ch\u00e9asta, agus ar chuile bhinn, bh\u00ed f\u00f3gra ollmh\u00f3r scr\u00edofa i litreacha m\u00f3ra.. S i l e n c e<\/strong> …. a bh\u00e9ic na f\u00f3gra\u00ed sin orainn. Tugadh deis dom cib\u00e9 \u00e9adaigh a bh\u00ed im ch\u00e1s taistil agam, a chur i dtaisce i gc\u00f3rfa speisialta dom fh\u00e9in, agus cuireadh an c\u00e1s fh\u00e9in i dtaisce freisin. In \u00e1it pitse\u00e1ma\u00ed, bh\u00ed l\u00e9ine fhada o\u00edche agam! Nach m\u00f3r idir inn\u00e9 agus inniu, n\u00f3 b\u2019in a bh\u00ed leagtha amach ar an liosta d\u2019\u00e9ada\u00ed riachtanacha, a cuireadh chuig chuile dhalta, roimh theacht go Col\u00e1iste an Chro\u00ed R\u00f3-Naofa d\u00f3, an bhliain sin. Cuir m\u00e9 an l\u00e9ine ch\u00e9anna sin i dtaisce faoi mo phili\u00far. Teasp\u00e1ineadh an seormra n\u00edoch\u00e1in dom, seomra a bh\u00ed in aice l\u00e1imhe, idir an d\u00e1 sheant\u00e1n mh\u00f3ra, \u00e1it a raibh b\u00e1is\u00edn n\u00edoch\u00e1in curtha in \u00e1irithe do chuile ghas\u00far againn. Teasp\u00e1ineadh mo bh\u00e1is\u00edn fh\u00e9in domsa. N\u00ed raibh aon uisce reatha ag dul leis na b\u00e1is\u00edn\u00ed sin, ach mura raibh, bh\u00ed sconna ag bun an tseomra, agus chuile o\u00edche, tar \u00e9is do dhuine \u00e9 fh\u00e9in a n\u00ed, agus a fhiacla a ghlanach, l\u00edonadh s\u00e9 an b\u00e1is\u00edn sin don mhaidin d\u00e1r gcionn. Bh\u00ed g\u00e1 leis an n\u00f3s c\u00e9anna sin, n\u00f3 go minic, i gcro\u00ed an Gheimhridh, n\u00ed bheadh uisce le f\u00e1il sa sconna c\u00e9anna sin d\u00e1 dtarl\u00f3dh go mbeadh na p\u00edopa\u00ed reoite. Ba mhinic a bh\u00edodh leac oighre ar an uisce fh\u00e9in sna bh\u00e1is\u00edn\u00ed freisin, agus bheadh ort an leac oighre a bhriseadh agus a bhearnadh, s\u00e1r a bhf\u00e9adf\u00e1 d\u2019aghaidh agus do l\u00e1mha a n\u00ed! Thagadh an sol\u00e1thar uisce ar fad don Chol\u00e1iste, \u00f3 thobar m\u00f3r domhain, a bh\u00ed suite in aice an Chol\u00e1iste, agus caid\u00e9al l\u00e1imhe os a chionn. Bh\u00edodh ar chuile ghas\u00far, ar a sheal, tamall a chaitheamh chuile l\u00e1, ag oibri\u00fa an chaid\u00e9il ch\u00e9anna sin, le huisce a chur ar f\u00e1il don Chol\u00e1iste.<\/p>

Nuair a bh\u00ed an m\u00e9id sin d\u00e9anta ag an sagart, d\u2019iarr s\u00e9 ar ghas\u00far, a raibh bliain caite aige sa Chol\u00e1iste cheana, an chuid eile den Chol\u00e1iste a theasp\u00e1int dom. N\u00ed raibh aon sol\u00e1thar aibhl\u00e9ise ag an gCol\u00e1iste an t-am sin, agus ba \u00e9 an bh\u00ed acu ina \u00e1it, n\u00f3 lampa\u00ed ola pharaif\u00edn. N\u00edor chuir sin aon ionadh ormsa, n\u00f3 n\u00ed raibh againne sa bhaile, an t-am sin, ach an cine\u00e1l c\u00e9anna solais. Ba \u00e9 an gl\u00e9as t\u00e9ite a b\u00ed acu n\u00f3 soirn mhalld\u00f3ite, sna hallai m\u00f3ra, agus tine ghuail, sna gn\u00e1thsheomra\u00ed ranga. Chuamar isteach sa Halla Staid\u00e9ir, agus ba bheag n\u00e1r bhain sin an chaint d\u00edom, n\u00f3 n\u00ed fhaca mise aon rud cos\u00fail leis, ar a mh\u00e9ad, n\u00f3 ar a fhairsinge, riamh cheana. Ar\u00eds, bhi an f\u00f3gra ollmh\u00f3r c\u00e9anna ar an mbinn inairde acu, ag f\u00f3gairt orainn bheith ci\u00fain……S i l e n c e<\/strong> ……a bh\u00e9ic an f\u00f3gra, ach d\u00fairt mo threora\u00ed liom, go raibh cead cainte againn an l\u00e1 sin, agus nach mb\u00edodh an \u201cSilence\u201d<\/strong> sin i bhfeidhm, ach amh\u00e1in nuair a bh\u00edodh na mic l\u00e9inn uilig bailithe ansin, sa tr\u00e1thn\u00f3na, i mbun a staid\u00e9ir. Bh\u00ed na bins\u00ed uilig ansin leagtha amach ina ranganna, \u00f3 cheann ceann an Halla, faoi mar ba shaighdi\u00fair\u00ed iad, agus crochta ina l\u00edne dh\u00edreach os a gcionn, s\u00edos l\u00e1r an Halla, bh\u00ed rang lampa\u00ed ola phairif\u00edn ar sileadh \u00f3n ts\u00edle\u00e1il anuas, le solas a chur ar f\u00e1il, nuair a bheadh g\u00e1 lena leith\u00e9id, le linn s\u00e9asur an dorchadais. Ar \u2018chaon taobh den Halla m\u00f3r sin, bh\u00ed rang de shoirn mhalld\u00f3ite, agus iad ina seasamh ansin, faoi mar a bheadh siad ag fanacht ar laethe fuara, feannaideacha, an Gheimhridh, le teas agus comp\u00f3rd a chur ar f\u00e1il d\u00e1 gcairde \u00f3ga. D\u2019fh\u00e1gamar an Halla sin ar ball, agus thugamar aghaidh ar an bProinnteach. A leith\u00e9id de sheomra! \u00e9 m\u00f3r, fada, leathan, fairsing, boird leathana fhada ag bun an tseomra, agus bord bre\u00e1 leathan, gal\u00e1nta, ag ceann an tseomra, agus \u00e9 socraithe in airde ar ard\u00e1n. <\/p>

\u201cNa sagairt a itheann at an mbord gal\u00e1nta sin\u201d ad\u00fairt mo threora\u00ed liom, \u201cagus sinne a bheidh ag ithe ag na boird th\u00edos ansin.\u201d<\/p>

Chuir an radharc \u00fad in i\u00fal dom, go raibh ocras ag teacht orm, agus d\u00e1 mbeinn sa bhaile, go bhfaighinn canta ar\u00e1in agus braon bainne dom fh\u00e9in, le c\u00fal a chur air, ach n\u00ed raibh m\u00e9 sa bhaile a thuilleadh, agus n\u00ed raibh mo Mham, n\u00f3 mo chlann ansin, le haire a thabhairt dom feasta. Ba bheag n\u00e1r thosaigh m\u00e9 ag caoineadh, nuair a smaoinigh m\u00e9 go raibh an nead tr\u00e9igthe agam, agus go mbeadh orm maireacht\u00e1il i measc strains\u00e9ir\u00ed feasta. N\u00edor chuir m\u00e9 na smaointe sin in i\u00fal dom threora\u00ed. Ar aghaidh linn ansin, go dt\u00ed an S\u00e9ip\u00e9al. Ba chos\u00fail le Neamh ar thalamh \u00e9, an tAireagal c\u00e9anna sin. An alt\u00f3ir, na fuinneoga, na su\u00edoch\u00e1in, na picti\u00fair. N\u00e1rbh \u00e1lainn go deo an radharc iad, i gcompar\u00e1id leis an tsean-s\u00e9ip\u00e9al a bh\u00ed againne sa bhaile, ach n\u00edor dh\u00f3igh liom, go raibh s\u00e9 chomh cairdi\u00fail le S\u00e9ip\u00e9al na Cille M\u00f3ire Iorrais! Ach, is d\u00f3cha go bhf\u00e9adfadh duine dul ina chleachtadh, le himeacht aimsire. Chuamar ar \u00e1r ngl\u00faine, agus chuir m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in paidir lem\u2019 mhuintir sa bhaile, agus lem\u2019 chairde, ach go h\u00e1irithe, d\u2019iarr m\u00e9 ar an bhfear thuas, s\u00fail a choinne\u00e1il orm fh\u00e9in, fad is a bh\u00ed m\u00e9 ag iarraidh mo bhealach a dh\u00e9anamh tr\u00ed dheacrachta\u00ed an tsaoil nua seo a bh\u00ed tofa agam.<\/p>

Ar ball, chuamar ar chuairt timpeall, ag iarraidh chuile sh\u00f3rt a thabhairt faoi deara, ach chuir m\u00e9 suim, agus dh\u00e1 shuim, sna c\u00fairteanna bre\u00e1tha liathr\u00f3id l\u00e1imhe, a bh\u00ed suite c\u00f3ngarach go maith don scoil. Faoin am seo, bh\u00ed na mic l\u00e9inn ag teacht isteach ina sluaite, agus ba ghearr go raibh siad go l\u00e9ir bailithe le ch\u00e9ile ansin. Bh\u00ed s\u00e9 ina thr\u00e1thn\u00f3na, faoin am sin, agus ar deireadh thiar thall, d\u00faradh linn aghaidh a thabhairt ar an bProinnteach. Bh\u00ed cinnir\u00ed tofa ansin, agus ba ghearr go raibh chuile dhalta againn seolta acu chuig a ionad fh\u00e9in. Nuair a bh\u00ed sin d\u00e9anta, th\u00e1inig na sagairt isteach. Sheasadar ag an bpr\u00edomhbhord. D\u00fairt Uachtar\u00e1n an Chol\u00e1iste an t-alt\u00fa roimh bhia, agus ansin, shuigh chuile dhuine ina \u00e1it fh\u00e9in. Ba ghearr gur leag na cinnir\u00ed \u00e1r mb\u00e9ile os \u00e1r gcomhair amach. D\u2019itheamar \u00e1r gcuid go bu\u00edoch, beannachtach, n\u00f3, d\u00e9anta na f\u00edrinne, bh\u00ed m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in sti\u00factha leis an ocras, faoin am sin. I ndiaidh \u00e1r mb\u00e9ile, thugamar aghaidh ar an S\u00e9ip\u00e9al ar\u00eds, le paidir a r\u00e1, agus ansin, chuamar amach ar fud na bhfud ar\u00eds, agus cead againn rud ar bith ba mhaith linn a dh\u00e9anamh, ar feadh tamaill. Chuaigh cuid againn ag si\u00fal\u00f3id, cuid eile ag imirt liathr\u00f3id l\u00e1imhe, agus tuilleadh f\u00f3s ag imirt peile. Bh\u00ed ulloird bhre\u00e1tha, mh\u00f3ra, torth\u00fala ag an gCol\u00e1iste, agus d\u00e1 bharr sin, cuireadh \u00e1r nd\u00f3thain \u00falla ar f\u00e1il d\u00fainn, agus gheallaimse dhuit \u00e9, go raibh f\u00e1ilte is fiche againn roimh na h\u00falla c\u00e9anna sin.<\/p>

Ar deireadh, buaileadh clog, agus thugamar aghaidh ar an bProinnteach ar\u00eds, le b\u00e9ile na ho\u00edche a chaitheamh. D\u2019\u00e9irigh linn teacht isteach ar chleachtas na scoile, go tapaidh, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed bliain amh\u00e1in caite ansin, cheana f\u00e9in, ag lucht an dara bliain, agus bh\u00ed siadsan mar threoraithe againne, lucht na ch\u00e9ad bhliana. I ndiaidh an tsuip\u00e9ir, agus tar \u00e9is d\u00fainn seal a chaitheamh san Aireagal, ag r\u00e1 \u00e1r bpaidreacha o\u00edche, thugamar aghaidh ar an Suanlios, \u00e1it ar tugadh treoracha d\u00fainn faoi dhea-iompar, agus rialacha \u00e9ags\u00fala na h\u00e1ite sin. Bh\u00ed soll\u00fantacht faoi leith ag baint le Tost M\u00f3r na ho\u00edche, n\u00f3 an \u201cGrand Silence\u201d faoi mar a thugadh na sagairt air. N\u00ed raibh cead cainte ag duine ar bith againn sa suanlios. Bh\u00ed aird chuile dhuine againn ar a ghn\u00f3 fh\u00e9in, agus thug an tost fada sin deis d\u00fainn smaoineamh ar Dhia, agus ar ch\u00farsa\u00ed spiorad\u00e1lta. Nach gceapf\u00e1 go nd\u00e9anfadh saol d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id naomh de dhuine ar bith? ach caithfear a smaoineamh freisin, nach raibh ionainne, ag an am, ach gas\u00fair, agus gas\u00fair a bh\u00ed tugtha do dhiabhla\u00edocht, agus do mhioscais de chuile sh\u00f3rt. N\u00ed d\u00f3igh liom \u00e1fach, gur mar sin a bhreathnaigh na sagairt a bh\u00ed in\u00e1r mbun ar an sc\u00e9al, n\u00f3 d\u00e1r leosan, ba ch\u00f3ir go mbeadh chuile dhuine againn chomh deaiomprach le manach! Bh\u00ed breall orthu sa mh\u00e9id sin, \u00e1fach!<\/p>

D\u00faradh linn nach mbeadh orainn \u00e9ir\u00ed ag a s\u00e9, an mhaidin d\u00e1r gcionn, agus \u00f3 tharla gurbh \u00ed sin an ch\u00e9ad o\u00edche ag cuid againn sa Chol\u00e1iste, ligf\u00ed d\u00fainn codladh go dt\u00ed a seacht ar maidin! Mhothaigh m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in go raibh an leaba an-mh\u00edchomp\u00f3rdach, ach d\u00e1 ainneoin sin, ba ghearr go raibh m\u00e9 im\u2019 chnap codlata, agus ba \u00e9 an chead rud eile a mhothaigh m\u00e9, n\u00f3 an clog diabhalta sin ag insint d\u00fainn uilig, go raibh s\u00e9 in am againn \u00e9ir\u00ed. \u201cVox Dei\u201d, n\u00f3 guth D\u00e9, a thugadh siad ar an gclog \u00fad, sa Chol\u00e1iste, ach ba mhinic a cheapamarna go mba gharbh, g\u00e9ar, gr\u00e1nna, an guth a bh\u00ed an an gclog c\u00e9anna sin!<\/p>

\u201cBenidicamus Domino\u201d, s\u00edlim, adeireadh fear an chloig, mar bheannacht d\u00fainn, ar maidin.<\/p>

D\u2019fhreagra\u00edmis, d\u2019aon guth sl\u00f3chtach amh\u00e1in, \u201cDeo gratias!\u201d <\/p>

Nuair a smaoin\u00edm siar ar na c\u00farsa\u00ed sin, tuigtear dom, amanta, gur ag briongl\u00f3idigh at\u00e1 m\u00e9, ach b\u2019in \u00e9 d\u00edreach mar a bh\u00ed c\u00farsa\u00ed againn, i gCol\u00e1iste an Chro\u00ed R\u00f3-Noafa, i mB\u00e9al an \u00c1tha Fhada, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad fad\u00f3, i dt\u00fas dhaichid\u00ed na haoise seo caite.<\/p>

D\u2019\u00e9ir\u00edmis as na leapacha amach. Bhainimis \u00e1r l\u00e9inte fada o\u00edche d\u00ednn, agus chuirimis roinnt \u00e9ada\u00ed orainn fh\u00e9in, agus amach linn chun an tseomra n\u00edoch\u00e1in. Dh\u00e9anaimis a raibh le d\u00e9anamh againn ansin, agus nuair a bh\u00edmis nite, gl\u00e9asta, pioctha, thugaimis aghaidh ar an Aireaagal, n\u00f3 ar an S\u00e9ip\u00e9al, agus bh\u00edodh orainn seal a chaitheamh ag paidreoireacht, agus seal ag machtnamh. Nuair a bh\u00edodh sin d\u00e9anta againn, l\u00e9it\u00ed an tAifreann d\u00fainn. Ina dhiaidh sin, agus roimh \u00e1r mbricfeasta, chuirt\u00ed i mbun oibre sinn, ag n\u00ed, agus ag glanadh an t\u00ed, n\u00f3 n\u00ed raibh \u00e9inne eile ansin leis an gcine\u00e1l sin oibre a dh\u00e9anamh, ach sinne. Thuig na cinnir\u00ed, a raibh le d\u00e9anamh i rith na tr\u00e9imhse sin, agus chuirid\u00eds sinne i mbun oibre l\u00e1ithreach, agus thugaid\u00eds a ghn\u00f3 fh\u00e9in le d\u00e9anamh do chuile dhuine againn. Tar \u00e9is leathuair a chloig a chaitheamh i mbun na hoibre sin, bh\u00edodh an \u00e1it chomh glan le bior\u00e1n nua, agus ansin, sheolta\u00ed isteach sa mBialann ar\u00eds sinn. Thugta\u00ed pl\u00e1ta brach\u00e1in do chuile dhuine againn, agus ina dhiaidh sin, bh\u00edodh cup\u00e1n tae, ar\u00e1n, agus ruainne margair\u00edn againn, le c\u00fal a chur ar an ocras, go ham dinneir. N\u00ed raibh aon ranganna, n\u00f3 tada d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id, againn an l\u00e1 sin, n\u00f3 tugadh l\u00e1 saoire d\u00fainn, le deis a thabhairt d\u00fainn, dul i gcleachtadh ar an \u00e1it, agus le haithne a chur ar a ch\u00e9ile. Rinneamar sin, agus cuireadh com\u00f3rtas liathr\u00f3id l\u00e1imhe sa tsi\u00fal freisin, agus geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, gur bhaineamar toit agus s\u00e1samh as an l\u00e1 sin, agus l\u00e9irigh s\u00e9 d\u00fainn, nach gcaitear an t-am ar fad ag gu\u00ed, is ag paidreoireacht, i gCliarscoil, ach go mb\u00edonn deis ag gas\u00fair seal a chaitheamh ag spraoi d\u00f3ibh fh\u00e9in freisin. Chuireamar aithne ar na sagairt a bh\u00ed i mbun an Chol\u00e1iste sin, ach d\u00fairt na sinsir linn, nach mairfeadh na laethe saoire sin i bhfad, agus go mbeadh muid gafa in \u00faim na hoibre, an l\u00e1 d\u00e1r gcionn, agus nach mbeadh l\u00e1 saoire d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id againn ar\u00eds go ceann scathaimh fhada. Bhaineamar s\u00e1samh as an l\u00e1 sin, agus bh\u00ed an cearat ag na sinsir, n\u00f3 an l\u00e1 d\u00e1r gcionn, bh\u00e9ic an clog orainn ag a s\u00e9 ar maidin, agus b\u2019\u00e9igean d\u00fainne an bh\u00e9ic sin a fhreagairt, ar an toirt, agus bu\u00edochas a ghabh\u00e1il le Dia d\u00e1 bharr!<\/p>

\u201cDeo gratias\u201d, a bh\u00e9ic sinne, agus muid imithe i gcleachtadh ar rithim na naofachta, cheana f\u00e9in, ach n\u00edorbh ionann sin is a r\u00e1, go mba naoimh f\u00f3s sinn!<\/p>

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Caibidil 17.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

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Chun Oibre Feasta<\/h5>

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An tr\u00ed\u00fa l\u00e1 sa Chol\u00e1iste d\u00fainn, fuaireamar amach gan aon r\u00f3-mhoill, go raibh deireadh leis an tsaoire feasta, agus go raibh an t-am tagtha le lu\u00ed isteach ar an obair, i nd\u00e1ir\u00edre. Mar a d\u00fairt m\u00e9 cheana, nuair a bhuailt\u00ed an clog d\u00fainn ag a s\u00e9 ar maidin! b\u2019fh\u00e9idir gur fhreagra\u00edomar an \u201cBenidicamus Domino\u201d lenar \u201cDeo Gratias\u201d sl\u00f3chtach, codlatach, leisci\u00fail, ach n\u00ed \u00f3n gcro\u00ed istigh a th\u00e1inig an \u201cDeo Gratias\u201d c\u00e9anna sin uainne, geallaimse dhuit \u00e9. De r\u00e9ir mar a chuaigh caitheamh sna laethe, \u00e1fach, th\u00e1inig muid isteach ar n\u00f3s an mhoch\u00f3ir\u00ed, ach b\u00edodh sin mar at\u00e1, n\u00ed d\u00f3igh liom gur thaitin an moch\u00f3ir\u00ed c\u00e9anna sin liom fh\u00e9in riamh, ach tuige nach dtabharfadh duine bu\u00edochas do Dhia, chuile mhaidin, as sinn a choinneail sl\u00e1n i rith na ho\u00edche a bh\u00ed thart? Bh\u00ed s\u00e9 greannmhar, ar bhealach, breathn\u00fa thart ort, ar uair antr\u00e1thach sin na maidine, le s\u00fail a chaitheamh ar na gas\u00fair \u00f3ga eile thart ort id\u2019 shuanlios. Dheineadh cuid acu chuile iarracht fad a bhaint as a seal sa leaba, tr\u00ed chupla noim\u00e9ad eile a chaitheamh faoin bpluid, ach bh\u00ed fear amh\u00e1in, ach go h\u00e1irithe, fear a bh\u00ed sa leaba taobh liom fh\u00e9in, agus chuirfeadh seisean na cait fh\u00e9in ag g\u00e1ire leis na cluich\u00ed aite a d\u2019imr\u00edodh seisean, chuile mhaidin, le fad a chur lena thr\u00e9imhse faoin bpluid. Th\u00f3gadh s\u00e9 a spl\u00e9aca\u00ed i dtosach, agus dheineadh iad a ghlanadh agus a shnasadh, ansin, th\u00f3gadh s\u00e9 chuile bhall \u00e9adaigh leis, agus dh\u00e9anadh s\u00e9 iad a scuabadh lena scuab \u00e9adaigh, agus ar deireadh thiar, nuair a bh\u00edodh sin uilig cr\u00edochnaithe aige, th\u00f3gadh s\u00e9 a stoca\u00ed fi\u00fa, agus dh\u00e9anadh an cleas c\u00e9anna leosan freisin. Ar deireadh thiar \u00e1fach, n\u00ed bh\u00edodh an dara rogha aige ach \u00e9ir\u00ed, agus dheineadh s\u00e9 sin chomh mall, gear\u00e1nach, cneadach, agus a d\u2019fh\u00e9adfadh s\u00e9. <\/p>

Th\u00e1inig m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in isteach ar chleachtas an Chol\u00e1iste tapaidh go leor, n\u00f3 i nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, n\u00ed raibh le d\u00e9anamh ag duine ach l\u00e9imt as a leaba amach, chomh luath is a chloiseadh s\u00e9 an clog, agus ansin, d\u2019fh\u00e9adfadh s\u00e9 an chuid eile de ghraith\u00ed beaga na maidine a dh\u00e9anamh, gan aon r\u00f3-str\u00f3. Agus b\u00edodh nach raibh aon uisce reatha, n\u00f3 leictreachas, acu sa Chol\u00e1iste, n\u00e1rbh \u00e9 an sc\u00e9al c\u00e9anna againn fh\u00e9in \u00e9 sa bhaile, in Iorras, ag an am sin, freisin. <\/p>

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N\u00ed g\u00e1 dhom a r\u00e1, go raibh dath dubh ar \u00e1r gcuid \u00e9adaigh uilig, taobh amuigh de na l\u00e9inte! N\u00e1rbh \u00e1bhar sagairt a bh\u00ed i ngach aon duine riamh againn, b\u00edodh nach raibh ionainn ach gas\u00fair. Ach b\u2019in n\u00f3s na haimsire sin. Sea, mh\u2019anam, cultacha dubha, l\u00e9inte b\u00e1na, agus carabhait dubha, ar chuile dhuine riamh againn, agus d\u00e1 bhfeicfe\u00e1 muid amuigh ag si\u00fal\u00f3id, chuile Dhomhnach, agus muid gl\u00e9asta in\u00e1r gcultacha Domhnaigh, agus ceann de na caip\u00edn\u00ed \u00e1if\u00e9iseacha, pice, sin, a chait\u00ed ag an am sin i gCol\u00e1ist\u00ed ardn\u00f3sacha, buailte anuas ar cheann chuile dhuine againn, cheapf\u00e1 nach bhf\u00e9adfadh gas\u00fair d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id, smaoineamh fi\u00fa, ar dhiabhla\u00edocht dhe shaghas ar bith, gan tr\u00e1cht ar \u00ed a dh\u00e9anamh. Ach mh\u2019anam, go mbeadh breall ort, geallaimse dhuit \u00e9!<\/p>

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Ach, fillimis ar chleachtas na maidine. Chomh luath is bheadh duine nite, pioctha, c\u00edortha, agus gl\u00e9asta, thabharfadh s\u00e9 an tAireagal air fh\u00e9in, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed orainn teacht le ch\u00e9ile ansin, ag a leath uair tar \u00e9is a s\u00e9, ar maidin. L\u00edonadh idir ghas\u00fair agus shagairt, n\u00f3 ba shagairt iad na m\u00fainteoir\u00ed uilig, geall leis, l\u00edonaid\u00eds isteach ina su\u00edoch\u00e1in, agus ar\u00eds, bh\u00edodh a ionad fh\u00e9in, ina shu\u00edoch\u00e1n fhein, ag chuile dhuine againn. Chuirfeadh sagart ceann ar na paidreacha, agus nuair a bh\u00edodh paidreacha na maidine r\u00e1ite, bh\u00edodh thart ar leathuair a chloig le caitheamh againn, ag machtnamh, n\u00f3 ag \u201cmeditate-\u00e1il\u201d, d\u00fainn fh\u00e9in. \u00d3, a Thiarna, n\u00e1r dheacair fanacht i do dh\u00faiseacht le linn an mhachtnaimh fhada, ch\u00e9anna sin? Ach, ar bhealach amh\u00e1in, n\u00f3 ar bhealach eile, dh\u00e9anadh muid an cleachtas sin, agus ansin, ag a seacht a chlog, bh\u00edodh an tAifreann againn, n\u00ed g\u00e1 a r\u00e1 go mb\u00edodh an tAifreann \u00e1 l\u00e9amh sa Laidin, ag an am sin, agus ba ghearr go raibh ar \u00e1r gcumas chuile phaidir, agus l\u00e9amh, acu sin, a l\u00e9amh agus a r\u00e1 sa teanga \u00e1rsa sin. I ndiaidh an Aifrinn, bh\u00edodh tamall gearr againn, le cupla paidir bu\u00edochais a r\u00e1 d\u00fainn fh\u00e9in, agus ansin, ag a leath i ndiaidh a seacht, d\u2019fh\u00e1gadh muid an tAireagal, agus ag an bpointe sin, bh\u00edodh obair t\u00ed le d\u00e9anamh againn, a ghn\u00f3 fh\u00e9in ag chuile dhuine againn. Fear ag scuabadh, agus fear ag snas\u00fa, fear ag n\u00ed agus fear ag glanadh, fear eile f\u00f3s ag sci\u00faradh, agus mar sin d\u00fainn, go dt\u00ed a hocht, agus geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, go mb\u00edodh tuirse \u00e1r nd\u00f3thain orainn ag deireadh an ama sin, sea, agus muid sti\u00factha leis an ocras freisin. Leite, ar\u00e1n agus im, maraon le cup\u00e1n tae a bh\u00edodh againn don bhricfeasta, chuile mhaidin. Leamh go maith! d\u00e9arfa, ach geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, nach bhfuair muidinne aon blas den bhia c\u00e9anna sin tur, agus gur chaitheamar chuile ghreim de go bu\u00edoch, beannachtach, n\u00f3 is maith an t-anlann an t-ocras. <\/p>

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I ndiaidh an bhricfeasta, bh\u00edodh seal leathuaire againn, le bheith ag spraoi n\u00f3 ag s\u00fagradh. Ba thr\u00e1th \u00e9 do chaitheamh aimsire, agus chaitheadh an chuid ba mh\u00f3 de na gas\u00fair an t-am sin ag si\u00fal\u00f3id timpeall, ag caint, is ag comhr\u00e1. Ag a naoi, thosa\u00edodh an obair scoile. Mhaireadh na ranganna thart ar ch\u00faig n\u00f3imead is daichead, agus bh\u00edodh na gn\u00e1th \u00e1bhair scoile againn. Gaeilge, B\u00e9arla, Mata, Stair, T\u00edreola\u00edocht, Teagasc Cr\u00edosta\u00ed, Laidin, Fraincis, agus Eola\u00edocht. N\u00ed raibh rogha ar bith againn, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed ar chuile dhalta na h\u00e1bhair sin uilig a dh\u00e9anamh. B\u2019in an gn\u00e1th chl\u00e1r oibre a bh\u00ed leagtha amach d\u00fainn, agus ar\u00eds, caithfidh m\u00e9 a r\u00e1, gur th\u00e1inig m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in isteach ar an obair ch\u00e9anna sin, tapaidh go leor, agus ba ghearr go raibh m\u00e9 ag baint taitnimh as chuile rang acu, agus b\u00edodh go dtugta\u00ed an-chuid obair thinte\u00e1in d\u00fainn, n\u00f3 n\u00ed raibh ach dh\u00e1 bhliain againn le c\u00farsa na Meanteistim\u00e9ireachta a chr\u00edochn\u00fa, n\u00edor chuir an taobh sin den obair isteach ormsa, a bheag n\u00f3 a mh\u00f3r. Agus nach orm a bh\u00ed an t-ionadh, agus an m\u00f3rtas, ag deireadh an ch\u00e9ad t\u00e9arma sin, nuair a th\u00e1inig m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in sa ch\u00e9ad \u00e1it, i scr\u00faduithe na Nollag. Uaidh sin amach, bh\u00edos im scolaire cruthanta, agus im mhac d\u00edograiseach l\u00e9inn, chuile bhabhta.<\/p>

Thart ar leath i ndiaidh a d\u00f3dheag, bh\u00edodh ar l\u00f3n againn, n\u00ed l\u00f3n a bh\u00ed ann, i nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, ach dinn\u00e9ar! Bh\u00edodh anraith againn i dtosach, anraith agus ar\u00e1n, agus bhaineadh sin an faobhar d\u00e1r ngoile! Ansin bh\u00edodh an pr\u00edomhch\u00farsa againn.<\/p>

C\u00e9ard a hh\u00edodh againn don phr\u00edomhch\u00farsa, an ea?<\/p>

Bhuel, bhraitheadh s\u00e9 ar c\u00e9ard a bh\u00ed fl\u00fairseach acu sa chistin ag an am, ach de ghn\u00e1th, gheobhaimis fata\u00ed bruite, giota feola, agus n\u00ed g\u00e1 a r\u00e1, n\u00e1r den scoth \u00ed an fheoil ch\u00e9anna sin, agus n\u00e1r chuala si tr\u00e1cht riamh ar \u201ccordon bleu\u201d, ach oiread, ach b\u2019fhearr ann n\u00f3 as di, agus chomh fada is a bhain s\u00e9 linne, ba \u00e9 a locht a laghad, go minic. Chomh maith le sin, bheadh glasra\u00ed de chine\u00e1l \u00e9igin againn, turnapa, gab\u00e1iste, biatas dearg, cainneann, n\u00f3 a leith\u00e9id, agus ar\u00eds, ba mhaith an t-anlann an t-ocras, agus ba bheag den ghlasra sin a bheadh f\u00e1gtha im\u2019 dhiaidh ar mo phl\u00e1tasa, ach go h\u00e1irithe. D\u00e1 mbeadh an t-\u00e1dh orainn, bheadh anlann eic\u00ednt ar an bpl\u00e1ta freisin. Beirt de na mic l\u00e9inn a dh\u00e9anadh an freastal orainn. \u00d3! sea, agus bh\u00edodh gloine uisce le dul leis an ndinn\u00e9ar sin, ag chuile dhuine againn. D\u00e1r nd\u00f3igh, nuair a bh\u00edodh ceann de na F\u00e9ilte m\u00f3ra \u00e1 cheili\u00faradh againn, bhuel, ansin bh\u00edodh buid\u00e9al de sh\u00fa l\u00edom\u00f3ide f\u00e1gtha ar an mbord do chuile mhac a\u2019 pheata againn! N\u00ed g\u00e1 dhom a r\u00e1, go mb\u00edodh f\u00e1ilte agus fiche againn roimh sh\u00f3laist\u00ed d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id. Ansin, bh\u00edodh milseog de chine\u00e1l eic\u00ednt againn, le cr\u00edoch a chur leis an mb\u00e9ile. L\u00e1 amh\u00e1in bheadh \u00falla bruite againn, l\u00e1 eile, gl\u00f3thach agus custard, ach thar aon rud eile, ba \u00e9 ba mhinic\u00ed mar mhilseog againn n\u00f3 mar\u00f3g r\u00edse. Anois bh\u00ed cuid de na gas\u00fair thart orm, ag an mbord, roinnt beada\u00ed, agus cleachtadh acu ar chuile sh\u00f3rt beada\u00edochta sa mbaile, b\u2019fh\u00e9idir, agus d\u00e1 bharr sin, n\u00ed leagaid\u00eds smut ar na gn\u00e1thmhilseoga sin. Anois, n\u00edor dhuine beada\u00ed m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in, ag an am, agus bh\u00edodh an oiread milseog le f\u00e1il agamsa is a theast\u00edodh uaim, n\u00f3 sh\u00edneadh na buachaill\u00ed beada\u00ed sin a milseoga chugamsa. I ndiaidh an dinn\u00e9ir, th\u00e9adh muid ar chuairt chuig an Aireagal, agus an salm, De Profundis, \u00e1 r\u00e1 againn, fan an bhealaigh. Ar ball, tar \u00e9is scathaimh eile ag spraoi d\u00fainn fh\u00e9in, thosa\u00edodh na ranganna ar\u00eds, agus leanaid\u00eds go dt\u00ed a tr\u00ed, n\u00f3 mar sin.<\/p>

I ndiaidh na ranganna sin, bh\u00edodh obair de chine\u00e1l eic\u00ednt, n\u00f3 cluiche, b\u2019fh\u00e9idir, leagtha amach d\u00fainn, ar a seal. L\u00e1 amh\u00e1in, bheadh muid ag leagan crainn, agus \u00e1 ghearradh suas le toireasc beirte, sa chaoi go mbeadh connadh againn do thinte an Chol\u00e1iste. L\u00e1 eile, bheadh muid amuigh ag cur bail\u2019 eic\u00ednt ar na b\u00f3ithr\u00edn\u00ed timpeall na scoile, agus l\u00e1 eile f\u00f3s, bheadh muid amuigh ag imirt peile, n\u00f3 iom\u00e1na\u00edochta, i bp\u00e1irc an bh\u00e1ire. Thugadh an tr\u00e9imhse sin seans d\u00fainn acl\u00fa coirp a fh\u00e1il, agus chuireadh s\u00e9 bealach ar f\u00e1il d\u00fainn le f\u00e1il r\u00e9idh leis an mbreis teaspaigh a bh\u00ed ionainn, ag an aois sin. Ar aon chuma, bh\u00edodh goile againn don tae a thagadh ar ball. Ar\u00eds, n\u00ed bh\u00edodh bianna beada\u00ed le caitheamh againn, don tr\u00e1th sin, ach bh\u00edodh, b\u2019fh\u00e9idir, br\u00fait\u00edn, maraon le h-ar\u00e1n, margair\u00edn agus braon tae. Dheamhan locht ar bith a bh\u00ed le f\u00e1il agamsa ar an mbia c\u00e9anna sin, n\u00f3 nach raibh cogadh m\u00f3r ag r\u00e9abadh leis ar fud na hEorpa, ag an am, agus bh\u00ed ruda\u00ed ag \u00e9ir\u00ed gann, \u00f3 l\u00f3 go l\u00f3.<\/p>

Tamall againn ansin le spraoi a dh\u00e9anamh roimh dhul ag staid\u00e9ar d\u00fainn fh\u00e9in. Th\u00e1inig muid le ch\u00e9ile sa Halla Staid\u00e9ir, \u00e1it a raibh a bhinse fh\u00e9in ag chuile dhuine den tr\u00ed sc\u00f3r againn. Shu\u00edodh an Cinnire ag c\u00fal an staid\u00e9ir, agus choinn\u00edodh s\u00e9 s\u00fail ar chuile dhuine, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed de dhualgas airsean f\u00e9achaint chuige nach dt\u00f3gfadh duine ar bith r\u00ed-r\u00e1, n\u00f3 raic, le linn an staid\u00e9ir, agus d\u00e1 dtarl\u00f3dh go dteast\u00f3dh rud ar bith \u00f3 mhac l\u00e9inn ar bith, th\u00e9adh s\u00e9 chuig an Cinnire sin, le cead a fh\u00e1il uaidhsean dul ar a lorg. Duine d\u00ednn fh\u00e9in ba ea an Cinnire, d\u00e1r nd\u00f3igh, a roghnaigh na h\u00fadar\u00e1is don phost sin, toisc go raibh s\u00e9 staid\u00e9artha, intaofa. Bh\u00edodh a dh\u00f3thain le d\u00e9anamh ag chuile dhuine againn lena choinne\u00e1il gn\u00f3thach go ham suip\u00e9ir. Bh\u00edodh an obair thinte\u00e1in, maraon le cib\u00e9 l\u00e9itheoireacht, n\u00f3 athscr\u00fad\u00fa, a bh\u00ed le d\u00e9anamh againn, le cr\u00edochn\u00fa i rith an ama a bh\u00edodh againn sa Halla Staid\u00e9ir. Gheof\u00e1 an corrdhalta ag iarraidh \u00farsc\u00e9al, n\u00f3 sc\u00e9al lorgaireachta, a l\u00e9amh, os \u00edseal, le linn an staid\u00e9ir, ach n\u00ed bheadh duine ar bith ag iarraidh nuacht\u00e1n a l\u00e9amh, n\u00f3 n\u00ed raibh cead againn nuacht\u00e1n a cheannacht, n\u00f3 a l\u00e9amh, fi\u00fa na nuacht\u00e1in Chaitliceacha! <\/p>

I ndiaidh an staid\u00e9ir sin uilig, bh\u00edodh muid tuirseach go maith ag a naoi a chlog, agus bh\u00edodh f\u00e1ilte againn roimh chup\u00e1n tae agus canta ar\u00e1in, agus n\u00edos fearr f\u00f3s, i ndiaidh an tsuip\u00e9ir sin, bh\u00edodh tamall eile againn amuigh faoin aer, ag si\u00fal, n\u00f3 ag cleasa\u00edocht. Ag deireadh thiar, thart ar a leath i ndiaidh a naoi, thugaimis an tAireagal orainn fh\u00e9in, uair amh\u00e1in eile, len\u00e1r bpaidreacha o\u00edche a r\u00e1. Ba \u00ed an phaidir a bh\u00edodh againn an tr\u00e1th sin, n\u00f3 an Paidr\u00edn P\u00e1irteach fh\u00e9in, agus chomh fada agus is cuimhin liom anois, ba sa Laidin a deirimis \u00e9.<\/p>

Ar ais linn i ndiaidh na bpaidreacha sin go dt\u00ed an Suanlios, agus geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, go mb\u00edodh \u00e1r s\u00e1ith tuirse orainn, tar \u00e9is an lae ghn\u00f3thaigh a bh\u00ed caite againn \u00f3na s\u00e9 a chlog ar maidin. An searmanas c\u00e9anna ar\u00eds. Bh\u00ed fiacla le scuabadh agus le glanadh, aghaidh le n\u00ed, agus b\u00e1is\u00edn le l\u00edonadh le huisce i gc\u00f3ir na maidine. Ansin, an l\u00e9ine o\u00edche sin ar\u00eds, agus sin uilig gan focal as duine ar bith againn, mar n\u00e1rbh \u00e9 sin tr\u00e9imhse an \u201cGrand Silence\u201d. Nach raibh a leith\u00e9id m\u00edn\u00e1d\u00fartha go maith do ghas\u00fair thart ar cheithre bliana d\u00e9ag d\u2019aois? N\u00ed bh\u00edodh g\u00e1 le duine ar bith a insint d\u00fainn go raibh s\u00e9 in am lu\u00ed, n\u00f3 thugadh chuile dhuine againn an sop air fh\u00e9in, chomh luath g\u00e9ar is a bh\u00ed s\u00e9 r\u00e9idh chuige, agus minic go leor bh\u00edodh cuid againn in\u00e1r gcodlach roimh mh\u00fachadh na soilse ag a deich.<\/p>

Bhuel b\u2019sin cl\u00e1r an ghn\u00e1thlae i gCol\u00e1iste an Chro\u00ed R\u00f3-Naofa, B\u00e9al an \u00c1tha Fhada, Contae Mhaigh Eo, i Me\u00e1n F\u00f3mhair na bliana sin 1940, agus cheap m\u00e9 gurbh fhi\u00fa mo chuimhn\u00ed ar an \u00e1bhar sin a chur ar ph\u00e1r, n\u00f3 t\u00e1 m\u00e9 cinnte nach mbeidh a leith\u00e9id ar\u00eds ann.<\/p>

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                                     <\/span>Ola agus Adhmad<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

Caibidil 18<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

B\u2019fh\u00e9idir, ag an bpointe seom, n\u00e1rbh aon dochar \u00e9, cur s\u00edos a dh\u00e9anamh ar tharl\u00faint\u00ed, agus ar eachtra\u00ed, a bhain dom, fad is a bh\u00ed m\u00e9 i mbun staid\u00e9ir i mB\u00e9al an \u00c1tha Fhada. Caithfidh t\u00fa a chur san \u00e1ireamh anois, nach raibh ionnamsa ach gas\u00far \u00f3g tuaithe, nach raibh tada den domhan m\u00f3r feicthe aige roimhe sin, n\u00f3 n\u00edor thaistil m\u00e9 n\u00edos faide n\u00e1 c\u00faig mh\u00edle sl\u00ed \u00f3 mo bhaile dh\u00fachais, baile na Druime, riamh roimhe sin. Bh\u00ed orm anois, aithne a chur ar thart ar leathch\u00e9ad st\u00f3cach, dem\u2019 chomhaois, \u00f3 \u00e1iteacha \u00e9ags\u00fala, \u00f3 cheann ceann na t\u00edre seo, agus go fi\u00fa, nach raibh Gearm\u00e1ineach amh\u00e1in in \u00e1r measc, freisin. Bh\u00ed orm tos\u00fa ar pheil, iom\u00e1na\u00edocht, sacar, agus liathr\u00f3id l\u00e1imhe, a fhoghlaim agus a imirt. Agus gan sa mh\u00e9id sin, ach a raibh le d\u00e9anamh agam mar chaitheamh aimsire! Ba \u00e9 an pr\u00edomhghn\u00f3 a bh\u00ed idir cham\u00e1in againn i gCol\u00e1iste an Chro\u00ed R\u00f3-Naofa, n\u00f3 staidear a dh\u00e9anamh agus ceird na sagart\u00f3ireachta a fhoghlaim, le sinn a ullmh\u00fa mar mhisin\u00e9ir\u00ed chun na hAfraice. <\/p>

Ag breathn\u00fa siar ar na c\u00farsa\u00ed sin uilig anois, feictear dom go rabhthas ag s\u00fail leis an iomarca ar fad uainn. N\u00ed raibh ionainn ach gas\u00fair neamhurch\u00f3ideacha, ach gas\u00fair a bh\u00ed tugtha don diabhla\u00edocht, agus don chleasa\u00edocht, go minic, agus bh\u00edothas ag s\u00fail gur ch\u00f3ir d\u00fainn a bheith chomh dea-iompair le manaigh oilte, dhiaganta, foirfe. Sea, caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il anois, go rabhthas r\u00f3-dhian ar fad orainn. <\/p>

C\u00e9ard a tharl\u00f3dh d\u00e1 nd\u00e9anfadh duine rud ar bith as an mbealach, an ea?<\/p>

Bhuel, b\u00ed cinnte nach n-\u00e9al\u00f3dh s\u00e9 gan pion\u00f3s a ghearradh air. D\u00e1 nd\u00e9anfadh s\u00e9 rud as an mbealach ar fad, bhuel, chuirf\u00ed an ruaig abhaile air. Mura mbeadh a choir chomh holc sin ar fad, ansin, b\u2019fh\u00e9idir go gcuirf\u00ed ag obair amuigh ar na b\u00f3ithre, os comhair an Chol\u00e1iste \u00e9, le linn an bhricfeasta, chuile l\u00e1 ar feadh seachtaine, sin, n\u00f3 chuirf\u00ed iachall air, dul ar a gl\u00fana, le hais an dorais, le linn an dinn\u00e9ir, sa chaoi go nd\u00e9anfa\u00ed \u00e9 a n\u00e1iri\u00fa, agus ag an am gc\u00e9anna, go bhf\u00e1gfa\u00ed gan a bh\u00e9ile \u00e9! <\/p>

D\u00e1 dteipfeadh ar dhalta freagra a thabhairt ar cheist a chuirf\u00ed air, le linn ranga, gheobhadh s\u00e9 lead\u00f3g ag bun na cluaise, a bhainfeadh d\u00e1 chosa \u00e9 go minic, agus gan le d\u00e9anamh aige ansin, ach ceir\u00edn cen dearmad a chuimilt leis an gcruatan agus leis an n\u00e1ire sin, iarracht a dh\u00e9anamh ar sheasamh suas ar\u00eds, agus tabhairt faoin bhfreagra athuair. Sea, agus caithfidh m\u00e9 a r\u00e1, n\u00e1r rud annamh n\u00f3 iontach \u00e9 lead\u00f3g d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id a fh\u00e1il, le linn ranga, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad. Caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il freisin, nach ndeachaigh \u00e9inne de na m\u00fainteoir\u00ed a bh\u00ed agam, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, i bhfeidhm go r\u00f3-mh\u00f3r orm, ach n\u00ed hionann sin is a r\u00e1, nach raibh meas agam orthu, agus urraim agam d\u00f3ibh, n\u00f3 n\u00ed hionann sin is a r\u00e1, ach oireadh, n\u00e1r fhoghlaim m\u00e9 le fonn agus le fuadar uathu, n\u00f3 rinne. <\/p>

Bh\u00ed c\u00farsa\u00ed sean\u00e1rsa go maith sa Chol\u00e1iste c\u00e9anna, an t-am sin. N\u00ed raibh c\u00farsa\u00ed s\u00e9arachais thar mholadh beirte, d\u2019fh\u00e9adf\u00e1 a r\u00e1, agus n\u00ed raibh leictreachas, n\u00e1 sol\u00e1thar uisce, ar f\u00e1il ann, ach oiread. I gc\u00e1s an uisce, is amhlaidh a bh\u00ed tobar f\u00edoruisce, in aice an Chol\u00e1iste, agus bh\u00ed caid\u00e9al os a chionn sin, agus bh\u00edodh orainne, gas\u00fair, chuile dhuine againn, ar a sheal, tamall a chaitheamh i mbun an chaid\u00e9il l\u00e1imhe, a bh\u00ed socraithe acu os cionn an tobair sin, a chasadh. Sa tsl\u00ed sin, l\u00edonta\u00ed an t-umar ollmh\u00f3r a bh\u00ed socraithe ar dh\u00edon an t\u00ed acu, agus chuirfeadh sin uisce ar f\u00e1il, ar feadh scathaimh eile, agus ansin, ar ball, bheadh beirt eile ainmnithe d\u00e1 seal si\u00fad ar dhualgas pump\u00e1la. Sa tsl\u00ed sin, n\u00ed fh\u00e1gta\u00ed sinn riamh gan d\u00f3thain uisce ar f\u00e1il do cib\u00e9 gn\u00f3 a bh\u00ed idir l\u00e1mha againn.<\/p>

I gc\u00e1s an leictreachais, bhuel, n\u00ed bh\u00edodh againn nuair a chuaigh mise ansin a ch\u00e9aduair, sa bhliain 1940, n\u00ed bh\u00edodh againn, mar fhoinse solais, ach na lampa\u00ed pairif\u00edn, agus ar\u00eds, ba air na gas\u00fair a thit an crann iad sin a lasadh, chuile thr\u00e1thn\u00f3na, agus iad a mh\u00fachadh, ar ball, nuair a bh\u00edodh a ngn\u00f3 d\u00e9anta acu. An dara bliain a chaith m\u00e9 ansin, bh\u00edothas i mbun athruithe, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed \u00fadar\u00e1is an Chol\u00e1iste tar \u00e9is socruithe a dh\u00e9anamh, le muileann gaoithe a th\u00f3g\u00e1il ar dh\u00edon an Chol\u00e1iste, agus chuireadh an muileann sin sol\u00e1thar leictreachais ar f\u00e1il, don scoil ar fad. Ach c\u00e9ard a tharla\u00edodh, nuair nach mb\u00edodh an ghaoth ag s\u00e9ideadh? Bhuel, bh\u00ed rang cadhnra\u00ed feistithe thuas in \u00e1il\u00e9ar, agus dh\u00e9anta\u00ed an leichtreachas a st\u00f3r\u00e1il iontu si\u00fad, le linn stoirme agus gaoithe m\u00f3ire, nuair a bh\u00edodh an iomaraca leictreachais a ghini\u00faint, le haghaidh l\u00e1 na coise tinne. Chuir na hathruithe sin go m\u00f3r le h\u00e1iseanna na scoile, agus rinne c\u00farsa\u00ed solais i bhfad \u00c9ireann n\u00edos simpl\u00ed, n\u00edos gile, agus n\u00edos fearr, d\u00fainne. <\/p>

Bh\u00ed feirm mh\u00f3r ag an gCol\u00e1iste, n\u00f3 fuair siad sin le huacht \u00f3n gCunta de Bl\u00e1ca, a bhronn an t-\u00e1rus agus an fheirm ar an SMA, i dtosach b\u00e1ire. Bh\u00ed st\u00edobhard acu i gceannas ar an bhfeirm sin, agus tr\u00e1th ar bith a thiocfadh s\u00e9 crua ar mo dhuine, agus \u00e9 ag titim ar gc\u00fal leis an obair, nach raibh leathch\u00e9ad \u00f3g\u00e1nach scaf\u00e1nta ansin i mbun l\u00e9inn, agus nach raibh s\u00e9 \u00e9asca go maith iad a mhealladh \u00f3 na leabhair, le l\u00e1, n\u00f3 dh\u00f3, a chaitheamh amuigh faoin aer, ag cur na bhfata\u00ed san Earrach, n\u00f3 \u00e1 bpiocadh sa bhF\u00f3mhar, n\u00f3 fi\u00fa nuair a bh\u00edodh an t-arbhar \u00e1 bhualadh san iothlainn, ag deireadh an Fh\u00f3mhair, nach raibh s\u00e9 an-\u00e1isi\u00fail glaoch ar na spailp\u00edn\u00ed cr\u00e1ifeacha, leis an scl\u00e1bha\u00edocht uilig sin a dh\u00e9anamh, agus n\u00e1rbh \u00e9 an bua ba mh\u00f3 a bhain leis an ngn\u00f3 sin uilig, n\u00f3 nach gcosn\u00f3dh s\u00e9 pingin rua, leis an obair sin uilig a dh\u00e9anamh! Mo chuidse de, b\u2019fhuath liom an obair sin i gc\u00f3na\u00ed. Ba rud amh\u00e1in \u00e9 an cine\u00e1l sin oibre a dh\u00e9anamh sa bhaile, n\u00f3 n\u00ed bh\u00edodh an oiread sin le d\u00e9anamh againn, tharla nach raibh againn ach feirm bheag, agus d\u2019fh\u00e9adfainn sos a th\u00f3g\u00e1il, am ar bith ba mhaith liom, ach sa Chol\u00e1iste, ba sc\u00e9al eile ar fad \u00e9, agus leis an sc\u00e9al a dh\u00e9anamh n\u00edos measa f\u00f3s, bh\u00edodh m\u00fachadh ag gabh\u00e1il dom go minic ag an am sin. N\u00ed raibh cead ag gas\u00far ar bith seal a chaitheamh ag tomhas tairn\u00ed, geallaimse dhuit \u00e9. D\u00e1 nd\u00e9anfadh s\u00e9 a leith\u00e9id, b\u00ed cinnte go mbeadh air cuntas a thabhairt do dhuine d\u00e1 shaoist\u00ed, ar ball, agus b\u00ed cinnte freisin, go ngearrfa\u00ed pion\u00f3s cu\u00ed air, in am tr\u00e1th. C\u00e9ard faoi na gas\u00fair eile, an ea? Ar thaitin an cine\u00e1l sin oibre leosan? Bhuel, chomh fada agus is cuimhin liomsa \u00e9, n\u00ed raibh duine ar bith in \u00e1r measc a bhain taitneamh, n\u00f3 toit, as na laethe fada sin, a chaitheamar in\u00e1r spailp\u00edn\u00ed feirme, ach ag an am gc\u00e9anna, bheadh duine s\u00e1sta cur suas lena leith\u00e9id, toisc gur thug s\u00e9 sos \u00f3 na leabhair, agus \u00f3 na lead\u00f3ga diabhalta sin d\u00fainn, agus lena chois sin, thug s\u00e9 deis d\u00fainn aithne n\u00edos fearr a chur ar a ch\u00e9ile. Agus, fi\u00fa amh\u00e1in, mura dtaitneodh an cine\u00e1l sin oibre linn, n\u00ed raibh leigheas againn ar an sc\u00e9al, n\u00f3 bh\u00edomar scoite amach \u00f3n\u00e1r muintir, agus tuigeadh d\u00fainn go mba chuid de thraen\u00e1il an tsagairt \u00e9, obair d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id a chleachtadh, agus cur suas le beag\u00e1in\u00edn den chruatan, agus den anr\u00f3, le sinn a thuaradh le hobair chrua na misin\u00e9ireachta, agus caithfear a admh\u00e1il go raibh a gciall fh\u00e9in ag \u00fadar\u00e1is an Chol\u00e1iste, ag an am, n\u00f3 ba shaol eile ar fad a bh\u00ed ann na laethe \u00fad.<\/p>

Adhmad a d\u2019\u00fas\u00e1idt\u00ed mar chonnadh i gCol\u00e1iste an Chro\u00ed R\u00f3-Naofa, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, agus tuigfidh t\u00fa fh\u00e9in, go dt\u00f3gfadh s\u00e9 roinnt mhaith adhmaid le tinte na hinstiti\u00faide sin a choinne\u00e1il ar si\u00fail, \u00f3 cheann ceann an lae, agus \u00f3 sheachtain go seachtain, fad is a bh\u00edodh na h\u00e1bhair sagairt sin uilig ag cur f\u00fathu ann. <\/p>

C\u00e1 bhfaigheadh siad an t-adhmad sin uilig, an ea?<\/p>

C\u00e9 chuirfeadh an oiread sin adhmaid ar f\u00e1il d\u00f3ibh?<\/p>

An ceart ar fad agat! Na spailp\u00edn\u00ed diaganta c\u00e9anna sin, ar baineadh \u00fas\u00e1id astu leis na scoilte\u00e1in a chur, leis na fata\u00ed a phiocadh, agus leis an arbhar a bhualadh d\u00f3ibh freisin, sea, agus leis an obair ghlantach\u00e1in uilig go l\u00e9ir a dh\u00e9anamh, istigh agus amuigh, saor in aisce, gan chlamhs\u00e1n, gan sciolladh.<\/p>

Ach conas a d\u2019fh\u00e9adfaid\u00eds an t-adhmad sin a chur ar f\u00e1il don scoil ar fad?<\/p>

Le str\u00f3, agus le hanr\u00f3, geallaimse dhuit \u00e9. Bh\u00edodh seal oibre againne san iarn\u00f3in, tr\u00ed n\u00f3 ceithre l\u00e1 sa tseachtain, agus in \u00e1it bheith ag deisi\u00fa b\u00f3ithre, agus b\u00f3ithr\u00edn\u00ed, agus ag tabhairt aire do na bl\u00e1thanna, agus do na tortha\u00ed, th\u00f3gta\u00ed sinn amach chun na coille, agus bh\u00ed coillte fairsing go maith ar thailte an Chol\u00e1iste. Th\u00f3gta\u00ed amach freisin, chuile ghl\u00e9as a bheadh riachtanach le crainn a leagan, agus a ghearradh suas, agus a scoilteadh, ansin. Bh\u00edodh oird, tuanna, toirisc beirte, agus dingeanna, againn. Bh\u00edodh sagart in\u00e1r mbun, agus bh\u00edodh fios a cheirde ag an bhfear sin, gan aon ag\u00f3, n\u00f3 b\u2019fhear \u00e9, a raibh na blianta fada caite aige ar na misin san Aifric, \u00e1it ar foils\u00edodh d\u00f3, go mb\u2019fhearr l\u00e1n doirn de cheird, n\u00e1 l\u00e1n m\u00e1la d\u2019\u00f3r, agus d\u00e1 thairbhe sin, b\u2019fhear \u00e9, a raibh chuile cheird ar a dheis aige, n\u00f3 b\u2019in mar a b\u2019fhacthas d\u00fainne \u00e9, ar aon n\u00f3s. Th\u00f3gadh s\u00e9 dream againn leis chun na coille, \u00e1it a raibh cupla crann pioctha amach aige, roimh r\u00e9. Bh\u00edodh chuile ghl\u00e9as a bh\u00ed riaachtanach, \u00e1 iompar ag na spailp\u00edn\u00ed. Dheineadh an \u201ctaoiseach\u201d an crann a scr\u00fad\u00fa, i dtosach b\u00e1ire, f\u00e9achaint c\u00e9n \u00e1it a thitfeadh s\u00e9. Chuireadh s\u00e9 fear in airde ansin le r\u00f3pa\u00ed a cheangal le craobhacha \u00e1irithe, agus sh\u00edneadh s\u00e9 na r\u00f3pa\u00ed, p\u00edosa fada amach \u00f3 bhun an chrainn, sa tsl\u00ed n\u00e1r bhaol do na gas\u00fair a bheadh ag tarraingt ar na r\u00f3pa\u00ed sin, nuair a bheadh an crann ar t\u00ed titime. Agus an m\u00e9id sin d\u00e9anta, thosa\u00edodh s\u00e9 ag oibri\u00fa na tua, go mbeadh eang dhoimhin gearrtha aige ar bhun an chrainn, thart ar throigh os cionn na tal\u00fan. Thugadh s\u00e9 seal d\u00fainne, corruair, ag foghlaim ceird sin na tua, b\u00edodh is nach raibh cuid againn \u00e1balta f\u00f3s ceol a bhaint as an ngl\u00e9as c\u00e9anna sin. Nuair a bh\u00edodh an eang sin doimhin go leor, chuireadh se beirt againn ag obair le toireasc beirte, agus muid ag gearradh linn, san \u00e1it a raibh an eang gearrtha ag mo dhuine. N\u00ed fh\u00e1gta\u00ed aon bheirt r\u00f3-fhada ar an dtoireasc beirte sin, n\u00f3 ba dhiabhalta crua an obair \u00ed, bheith i mbun an ghn\u00f3 sin. Tar \u00e9is cupla n\u00f3imead, chuirt\u00ed beirt eile isteach ina n-\u00e1it si\u00fad, agus mar sin d\u00f3ibh. Ar ball, nuair a bheadh an gearradh s\u00e1ch doimhin, dhingt\u00ed na gingeanna isteach sa ghearradh, agus dh\u00e9anta\u00ed iad a bhr\u00fa isteach sa ghearradh leis an ord, agus sa tsl\u00ed sin, choinn\u00edt\u00ed an gearradh s\u00e1ch leathan leis an dtoireasc a oibri\u00fa ann. Ar ball, nuair nach mb\u00edodh f\u00e1gtha le gearradh ach p\u00edosa beag eile, ansin bhaint\u00ed \u00fas\u00e1id ar\u00eds as an dtua, le heang eile a ghearradh sa ph\u00edosa a bh\u00ed f\u00f3s gan gearradh, n\u00f3 sa tsl\u00ed sin, dh\u00e9anta\u00ed deimhin de, go dtitfeadh an crann sa tsl\u00ed a bh\u00ed ceaptha d\u00f3, \u00f3 th\u00fas. Ansin, an toireasc ar\u00eds, ach ag an bpointe seo, th\u00f3gadh fir na r\u00f3pa\u00ed p\u00e1irt sa ghn\u00f3, n\u00f3 dh\u00e9anad\u00eds si\u00fad na r\u00f3pa\u00ed a theannadh, agus a tharraingt. Ba ghearr ansin go gcloist\u00ed gi\u00fana\u00edl agus scr\u00e9acha\u00edl \u00f3n gcrann, agus b\u2019in an t-am leis an dtoireasc a sciobadh as an ngearradh, agus imeacht as an mbearna baoil chomh tapaidh is a bh\u00ed in\u00e1r gcosa. Bhaineadh an crann m\u00f3r searradh agus craitheadh aisti fh\u00e9in, agus ansin, go mall r\u00e9idh, i dtosach, agus ansin, n\u00edos tap\u00fala, agus n\u00edos tap\u00fala f\u00f3s, thiteadh s\u00ed anuas, agus le torann cluasphl\u00e9ascach thuairte\u00e1lfadh s\u00e9 anuas ar an talamh. Bhrist\u00ed agus r\u00e9abta\u00ed na g\u00e9aga a bh\u00ed in \u00edochtar, agus thion\u00e1int\u00ed roinnt mhaith acu s\u00edos tr\u00edd an talamh, rud a l\u00e9ir\u00edodh d\u00fainne chomh cont\u00fairteach is a bheadh s\u00e9, bheith san \u00e1it mh\u00edcheart ag n\u00f3im\u00e9ad \u00fad na titime.<\/p>

Ba ansin a thosa\u00edodh an obair i nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed na miongh\u00e9aga le baint den chrann, agus na g\u00e9aga troma le glanadh, agus ansin le gearradh. Ag an bpointe sin thosa\u00edt\u00ed ar stoc an chrainn a ghearradh leis an dtoireasc beirte, agus geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, go mba chrua, maslaitheach an obair \u00ed sin, do ghas\u00fair nach raibh cleachtadh acu riamh ar a leith\u00e9id d\u2019obair. Ach, nuair is crua don chailleach caithfidh s\u00ed rith, agus ba \u00e9 an sc\u00e9al c\u00e9anna againne \u00e9, n\u00f3 n\u00ed raibh an dara rogha againn, ach d\u00e9anamh mar ad\u00faradh linn. N\u00ed chait\u00ed tada ar leataobh. Choinn\u00edt\u00ed na cip\u00edn\u00ed le h\u00fas\u00e1id mar bhrosna, agus bhaint\u00ed \u00fas\u00e1id as chuile ph\u00edosa eile den chrann, mar chonnadh don Chol\u00e1iste, le tinte agus soirn a choinne\u00e1il sa tsi\u00fal, \u00f3 cheann ceann na bliana. Nuair a bh\u00edodh an ch\u00e9ad fh\u00e1inne de stoc an chrainn gearrtha, chuirt\u00ed ar leataobh \u00e9, agus dh\u00e9anta\u00ed \u00e9 a scoilteadh ina ph\u00edosa\u00ed, s\u00e1ch beag, le cur isteach i sorn, n\u00f3 le h\u00fas\u00e1id ar thine. Leis an dtua a dh\u00e9anta\u00ed an gn\u00f3 sin, agus chomh luath is a bh\u00edodh na smut\u00e1in sin r\u00e9idh, bh\u00ed gn\u00f3 eile le d\u00e9anamh againne spailp\u00edn\u00ed, go h\u00e1irithe acu si\u00fad, nach raibh r\u00f3-oilte i mbun an toirisc, agus b\u2019in na smut\u00e1in sin a iompar, ina ngabh\u00e1lacha, isteach chun na cistineach, \u00e1it a nd\u00e9anta\u00ed iad a chruachadh, sa tsl\u00ed go mb\u00edodh carn m\u00f3r den adhmad scoilte sin i dtaisce acu i gc\u00f3na\u00ed, le connadh a choinne\u00e1il leis na soirn ollmh\u00f3ra a bh\u00ed \u00e1 n-\u00fas\u00e1id acu ansin.<\/p>

Ar deireadh, sh\u00e9idt\u00ed fead\u00f3g, agus b\u2019in comhartha do na spailp\u00edn\u00ed go raibh s\u00e9 in am d\u00f3ibh filleadh ar an gCol\u00e1iste ar\u00eds, le dul ag d\u00e9anamh l\u00e9inn. Ach geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, go mb\u00edodh muid tinn tuirseach, go minic, tar \u00e9is \u00e1r saothair amuigh i l\u00e1r na coille craobha\u00ed. Ach nuair a bhreathna\u00edm siar ar an ngn\u00f3 anois, feictear dom go mba chont\u00fairteach, amach is amuigh, an gn\u00f3 a bh\u00edodh idir l\u00e1mha againn, na laethe \u00fad fad\u00f3, agus n\u00ed d\u00f3igh liom, go mbeadh ar \u00e1bhair shagairt an lae inniu d\u00e9anamh mar a rinneamarna, agus b\u2019fh\u00e9idir gurbh fhearrde amhlaidh iad.<\/p>

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Horm\u00f3in ag l\u00e9imneach<\/span><\/p>

Caibidil 19<\/p>

.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

Is beag nach bhfuil m\u00e9 cr\u00edochnaithe anois le mo chuimhn\u00ed ar Chol\u00e1iste an Chro\u00ed R\u00f3-Naofa, i gContae Mhaigh Eo. Ach caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il dhuit, a l\u00e9itheoir, go bhfuil leisce \u00e1irithe orm f\u00f3s, an tsean\u00e1it sin a fh\u00e1g\u00e1il taobh thiar d\u00edom, n\u00f3 ba ansin a chaith m\u00e9 dh\u00e1 bhliain \u00f3rga de laethe geala m\u2019\u00f3ige, agus b\u00edodh go raibh m\u00e9 scartha \u00f3 mo chine, agus \u00f3 mo mhuintir, agus b\u00edodh nach raibh aon ar\u00e1n saor le f\u00e1il agam san \u00e1it ch\u00e9anna sin, mar sin fh\u00e9in, is geal lem\u2019 chro\u00ed f\u00f3s na cuimhn\u00ed a ritheann chugam, aniar as an tr\u00e9imhse sin de laethe m\u2019\u00f3ige.<\/p>

Ba \u00e9 an ch\u00e9ad rud a chuaigh i gcionn orm n\u00f3 an scoil fh\u00e9in. B\u2019fhathach de theach, amach is amuigh, \u00e9, agus \u00e9 gal\u00e1nta, dea-dheartha, dea-dh\u00e9anta, \u00f3 bhun go barr. N\u00ed raibh tada d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id feicthe agamsa, ar mo sh\u00faile cinn, le mo bheo roimhe sin. Is amhlaidh a d\u2019fh\u00e1s an t-\u00e1ras taibhseach sin suas as an mb\u00e1n glanbhearrtha, a bh\u00ed leagtha amach os a chomhair amach, agus faiche a bh\u00ed bearrtha go bun na d\u00faide, thart air. B\u2019in mar a bhi s\u00e9 an ch\u00e9ad l\u00e1 ar leag mise s\u00fail air, i Me\u00e1n F\u00f3mhair na bliana, 1940. Ach n\u00edor she\u00f3 go dt\u00ed \u00e9 san Earrach, nuair a bh\u00edodh an fhaiche sin ar fad ina brat \u00f3rga ag lusa lasracha, luascacha, an chromchinn, agus iad leagtha amach ina mbu\u00edonta, agus ina gcip\u00ed, faoi mar a bh\u00ed na saighdi\u00fair\u00ed socruithe, ullmhaithe. do chath Waterloo. Is d\u00f3cha go nd\u00e9arfadh duine gur bheag a bh\u00ed le d\u00e9anamh ag daoine sna laethe \u00fad fad\u00f3, faoi r\u00e1 is go gcaithfid\u00eds a nd\u00fathracht ag pland\u00e1il na lusa cromchinn ar an d\u00f3igh neamhghn\u00e1ch sin, ach beatha dhuine a thoil, mar adeireadh an seandream fad\u00f3, agus nach acu a bh\u00ed an ceart. Agus lena chois sin, n\u00e1r bhoc m\u00f3r, amach is amuigh, \u00e9 an t-\u00fanaeir, an Cunta Llewellyn De Bl\u00e1ca fh\u00e9in, oidhre na mBl\u00e1cach i Cloghballymore House, i gContae na Gaillimhe, a bhronn a thithe agus a thailte ar na Misin Choigr\u00edocha. Rinne m\u00e9 cur s\u00edos cheana daoibh ar an leagan amach a bh\u00ed ar an gCol\u00e1iste, ar an dtaobh istigh, ar na seomra\u00ed, an Bhialann, an Suanlios, an t-Aireagal, agus an Halla M\u00f3r Staid\u00e9ir, agus n\u00edl f\u00fam a thuilleadh a r\u00e1 anseo f\u00fathu sin, ach b\u2019fh\u00e9idir n\u00e1rbh aon dochar \u00e9, tagairt a dh\u00e9anamh, go sciobtha, do na faich\u00ed imeartha a bh\u00ed againn, i ngar don scoil. Chomh fada is a th\u00e9ann mo chuimhne anois, bh\u00ed p\u00e9ire p\u00e1irceanna againn, mar ph\u00e1irceanna imeartha, agus b\u2019ansin a d\u2019fhoghlaim m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in, agus gas\u00fair eile chomh maith liom, scileanna na gcluich\u00ed n\u00e1isi\u00fanta, mar c\u00e9 go rabhthas d\u00e1r dtraen\u00e1il do na misin choigr\u00edocha, bh\u00ed an n\u00e1isi\u00fanachas de dhl\u00fath agus d\u2019inneach i gc\u00f3ras oideachais na t\u00edre seo, ag an am sin. Agus, b\u00edodh go raibh breac-eolas ag cuid againn ar na rialacha a bhain leis na cluich\u00ed sin, mar sin fh\u00e9in, bh\u00ed oili\u00faint agus traen\u00e1il sna scileanna cu\u00ed, ag teast\u00e1il go g\u00e9ar uainn. N\u00edor imir m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in m\u00f3r\u00e1n cluich\u00ed roimhe sin riamh, ach amh\u00e1in na cluich\u00ed a d\u2019imr\u00edomar cosnochtaithe, i gcoinne foirne Bh\u00e9al an Mhuirthead, nuair a bhain na \u201ctownies\u201d na r\u00fait\u00edn\u00ed agus na loirgne d\u00ednn, lena mbr\u00f3ga siopa, ach ba ghearr gur th\u00e1inig muid isteach ar na cluich\u00ed c\u00e9anna sin, agus go raibh ar \u00e1r gcumas iad a imirt go seoigh.<\/p>

Ba sa scoil sin an Chro\u00ed R\u00f3-Naofa, a chuir m\u00e9 aithne den ch\u00e9ad uair, freisin, ar na l\u00e1mhainn\u00ed dorn\u00e1la. Mar seo a tharla. Bh\u00ed sagart \u00f3g in\u00e1r mbun, ag an am, agus is d\u00f3cha go raibh suim faoi leith aige fh\u00e9in sa dorn\u00e1la\u00edocht. Bhuel, n\u00ed sh\u00e1s\u00f3dh tada an fear c\u00e9anna go raibh cr\u00f3 dorn\u00e1la\u00edochta leagtha amach aige d\u00fainn, agus ansin, rinne s\u00e9 chuile iarracht ar scileanna na ceirde sin a mh\u00faineadh d\u00fainn. Is d\u00f3cha gur tuigeadh d\u00f3, go mbeadh g\u00e1 ag sagairt leis an scil ch\u00e9anna sin, sa todhcha\u00ed! Ar aon chuma, ba bheag mo sp\u00e9is fh\u00e9in sa chluiche ch\u00e9anna sin, ach corruair, n\u00ed raibh aon dul as agam. Caithfidh go raibh m\u00e9 contr\u00e1ilte go maith, na laeathe \u00fad, murab ionann is anois! go h\u00e1irithe, nuair a bh\u00ednn ag imirt cluich\u00ed, n\u00f3 a leith\u00e9id. Bhuel, nuair a d\u2019\u00e9ir\u00edodh idir aon bheirt againn, agus nuair a thagadh an sagart \u00f3g sinn orainn, i mbun troda, – agus thagadh, – meas t\u00fa c\u00e9ard a dh\u00e9anadh s\u00e9, le deireadh a chur leis an arg\u00f3int? <\/p>

T\u00e1 an ceart agat. Shocra\u00edodh s\u00e9 am faoi leith, agus bh\u00edodh ar an mbeirt trodair\u00ed bheith i l\u00e1thair sa chr\u00f3 dorn\u00e1la\u00edochta, ag an am sprioc\u00e1ilte, agus iad ullamh ina l\u00e1mhainn\u00ed dorn\u00e1la, le troid a dh\u00e9anamh os comhair na scoile ar fad, agus an sagart \u00f3g \u00fad ina r\u00e9iteoir ar an mbabhta dorn\u00e1la\u00edochta sin. Fanann cuimhne na laethe \u00fad liom go dt\u00ed an l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu ann, agus is f\u00e9idir liom boladh leathair na l\u00e1mhainn\u00ed a fh\u00e1il f\u00f3s im pholl\u00e1ir\u00ed, agus \u00e9 chomh br\u00e9an inniu is a bh\u00ed s\u00e9 breis is tr\u00ed sc\u00f3r bliain \u00f3 shoin anois. B\u2019fhuath liom fh\u00e9in na troideanna c\u00e9anna sin, n\u00f3 ba rud amh\u00e1in \u00e9, troid a thos\u00fa nuair a bheadh rabharta feirge ar dhuine, ach n\u00edorbh ionann sin in aon chor agus troid a dh\u00e9anamh le gas\u00far eile, agus gan fearg, n\u00f3 tada d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id ort leis, agus an scoil ar fad ag breathn\u00fa orainn, agus d\u00e1r ngr\u00edosadh chun troda, ach mhaolaigh s\u00e9 go m\u00f3r ar aon fhonn troda a bh\u00ed beirthe sa chn\u00e1mh ionnamsa, geallaimse dhuit \u00e9. Ba chos\u00fail \u00e9 sin, d\u00e1r liomsa, agus an chaoi a gcuireadh muidinne gas\u00fair na madra\u00ed ag troid fad\u00f3. Ba rud fuarch\u00faiseach, amach is amuigh \u00e9, ach ag an am gc\u00e9anna, is d\u00f3cha gur chabhraigh s\u00e9 linn srian eic\u00ednt a chur ar \u00e1r bhfearg, sa chaoi gur mh\u00fain s\u00e9 d\u00fainn, conas smacht agus guaim a choinne\u00e1il orainn fh\u00e9in, earra\u00ed a bh\u00ed chun \u00e1r leasa, sna blianta a bh\u00ed romhainn amach. Mar sin, maithim don sagart \u00f3g sin a dh\u00fail mhallaithe sa dorn\u00e1la\u00edocht, agus sa bhfuil, d\u00e1r linne, le linn m\u2019\u00f3ige-se. Chuireadh an sagart \u00f3g sin l\u00e1 sp\u00f3irt sa tsi\u00fal d\u00fainn, anois is ar\u00eds, nuair a th\u00f3gadh s\u00e9 dorn\u00e1laithe \u00f3 Chlub dorn\u00e1la\u00edochta i gCaisle\u00e1n an Bharraigh isteach go Col\u00e1iste an Chro\u00ed R\u00f3-Naofa, i mB\u00e9al an \u00c1tha Fhada, le com\u00f3rtas dorn\u00e1la\u00edochta a eagr\u00fa eatarthusan agus gas\u00fair an Chol\u00e1iste. B\u2019in an \u00e1it a mb\u00edodh an fhuil, geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, ach i ndeireadh na d\u00e1la, n\u00ed d\u00f3igh liom go raibh gas\u00far ar bith in\u00e1r measc-na a chlo\u00edgh leis an dorn\u00e1la\u00edocht, mar sp\u00f3rt, n\u00f3 mar chaitheamh aimsire, fi\u00fa, ina dhiaidh sin.<\/p>

Sea, geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, go raibh beala\u00ed acu sa Chol\u00e1iste sin, le smacht a chur i bhfeidhm ar ghas\u00fair cos\u00fail linne. Is cuimhin liom, go mb\u00edodh s\u00e9 de n\u00f3s againn, freastal ar na boird, le linn na mb\u00e9il\u00ed, ar \u00e1r seal. Bh\u00ed bunt\u00e1ist\u00ed ag gabh\u00e1il leis na ngn\u00f3 sin, n\u00f3 nuair a bh\u00edodh a mb\u00e9ile cr\u00edochnaithe ag na dalta\u00ed eile, agus ag na sagairt freisin, d\u2019im\u00edodh siadsan chun an Aireagail, le cupla paidir a r\u00e1, agus d\u2019fhanadh na giolla\u00ed boird sa mbialann, lena mb\u00e9ile fh\u00e9in a chaitheamh, ar a s\u00e1stacht. Anois, thugadh sin deis d\u00f3ibh im, earra a bh\u00ed gann go maith ag an am, agus s\u00f3laist\u00ed eile freisin, a th\u00f3g\u00e1il \u00f3 bhord na sagart, agus ba gheall le h\u00f3r bu\u00ed an t-im c\u00e9anna sin i measc na ndalta\u00ed, n\u00f3 n\u00ed bh\u00edodh le f\u00e1il acusan ach an margair\u00edn, earra n\u00e1r thaitin leis na dalta\u00ed a raibh aon bheada\u00edocht in aon chor ag baint leo. Bhuel, tharla l\u00e1 amh\u00e1in, gur rugadh ar roinnt \u00e1irithe againn i mbun na hoibre sin, agus geallaimse dhuit \u00e9 n\u00e1r ligeadh saor gan pion\u00f3s sinn. Ba \u00e9 a dheinid\u00eds linn, n\u00f3 gan aon bhricfeasta a thabhairt d\u00fainn ar feadh seachtaine, agus leis an sc\u00e9al a dh\u00e9anamh n\u00edos measa f\u00f3s, chuirt\u00ed iachall orainn, an t-am sin a chaitheamh, ag g\u00edot\u00e1il, os comhair na Bialainne amach, sa chaoi go raibh radharc ioml\u00e1n ag chuile dhuine sa scoil orainn, agus tuiscint mhaith acu freisin, ar an f\u00e1th a bh\u00ed leis an bpion\u00f3s sin a gearradh orainn! Is d\u00f3cha gur m\u00faineadh ceacht eic\u00ednt d\u00fainn an tr\u00e1th sin freisin, ach n\u00edl m\u00e9 cinnte amach is amuigh c\u00e9n ceacht \u00e9. D\u00e9arfadh duine, b\u2019fh\u00e9idir, gur m\u00faineadh d\u00fainn n\u00e1r ch\u00f3ir baint le cuid na gcomharsan, agus d\u00e9arfadh daoine eile, b\u2019fh\u00e9idir, gurbh \u00e9 an ceacht a m\u00faineadh d\u00fainn n\u00f3 a bheith n\u00edos c\u00farama\u00ed, an ch\u00e9ad bhabhta eile! B\u00edodh do rogha agatsa, ach mo chuidse de, n\u00ed d\u00f3igh liom gur mh\u00fain s\u00e9 tada dhom ach fuath don chur chuige sin mar mhodh m\u00fainte, n\u00f3 n\u00edor thaitin s\u00e9 riamh liom, \u00f3 shoin anuas, duine ar bith a fheice\u00e1il \u00e1 n\u00e1iri\u00fa go poibl\u00ed.<\/p>

B\u2019fh\u00e9idir gur mhaith le duine eic\u00ednt ceist a chur orm faoi ch\u00farsa\u00ed gn\u00e9is, agus a leith\u00e9id, \u00e1it a raibh thart ar thr\u00ed sc\u00f3r \u00f3g\u00e1nach teanntaithe istigh le ch\u00e9ile, agus gan comhluadar ban ar an \u201cmenu\u201d, mar ad\u00e9arf\u00e1, olc maith n\u00f3 dona, agus sin ag tarl\u00fa tr\u00e1th a raibh a gcuid horm\u00f3n ag tabhairt tr\u00ed l\u00e9im t\u00e1illi\u00fara as a gcorp agus as a gcabhail sa chro\u00ed istigh iontu, gach dara meandar?<\/p>

Bhuel, ba ghn\u00e1th-\u00f3g\u00e1naigh iad i ngach uile shl\u00ed, agus b\u00edodh go raibh siad teanntaithe istigh sa Chol\u00e1iste ar feadh bhun\u00fas na bliana, bh\u00edd\u00eds ar saoire sa bhaile ar feadh thart ar cheithre mh\u00ed, i rith na bliana c\u00e9anna sin, agus i rith an ama sin, bh\u00edodh f\u00e1il acu ar chomhluadar agus ar chomhairle ban. Chomh maith le sin, bh\u00edodh roinnt cail\u00edn\u00ed \u00f3ga ag obair sa Cholaiste, rud a thugadh deis d\u00f3ibh a ngairm chun na sagartachta a th\u00e1st\u00e1il, agus d\u00e1r nd\u00f3igh, bh\u00ed na ceathanna fuara ansin i gc\u00f3na\u00ed, leis an teaspach a bhaint as duine ar bith a bheadh ina gh\u00e1tar sin! Ba dh\u00e9ag\u00f3ir\u00ed iad na h\u00e1bhair \u00f3ga sagairt sin, a raibh m\u00faineadh an tsagairt a chur orthu, gn\u00f3 nach raibh, agus nach bhfuil, \u00e9asca, am ar bith, ach nuair a chuireann t\u00fa le sin \u00f3ige na ngas\u00far, tuigfidh t\u00fa go raibh fonn n\u00edos m\u00f3 orthusan, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, \u00e9isteacht le dea-chomhairle \u00f3 dhaoine f\u00e1sta, agus seans n\u00edos fearr ann, go nd\u00e9anfaid\u00eds d\u00e1 r\u00e9ir. N\u00ed g\u00e1 dhom a r\u00e1, sna c\u00farsa\u00ed seo, nach dtabharfa\u00ed an dara seans do dhuine ar bith a gheofa\u00ed ciontach i mbreathn\u00fa thar chla\u00ed na haontumhachta amach! Sea, ach tharla\u00edodh a leitheid corruair, agus \u00f3 tharla gur dh\u00faisigh m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in an giorrai sin, caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il, n\u00e1r choinnigh m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in mo sh\u00faile d\u00edrithe ar an talamh, chuile bhabhta, agus bh\u00ed radharcanna \u00e1irithe a chuirfeadh mo chuid horm\u00f3n ag d\u00e9anamh \u201cBalla\u00ed Luimn\u00ed\u201d, chomh maith le fireannach ar bith eile!!!<\/p>

Cuimhne eile a fhanann glas liom, go dt\u00ed an l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu ann, agus d\u00e9arfainn go gcuirfe\u00e1 fh\u00e9in suim ann freisin.<\/p>

C\u00e9n chuimhne at\u00e1 i gceist agam anois, an ea?<\/p>

An modh taistil a bh\u00ed againne, dalta\u00ed, agus muid ag dul i mbun na Me\u00e1nteistim\u00e9ireachta.<\/p>

Agus c\u00e9n modh taistil \u00e9 fh\u00e9in?<\/p>

\u201cJaunt\u201d, mar a thugadh muintir \u00c1rann air, blianta fada \u00f3 shoin, agus b\u2019fh\u00e9idir go bhfuil an focal c\u00e9anna sin in \u00fas\u00e1id ar Inis M\u00f3r, \u00c1rann, go dt\u00ed an l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu ann. Sea, Carr Cliath\u00e1nach, b\u2019in an modh taistil a bh\u00ed againn, le sinn a iompar \u00f3 Chol\u00e1iste an Chro\u00ed R\u00f3-Naofa go Caisle\u00e1n an Bharraigh, turas de dheich m\u00edle sl\u00ed, b\u2019fh\u00e9idir, \u00f3 tharla nach raibh ionad scr\u00faduithe d\u00e1r gcuid fh\u00e9in againne, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, agus bh\u00ed sp\u00e1s d\u00fainn i St. Geralds College, i gCaisle\u00e1n an Bharraigh. Is cuimhin liom f\u00f3s, boladh an chapaill, agus torann an \u00faim agus na gcr\u00fab, agus muid ag bogadh linn, ar sodar, fan an bh\u00f3thair fhada sin. Thug an turas sin deis d\u00fainn, ceisteanna a phl\u00e9 agus a chur tr\u00ed ch\u00e9ile, agus muid ag gluaiseacht ar \u00e1r s\u00e1imh\u00edn s\u00f3 chun an bhaile mh\u00f3ir. Sea, b\u2019in iad laethe geala na h\u00f3ige, nuair a bh\u00ed ceol agus rithim aerach i ngach rud faoin speir, sea, agus taitneamh agus tairbhe le baint as gach aon cheo.<\/p>

B\u2019in iad na laethe, nuair a th\u00e9adh muid ag si\u00fal\u00f3id, chuile mhaidin, s\u00edos b\u00f3thar an Chol\u00e1iste, go dt\u00ed dealbh Ph\u00e1draig, ag bun an bh\u00f3thair sin, agus nuair a bh\u00edodh an uain go bre\u00e1, bh\u00edodh radharc iontach, \u00e1lainn, spreag\u00fail, le f\u00e1il againn, ar Chruach fh\u00edor-\u00e1lainn Ph\u00e1draig.<\/p>

Ach anois, f\u00e1gfaidh m\u00e9 an tr\u00e9imhse spreag\u00fail, uaigneach, corraitheach sin, dem\u2019 shaol taobh thiar d\u00edom, agus leanfaidh m\u00e9 sruth na beatha, faoi mar a shil s\u00e9 leis, \u00f3 laethe Chol\u00e1iste an Chro\u00ed R\u00f3-Naofa \u00fad, ar aghaidh, agus d\u00e9anfaidh m\u00e9 iarracht, sa ch\u00e9ad chaibidil eile, cur s\u00edos ar Chol\u00e1iste Sheosaimh Naofa, i Wilton, a bh\u00ed suite ar imeall Chathair Chorca\u00ed an t-am sin, mar a raibh m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in im\u2019 mhac l\u00e9inn sagartachta, ar feadh tr\u00ed bliana corraitheacha eile. <\/p>

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F\u00e1lta \u00e1 dt\u00f3g\u00e1il <\/span><\/strong><\/p>

Caibidil 20<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

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Chaith m\u00e9 Samhradh na bliana 1942, sa bhaile, i mbaile na Druime, in Iorras, agus m\u00e9 ag baint taitnimh as an saol sa bhaile. N\u00ed bh\u00edodh an oiread sin le d\u00e9anamh agam na laethe \u00fad, ach ghlacainn p\u00e1irt ghn\u00edomhach i saol laeth\u00fail na feirme. N\u00ed g\u00e1 dhom a r\u00e1 ar\u00eds, nach raibh againn ach feirm\u00edn beag talaimh, ach d\u00e1 laghad an feirm\u00edn, is ea ba mh\u00f3 iad na graith\u00ed beaga a bh\u00ed le d\u00e9anamh sa timpeall air, ag an aos \u00f3g. Bh\u00edodh m\u00f3in le s\u00e1bh\u00e1il, le cur amach, agus le tarl\u00fa abhaile, agus n\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, gur ghlac m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in p\u00e1irt san obair sin uilig. N\u00ed g\u00e1 dhom a r\u00e1, ach oiread, nach mb\u00edodh innealra ar bith in \u00fas\u00e1id againn, leis an obair mhaslaitheach sin a dh\u00e9anamh. N\u00ed bh\u00edodh, mh\u2019anam, sinn fh\u00e9in a dh\u00e9anadh an mh\u00f3in a sh\u00e1bh\u00e1il, idir scaradh, iomp\u00f3, agus ghr\u00f3igeadh. N\u00ed bh\u00edodh de chabhair againn leis an mh\u00f3in a chur amach ar thaobh an bh\u00f3thair, ach Neid\u00ed fh\u00e9in, agus geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, go mb\u00edodh muidinne chomh cru\u00f3gach leis na hasail bhochta fh\u00e9in, ar \u00f3c\u00e1id\u00ed d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id. <\/p>

Bh\u00edodh buachailleacht le d\u00e9anamh ar na ba freisin, agus geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, nach mb\u00edodh an gn\u00f3 sin r\u00f3-\u00e9asca, ach oiread, n\u00f3 bh\u00edodh chuile sh\u00f3rt brada\u00edl \u00e1 dh\u00e9anamh ag na ba s\u2019againne, an tr\u00e1th sin bliana, n\u00f3 bh\u00edodh barra\u00ed agus f\u00e9ar ag f\u00e1s leo go buacach, sea, agus na gais ar \u00e1illeacht, agus ar mhilseacht, an domhain freisin, ruda\u00ed a mheallfadh b\u00f3 bhradach ar bith, le tamall a chaitheamh le haer an tsaoil. Cuir le sin, go mb\u00edodh ba againn freisin ag in\u00edor sna dumhcha, a bh\u00ed, an t-am sin, mar choim\u00edneas ag dh\u00e1 thion\u00f3nta is triocha, as na bailte timpeall. An tr\u00e1th sin bliana freisin, bh\u00edodh fata\u00ed le sprae\u00e1il, fiail\u00ed le baint, f\u00e9ar le s\u00e1bh\u00e1il, arbhar le t\u00f3g\u00e1il, agus s\u00fag\u00e1in le casadh. Sea, agus de ghn\u00e1th, bh\u00edodh siad tosaithe ar bhaint na bhfata\u00ed, roimh dul ar ais ar scoil domsa, i M\u00ed Mhe\u00e1n an Fh\u00f3mhair. Ach taobh amuigh de na graith\u00ed sin uilig, n\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1 go mb\u00edodh neart ama agam, le dul ag sn\u00e1mh, ag clad\u00f3ireacht, agus ag d\u00e9anamh spraoi, lem sheanchairde. Sea, n\u00edor bhasctha de mar shaol! Agus cuir le sin, go mb\u00edodh m\u00e9 ar ais i measc mo mhuintire fh\u00e9in, thiar in Iorras na nIontas, tar \u00e9is dom t\u00e9arma fada, crua, staid\u00e9ir, a chaitheamh i gceann de na Col\u00e1ist\u00ed sagartachta \u00fad, ar a mb\u00edodh m\u00e9 ag freasatal, an tr\u00e1th sin.<\/p>

Is d\u00f3cha gur cheart dom cuid de na m\u00edbhunt\u00e1ist\u00ed a bhain leis an bhfreastal ar na Col\u00e1ist\u00ed sagartachta \u00fad a lua anseo. Ar an gc\u00e9ad dul s\u00edos, bhris siad an snaidhm a bh\u00ed mar cheangal idir mise agus mo phhobal d\u00edlis fh\u00e9in i mbaile na Druime. Ba straisn\u00e9ar feasta m\u00e9 i measc mo mhuintire fh\u00e9in. Chreim l\u00e9ann \u00fad an tsagairt an snas dra\u00edochta a bhain leis an gcult\u00far, agus leis an tsibhialtacht \u00e1rsa, ar d\u00edobh m\u00e9. N\u00ed raibh an meas c\u00e9anna agam feasta ar thithe beaga bochta ceann tu\u00ed mo dhaoine fh\u00e9in, nach bhf\u00e9adfa\u00ed a chur i gcompar\u00e1id leis na foirgnimh shnasta, dea-dheartha, fairsinge, a bh\u00ed thart orainn, le linn d\u00fainn bheith ag freastal ar na tithe m\u00f3ra \u00fad, a d\u2019fh\u00e1g an Cunta Llewellan Blake le huacht ag an SMA. N\u00ed raibh an meas c\u00e9anna agamsa feasta ar na d\u00edonta ceann tu\u00ed, ar na falla\u00ed aoldaite, n\u00f3 ar na tinte oscailte mar ch\u00f3ras c\u00f3caireachta.<\/p>

Bh\u00ed sin uilig dona go leor, ach bh\u00ed rud n\u00edos measa f\u00f3s ag baint leis an gcine\u00e1l sin oideachais. Cuireadh ar \u00e1r s\u00faile d\u00fainn, nach raibh can\u00faint iarg\u00falta \u00e1r muintire sa bhaile, inghlactha mar mhe\u00e1n cumars\u00e1ide, don sagart l\u00e9annta, agus sa tsl\u00ed sin, t\u00f3gadh cla\u00ed ard eile idir m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in agus mo mhuintir thiar. Caithfidh m\u00e9 a r\u00e1, n\u00e1r dhein m\u00e9 dearmad riamh, anuas go dt\u00ed an l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu fh\u00e9in ann, ar an \u00e9ag\u00f3ir neamhbheartaithe sin, a deineadh orainne, \u00e1bhair shagairt, i gcol\u00e1ist\u00ed sagartachta na t\u00edre seo, ag an am sin. Is d\u00f3cha go bhf\u00e9adfa\u00ed sin uilig a chur i gcr\u00edch, ar mh\u00f3dh nach mbainfeadh den mheas, n\u00f3 den urraim, a bh\u00ed againn d\u00e1r muintir fh\u00e9in, n\u00f3 d\u00e1r gcult\u00far fh\u00e9in, ach baineadh \u00fas\u00e1id as an sear\u00fas, agus as an magadh, mar airm, le sinn a scaradh \u00f3n bpobal ba dh\u00fachas d\u00fainn. N\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, gur \u00e9irigh liom, ar ball, c\u00fal a chur ar an bhfolcadh intinne sin, agus gur m\u00f3, go m\u00f3r fada, mo mheas ar mo dh\u00fachas inniu n\u00e1 riamh, ach ag an am gc\u00e9anna, fanann cuimhne na h\u00e9ag\u00f3ra \u00fad, go glas, i gcistin na gcuimhn\u00ed, sa tsl\u00ed go mb\u00edonn orm na cuimhn\u00ed c\u00e9anna sin a dh\u00edbirt go rialta as cro\u00ed m\u2019anama.<\/p>

Ach le filleadh ar an sc\u00e9al…Am \u00e1irithe, i M\u00ed L\u00fanasa na bliana sin, 1942, th\u00e1inig litir chugainn \u00f3 Chol\u00e1iste an Chro\u00ed R\u00f3-Naofa, ag cur in i\u00fal d\u00fainn gur \u00e9irigh thar barr liom i Scr\u00fad\u00fa na Me\u00e1nteistim\u00e9ireachta, agus d\u00e1 bharr sin, go rabhthas ag s\u00fail anois, go mbeinn ag dul go Col\u00e1iste Sheosaimh, i Wilton, ar imeall chathair Chorca\u00ed, i dt\u00fas Mh\u00ed Mhe\u00e1n F\u00f3mhair. N\u00ed g\u00e1 a r\u00e1, go raibh \u00e1thas an domhain orm fh\u00e9in gur \u00e9irigh liom chomh maith sin sa Mhe\u00e1nteistim\u00e9ireacht, agus bh\u00ed sceitim\u00edn\u00ed \u00e1thais orm freisin, go mbeinn ag dul go Col\u00e1iste Sheosaimh, i gceann achair ghearr. N\u00ed cuimhin liom anois an gliondar c\u00e9anna a bheith ar na daoine thart orm, n\u00f3 is d\u00f3cha nach mb\u00edodh cleachtadh r\u00f3-mhor ag daoine thiar, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, ar dhaoine ag d\u00e9anamh scr\u00faduithe poibl\u00ed, murab ionann is an l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu ann. Ach bh\u00ed mo mhuintir fh\u00e9in br\u00f3d\u00fail go maith asam, agus moladh go m\u00f3r m\u00e9 as an \u00e9acht a bh\u00ed d\u00e9anta agam, an ch\u00e9ad duine de Bhair\u00e9adaigh na Druime ar \u00e9irigh leis an Mhe\u00e1nteistim\u00e9ireacht ch\u00e9anna sin a dh\u00e9anamh, gan tr\u00e1cht in aon chor ar marcanna arda a fh\u00e1il inti. Ach sin sc\u00e9al eile d\u2019o\u00edche eic\u00ednt eile. <\/p>

In \u00e9ineacht le toradh an scr\u00fadaithe sin, d\u00e1r nd\u00f3igh, fuaireamar chuile eolas faoi\u2019n scoil nua \u00fad i gCorcaigh, agus ar chuile sh\u00f3rt a bheadh ag teasat\u00e1il uaim, le linn dom bheith ag freasatal ar an gCol\u00e1iste c\u00e9anna sin. Bhuel, ceanna\u00edodh a raibh le ceannacht, agus ullmha\u00edodh a raibh le hullmh\u00fa, agus ar an l\u00e1 sprioc\u00e1ilte, bh\u00ed mo mh\u00e1la\u00ed pac\u00e1ilte ullamh agam. N\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, gurbh iad mo dheirfi\u00faracha agus mo Mham fh\u00e9in a rinne bun\u00fas na pac\u00e1la c\u00e9anna sin, n\u00f3 cheana f\u00e9in, bh\u00ed mo mhuintir thiar ina m\u00edle cuid thart orm, agus \u00f3m\u00f3s an tsagairt \u00e1 thabhairt dom acu, c\u00e9 nach raibh ionnam f\u00f3s ach sagairt\u00edn. Ar an mhaidin sprioc\u00e1ilte sin, bhuaileamar b\u00f3thar ar\u00eds, m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in is mo dhearth\u00e1ir Se\u00e1n, gr\u00e1sta \u00f3 Dhia air, agus d\u2019iompar seisean mo mh\u00e1la\u00ed taistil ar a rothar, agus ba ghearr an mhoill orainn B\u00e9al an Mhuirthead a bhaint amach, n\u00f3 n\u00ed thagadh an bus thar dhroichead Bh\u00e9al an Mhuirthead, isteach sa Mhuirthead, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad. D\u2019fh\u00e1gamar sl\u00e1n ag a ch\u00e9ile agus isteach liom fh\u00e9in sa bhus, \u00e1it ar chuir Tom Cuffe, agus a stiurthoir, f\u00e1ilte is fiche romham, agus thugadar aire dom\u2019 mh\u00e1la\u00ed freisin dom. Ar ball, d\u2019ardaigh siad a seolta, agus ba ghearr an mhoill orthu B\u00e9al an \u00c1tha a bhaint amach. Thart ar dh\u00e1 uair a chloig a th\u00f3gadh s\u00e9 ar an mbus an d\u00e1 sc\u00f3r m\u00edle sin a thaisteal, n\u00f3 n\u00ed raibh na b\u00f3ithre c\u00e9anna thar mholadh beirte, an t-am sin.<\/p>

Bh\u00ed go maith, is n\u00ed raibh go holc. Shroicheamar B\u00e9al an \u00c1tha, thart ar a haondh\u00e9ag ar maidin, agus ar an droch uair, bh\u00ed traein na maidine sin glanta lei as an st\u00e1isi\u00fan, cheana f\u00e9in, agus n\u00ed bheadh traein eile ag dul amach go dt\u00ed an mhaidin d\u00e1r gcionn. Dona go leor, a th\u00e1illi\u00fair! arsa mise liom fh\u00e9in, agus d\u2019fh\u00e1g sin nach raibh le d\u00e9anamh agamsa ach an l\u00e1 fada sin a chaitheamh, ag si\u00fal timpeall ag tabhairt chuile s\u00f3rt faoi deara, sea, agus b\u00e9ile a chaitheamh, nuair a bheadh g\u00e1 lena leith\u00e9id. Chuir m\u00e9 f\u00fam, an o\u00edche sin, in \u00d3st\u00e1n an N\u00e9ifin, i Sr\u00e1id Art\u00fair, c\u00f3ngarach don Scard\u00e1n \u00fad, a bh\u00ed suite, ag an am sin, mar a bhuaileann B\u00f3thar Bh\u00e9al an Mhuirthead le B\u00f3thar Bh\u00e9al Easa. N\u00ed fh\u00e9adfainn a r\u00e1 gur bhain m\u00e9 taitneamh as an l\u00e1 fada fuar sin, a chaith m\u00e9 ansin i mB\u00e9al an \u00c1tha, ar bhruacha f\u00e9armhara m\u00e9ithe na Muaidhe, i dt\u00fas Mh\u00ed Mhe\u00e1n F\u00f3mhair, sa bhliain 1942, ach caithfear cur suas leis an rud nach bhfuil leigheas air, agus bh\u00ed m\u00e9 \u2018mo shu\u00ed go bre\u00e1 luath, an mhaidin d\u00e1r gcionn, agus m\u00e9 ar mo bhealach go dt\u00ed st\u00e1isi\u00fan na traenach, i mB\u00e9al an \u00c1tha. N\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, go raibh an cogadh faoi l\u00e1n tseol, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, agus n\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, ach oiread, go raibh chuile sh\u00f3rt connaidh gann, sa t\u00edr seo, ag an am, agus d\u00e1 bharr sin, bh\u00ed na traenacha mall, tuirsi\u00fail, neamh-mhuin\u00edneach. Ba mhall tuirsi\u00fail an turas \u00e9 \u00f3 Bh\u00e9al an \u00c1tha go Luimneach, n\u00f3 n\u00ed raibh ar \u00e1r gcumas dul n\u00edos faide n\u00e1 sin, an dara l\u00e1 sin. Muid ag stopadh anseo is ansi\u00fad, fan an bhealaigh, agus muid ag iarraidh chuile bhabhta, a fh\u00e1il amach, tuige an mhoill ar fad. Bh\u00edomar tuirseach go maith um thr\u00e1thn\u00f3na, nuair a shroicheamar Luimneach na long. Ar thug t\u00fa faoi deara, go bhfuil m\u00e9 ag baint \u00fas\u00e1id\u2019 as an uimhir iolra anseo, agus is \u00e9 c\u00fais at\u00e1 le sin, n\u00f3 go raibh cuid de na mic l\u00e9inn \u00f3m\u2019 rang i gCol\u00e1iste an Chro\u00ed R\u00f3Naofa, i mB\u00e9al an \u00c1tha Fhada, in \u00e9ineacht liom, faoin am sin, n\u00f3 bh\u00edodar si\u00fad ar a mbealach go Col\u00e1iste Sheosaimh, i Wilton Chorcaigh, freisin, an l\u00e1 c\u00e9anna sin, agus th\u00e1inig siad ar bord na traenach, fan na sl\u00ed. Mar a d\u00fairt m\u00e9 cheana, bh\u00ed an traein ch\u00e9anna mall go leor, agus b\u2019\u00e9igean di tr\u00e9imhs\u00ed s\u00e1ch fada a chaitheamh ina seasamh ina staic i st\u00e1isi\u00fain \u00e1irithe, le gual, n\u00f3 m\u00f3in, n\u00f3 uisce, a th\u00f3gail ar bord, de r\u00e9ir mar a theastaigh na hearra\u00ed sin uaithi. N\u00ed cuimhin liom anois, c\u00e1r chuireamar f\u00fainn i gcathair Luimn\u00ed, an o\u00edche \u00fad, n\u00f3 ba \u00e9 a tharla, n\u00f3 go raibh fios a mbealaigh ag cuid de na mic l\u00e9inn, agus n\u00ed raibh le d\u00e9anamh agamsa ach iad si\u00fad a lean\u00faint, agus fuaireadar l\u00f3ist\u00edn, agus chuile sh\u00f3rt eile a bh\u00ed uainn, d\u00fainn. An tr\u00ed\u00fa l\u00e1, chuamar ar bord traenach eile a bh\u00ed le sinn a th\u00f3g\u00e1il go cathair \u00e1lainn Chorca\u00ed.<\/p>

Ar deireadh thiar, bhaineamar \u00e1r gceann scr\u00edbe amach, agus tuirse b\u00f3thair is bealaigh orm fh\u00e9in, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed tr\u00ed l\u00e1 fada caite agamsa ag d\u00e9anamh an turais fhada, thuirsi\u00fail, anacair sin, ach n\u00e1r chuma faoi sin? Nach raibh ceann mo scr\u00edbe bainte amach agam? Agus nach raibh Col\u00e1iste bre\u00e1 Sheosaimh, i Wilton, bainte amach agam, an Col\u00e1iste sin, a bheadh mar bhaile agamsa, ar feadh tr\u00ed bliana fada. Agus seo linn ar\u00eds ag dul tr\u00edd an gc\u00e9apar c\u00e9anna ar\u00eds, faoi mar a tharla i gCol\u00e1iste an Chro\u00ed R\u00f3-Naofa, dh\u00e1 bhliain, d\u00edreach, roimhe sin. An babhta seo \u00e1fach, n\u00ed capall agus \u201cjaunt\u201d a bh\u00ed romhainn, le sinn a thabhairt \u00f3 st\u00e1isi\u00fan na traenach go dt\u00ed an Col\u00e1iste, ach carranna. Tugadh timpeall an Chol\u00e1iste sinn, le chuile sh\u00f3rt a theasp\u00e1int d\u00fainn. Tugadh a leaba fh\u00e9in sa suanlios do chuile dhuine againn, agus deasc sa halla staid\u00e9ir, sea, agus fi\u00fa \u00e1it faoi leith sa tS\u00e9ip\u00e9al, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed s\u00e9ip\u00e9al bre\u00e1 d\u00e1r gcuid fh\u00e9in againn i Wilton, n\u00f3 ba chuid de phar\u00e1iste, an eaglais ch\u00e9anna sin, agus thagadh pobal na d\u00faiche sin isteach ansin, le hAifreann a \u00e9isteacht, Domhnach is D\u00e1lach, ach bh\u00ed Aireagal beag d\u00e1r gcuid fh\u00e9in againne, mic leinn, i gcroslann sa s\u00e9ip\u00e9al sin.<\/p>

Chuireamar \u00e1r n-earra\u00ed i dtaisce sna c\u00f3fra\u00ed, agus sna c\u00f3ifr\u00edn\u00ed a tugadh d\u00fainn, agus nuair a bh\u00ed chuile sh\u00f3rt a bh\u00ed le d\u00e9anamh againn, d\u00e9anta, tugadh isteach sa mbialann sinn, agus ar\u00eds, teasp\u00e1ineadh \u00e1r n-\u00e1it sa halla m\u00f3r sin d\u00fainn. Fuaireamar b\u00e9ile an tr\u00e1thn\u00f3na, agus geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, go raibh goile againn chuige. Ach n\u00ed raibh m\u00f3r\u00e1n nua ag baint leis an leagan amach i gCol\u00e1iste Sheosaimh, thar mar a bh\u00ed, i gCol\u00e1iste an Chro\u00ed R\u00f3-Naofa, ach bh\u00ed orainn aithne a chur ar rang nua mic l\u00e9inn, n\u00f3 d\u2019fhanadh na mic l\u00e9inn tr\u00ed bliana fada sa Chol\u00e1iste sin. Ba \u00e9 an leagan amach a bh\u00ed acu ansin n\u00f3 go nd\u00e9anadh na mic l\u00e9inn an Ard Teistim\u00e9ireacht tar \u00e9is dh\u00e1 bhliain staid\u00e9ir, agus ansin, dh\u00e9anaid\u00eds an ch\u00e9ad bhliain Ollscoile, i gCol\u00e1iste na hOllscoile, Corcaigh. Ba ghearr an mhoill orm aithne a chur ar na mic l\u00e9inn Ollscoile, agus caithfidh m\u00e9 a r\u00e1, gur chun mo leasa \u00e9, an aithne ch\u00e9anna sin, n\u00f3 d\u2019fhan cuid de na daoine sin ina gcairde d\u00edlse agam ar feadh blianta fada ina diaidh sin.<\/p>

Ach b\u2019fh\u00e9idir gur leor sin do thuras na huaire seo, agus sa ch\u00e9ad chaibidil eile, cuirfidh m\u00e9 s\u00edos daoibh, ar chuid de na heachtra\u00ed agus de na himeachta\u00ed a bhain dom, fad is a bh\u00ed m\u00e9 im mhac l\u00e9inn i gCol\u00e1iste Sheosaimh, i Wilton, Corcaigh, le linn bhlianta deiridh an dara cogadh domhanda.<\/p>

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Capall ag an Sruth\u00e1n <\/span><\/h1>

Caibidil 22<\/h1>

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N\u00e1r bhre\u00e1 go deo an su\u00edomh a bh\u00ed ag Col\u00e1iste Sheosaimh, i Wilton, ar imeall chathair Chorca\u00ed. Bh\u00ed Glais\u00edn<\/strong> agus an T\u00f3chair<\/strong> an-ch\u00f3ngarach d\u00fainn, agus bh\u00edodh muid \u00e1 dtabhairt faoi deara, go minic. Os comhair an Chol\u00e1iste amach, bh\u00ed talamh crochta, agus fan taobh an ard\u00e1in sin, sh\u00edn an B\u00f3thar Iarainn \u00f3 Chathair Chorca\u00ed amach, agus bh\u00edodh ar na traenacha a thug faoin ard\u00e1n c\u00e9anna sin, bh\u00edodh orthu dreapadh \u00f3 bhun go barr an aird. Minic a sheasadh muid ag \u00e9isteacht leo agus iad ag putha\u00edl leo, ar a nd\u00edcheall, i gcoinne an aird. Ba \u00e9 a cheapadh muidinne, n\u00f3 go mb\u00edodh chuile \u201dI think I can, I think I can, I think I can,\u201d <\/strong>\u00e1 r\u00e1 acu, agus iad ar a nd\u00edcheall i gcoinne an aird sin, agus ansin, nuair a bh\u00edodh barr an aird bainte amach acu, d\u2019athra\u00edodh siad a bport, agus ansin ba \u00e9 a deirid\u00eds, d\u00e1r linne, n\u00f3…\u201dI knew I could, I knew I could, I knew I could<\/strong>.\u201d Agus iad mar a bheadh gandail, ag ma\u00edomh as a ngaisce, nuair a chuirid\u00eds an ruaig orainne gas\u00fair, fado. D\u00edreach os comhair an Chol\u00e1iste, freisin, bh\u00ed P\u00e1irc an Bh\u00e1ire, \u00e1it a d\u2019imr\u00edmis \u00e1r gcluich\u00ed, agus ba iad sin na cluich\u00ed torannacha, trodacha, taghdacha, uaireanata, n\u00f3 mar ad\u00fairt m\u00e9 leat cheana, n\u00edor naoimh ar thalamh a bh\u00ed ionainne gas\u00fair, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, n\u00f3 \u00f3 shoin i leith, ach oiread, d\u00e1 nd\u00e9arfainn \u00e9! <\/p>

Bhain m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in taitneamh agus tairbhe as Col\u00e1iste Sheosaimh, n\u00f3 ba sa Chol\u00e1iste sin a chuireamar aithne orainn fh\u00e9in, agus ar an bpobal ar d\u00edobh sinn. Ba sa Chol\u00e1iste sin freisin, a m\u00fascla\u00edodh an Gaelachas agus an N\u00e1isi\u00fanachas ionainn. N\u00ed d\u00e9arfainn gur d\u2019aon ghn\u00f3 \u00e9, ach ba rud \u00e9 a tharla ag an am, agus b\u2019in sin. I nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, n\u00ed raibh aon nuacht ag baint leis an saol i gCol\u00e1iste Sheosaimh, n\u00f3 ba mhar a ch\u00e9ile gn\u00e1thch\u00farsa\u00ed an lae i gCol\u00e1iste Sheosaimh agus i gCol\u00e1iste an Chro\u00ed R\u00f3Naofa i mB\u00e9al an \u00c1tha Fhada, i gContae Mhaigh Eo. Faoin am seo \u00e1fach, bh\u00edothas ag s\u00fail go mbeadh na buachaill\u00ed ag \u00e9ir\u00ed n\u00edos stuama, n\u00edos ciallmhaire, agus n\u00edos cr\u00e1if\u00ed. N\u00edor dhochar ar bith \u00e9 sin, ach n\u00ed mar a sh\u00edltear a bh\u00edtear go minic, agus n\u00edorbh aon eisceacht sinne gas\u00fair, ach oiread, n\u00f3 d\u00e1 mbeadh aon diabhla\u00edocht le d\u00e9anamh, b\u00ed cinnte go raibh duine eic\u00ednt, sa timpeall, a bheadh s\u00e1sta \u00e9 a dh\u00e9anamh, n\u00f3 n\u00ed raibh ionainne, i nd\u00e1ir\u00ede, ach gn\u00e1th-ghas\u00fair a bh\u00ed ag iarraidh ualach an-trom a iompar, ualach a bh\u00ed i bhfad r\u00f3-throm do chuid againn, ach scaoilimis sin tharainn, ag an bpointe seo, agus fillimis ar Chol\u00e1iste Sheosaimh.<\/p>

Bh\u00ed an leagan-amach c\u00e9anna sa scoil seo is a bh\u00ed i gCol\u00e1iste an Chro\u00ed R\u00f3Naofa. Bh\u00ed seomra\u00ed ranga ann, agus d\u00e1r nd\u00f3igh, n\u00ed raibh m\u00f3r\u00e1n seomra\u00ed d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id ag teast\u00e1il uainn, an t-am sin, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed na h\u00e1bhair ch\u00e9anna \u00e1 nd\u00e9anamh ag chuile dhuine, sa bhliain ch\u00e9anna, agus mar sin, n\u00ed raibh ag teast\u00e1il \u00f3 bhu\u00edon ar bith ach seomra ranga amh\u00e1in do na gn\u00e1th \u00e1bhair, agus seomra speisialta, n\u00f3 saotharlann, don eola\u00edocht. N\u00ed bh\u00edodh deis ag dalta\u00ed a rogha \u00e1bhair a phiocadh, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, murab ionann is inniu. N\u00ed d\u00e9arfaidh m\u00e9 faic faoi na m\u00fainteoir\u00ed a bh\u00edodh againn, n\u00f3 ba \u00e9 a cheap m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in ag an am n\u00f3 nach raibh cuid acu thar mholadh beirte mar mh\u00fainteoir\u00ed, ach is d\u00f3cha gur ghn\u00e1th-dhearcadh \u00e9 sin i measc scol\u00e1ir\u00ed, am ar bith. <\/p>

D\u2019\u00e9irigh go maith liom mar dhalta, ach ag an am gc\u00e9anna, caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il gur oibrigh m\u00e9 go dian, le linn an ama a chaith m\u00e9 ag ullmh\u00fa don Ard Teistim\u00e9ireacht. Ag smaoineamh siar ar na laethe sin anois, samhla\u00edtear dom, gur mh\u00f3r an chabhair d\u00fainn \u00e9, n\u00f3 domsa ach go h\u00e1irithe, d\u00e1 mbeadh duine eic\u00ednt ansin le treoir cheart a chur orainn, agus leis na beala\u00ed is fearr, agus is \u00e9ifeachta\u00ed, le staid\u00e9ar a dh\u00e9anamh, a l\u00e9iri\u00fa d\u00fainn. N\u00ed cuimhin liom anois aon iarracht d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id \u00e1 dh\u00e9anamh riamh ag \u00fadar\u00e1is na scoile sin. Ba \u00e9 a cheap m\u00e9 freisin, n\u00f3 go raibh m\u00fainteoir\u00ed \u00e1irithe in\u00e1r mbun nach raibh a gceird foghlamtha i gceart acu, faoin am sin. N\u00edlim ag iarraidh locht a fh\u00e1il orthu anois, n\u00f3 n\u00ed raibh \u00e1 dh\u00e9anamh acu ach faoi mar ad\u00faradh leo. Orduithe! an dtuigeann t\u00fa leat m\u00e9? Bh\u00ed m\u00fainteoir sp\u00e9isi\u00fail againn sa Ghaeilge, ar feadh bliana, n\u00f3 b\u2019fhear \u00e9, a raibh Docht\u00faireacht bainte amach aige, sa Ghaeilge, s\u00edlim, agus b\u00edodh go mba thogha scol\u00e1ire \u00e9, n\u00edl m\u00e9 cinnte gur \u00e9irigh leis an oireadh sin d\u00e1 chuid eolais a roinnt liomsa, ach go h\u00e1irithe, b\u2019fh\u00e9idir gur \u00e9irigh leis i bhfad \u00c9ireann n\u00edos fearr n\u00e1 sin leis na dalta\u00ed eile. <\/p>

An bhfuil fhios agat go bhfuil cuimhne na m\u00fainteoir\u00ed a bh\u00ed agam, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, beagnach caillte ar fad agam, faoi seo. Fanann cuimhne \u201can Leoin\u201d liom go dt\u00ed an l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu ann, \u00e1fach. Fir\u00edn beag, tana\u00ed, scrogallach, \u00edseal, a bh\u00ed ann, ach fir\u00edn a raibh miongh\u00e1ire aingl\u00ed ag roinnt leis, b\u00edodh go mb\u00edodh s\u00e9 crosta go maith, nuair nach mb\u00edodh a dhalta\u00ed ag comhoibri\u00fa go huile agus go hioml\u00e1n leis. Chuirfeadh s\u00e9 ceist ort. Thabharf\u00e1 do fhreagra. D\u00e1 mbeadh an ceart agat, mholfadh s\u00e9 th\u00fa, ach mura mbeadh, bhuel, ansin thabharfadh s\u00e9 seans eile dhuit, agus d\u00e1 dteipfeadh ort an dara huair, ansin, bh\u00e9arfadh s\u00e9 greim ar rib\u00ed gruaige ar d\u2019uisinn, agus tharraing\u00edodh s\u00e9 inairde iad, le l\u00e1n neart, agus \u00e9 ag r\u00e1, ag an am gc\u00e9anna… \u201cThis hurts me far more than it does you, Sonny\u201d….. B\u2019fh\u00e9idir \u00e9, adeireadh muidinne, \u00e1 fhreagairt, os \u00edseal, ach n\u00ed san \u00e1it ch\u00e9anna \u00e9! B\u00edodh go raibh s\u00e9 dian go maith orainne, n\u00ed raibh aon fhuath againn air, c\u00e9 go mbainfinn fh\u00e9in mo dh\u00edoltas amach, am ar bith a mb\u00edodh s\u00e9 r\u00f3-dhian orm, n\u00f3 tuigeadh dom, agus c\u00fais mhaith agam chuige, nach raibh m\u00f3r\u00e1n measa aige ormsa, mar scol\u00e1ire, n\u00f3 mar dhuine. Nach ait an rud \u00e9, go bhfanann cuimhne \u201can Leoin\u201d ch\u00e9anna sin glas, nuair a cailleadh cuimhne na m\u00fainteoir\u00ed eile a bh\u00ed agam thart ar an am sin? Fear maith a bh\u00ed ann, t\u00e1 m\u00e9 cinnte, agus \u00e9 ag iarraidh m\u00e9 a sheoladh ar bhealach mo leasa, ach is d\u00f3cha go raibh dearmad d\u00e9anta aige ar an sean nath cainte adeir, gur f\u00e9idir le duine amh\u00e1in an capall a thabhairt chun an tsruth\u00e1in, ach nach bhf\u00e9adfadh deichni\u00far \u00e9 a chur ag \u00f3l as, mura dteast\u00f3dh uaidh fh\u00e9in sin a dh\u00e9anamh. Is d\u00f3cha nach raibh aon r\u00f3-fhonn ormsa comhairle an Leoin a ghlacadh, agus b\u2019in an f\u00e1th n\u00e1r \u00e9irigh linn si\u00fal cois ar chois tr\u00ed ghort guaireach an l\u00e9inn, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad. Is d\u00f3cha go raibh leath an lochta, ar a laghad, ormsa, ach b\u00edonn an dara sciath\u00e1n ag teast\u00e1il \u00f3n \u00e9an le heitilt a dh\u00e9anamh! Agus is d\u00f3cha freisin, gur ch\u00f3ir go mbeadh a fhios ag m\u00fainteoir\u00ed, gur fada buan \u00ed cuimhne an ph\u00e1iste, agus i nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, n\u00ed raibh ionainne ach p\u00e1ist\u00ed an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, n\u00f3 n\u00edor tugadh m\u00f3r\u00e1n seans d\u00fainn \u00e1r sciath\u00e1in a leathadh, i gCol\u00e1iste d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id, ag an am sin.<\/p>

Bh\u00ed fear eile i gCol\u00e1iste Sheosaimh, ag an am, ar chuir muid an-aithne air. B\u2019fhear uasal, cine\u00e1lta, l\u00e1ch, a bh\u00ed ann, agus \u201cAuntie\u201d a thugaimis air, n\u00f3 bh\u00edodh col\u00fan aige, in Iris an SMA, faoin teideal sin, tr\u00e1th raibh s\u00e9 ina eagarth\u00f3ir ar an Iris ch\u00e9anna sin. Ba de mhuintir U\u00ed Mhaolfh\u00e1bhail \u00e9, agus s\u00edlim gur bh as Oile\u00e1n Cliara, i gContae Mhaigh Eo, d\u00f3. Bh\u00ed s\u00e9 ina Uachtar\u00e1n ar an scoil, ag an am sin. N\u00ed bh\u00edodh m\u00f3r\u00e1n bainte aige linne, mic leinn, ach amh\u00e1in go m\u00faineadh s\u00e9 Teagasc Cr\u00edosta\u00ed d\u00fainn, ach ag an am gc\u00e9anna, bh\u00ed an-tionchar aige orainn. Ar an drochuair \u00e1fach, fuair an fear bocht sin b\u00e1s, le linn d\u00fainne bheith ag freastal ar an gCol\u00e1iste sin, agus chuaigh a bh\u00e1s si\u00fad i gcionn go m\u00f3r orainn. Bh\u00ed orainn cuairt a thabhairt ar a sheomra, \u00e1it a raibh s\u00e9 leagtha amach os cionn cl\u00e1ir, agus \u00e9 gl\u00e9asta mar shagart in \u00c9ide an Aifrinn. N\u00ed raibh aon r\u00f3-chleachtadh againne ar bheith i l\u00e1thair an bh\u00e1is, ag an am, agus n\u00ed d\u00f3igh liom gur thaitin sin linn, olc maith n\u00f3 dona. Bh\u00edomar i l\u00e1thair freisin, ag an sochraid, i Reilg an SMA, taobh thiar de Sh\u00e9ip\u00e9al Naomh Sheosaimh, ansin i Wilton Chorca\u00ed. Is cumhin liom f\u00f3s, an fuacht a mhothaigh m\u00e9 l\u00e1 sin na lice, d\u00edreach faoi mar a leagadh an b\u00e1s fh\u00e9in l\u00e1mh ar bhaic mo mhuin\u00edl. D\u2019fh\u00e1n cuimhne an lae \u00fad liom go dt\u00ed an l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu fh\u00e9in ann.<\/p>

Rud amh\u00e1in eile, a tharla le linn dom bheith sa Chol\u00e1iste sin, ba ea na ranganna garra\u00edod\u00f3ireachta, a cuireadh ar si\u00fal sa Chol\u00e1iste, ar mhaithe linne, ag an am. Thagadh fear isteach chugainn uair sa tseachtain, agus thugadh rang d\u00fainn, faoi phlanda\u00ed, faoi ithir, faoi phland\u00e1il agus a leith\u00e9id, agus l\u00e1 eile, th\u00f3gadh s\u00e9 an rang ar fad, sc\u00f3r againn b\u2019fh\u00e9idir, th\u00f3gadh s\u00e9 sinn amach leis, ar thuras na cathrach, le breathn\u00fa ar gharraithe \u00e1ille, aoibhne, saothraithe, Chorca\u00ed. Tharla go raibh gr\u00e1 na tal\u00fan agus na cr\u00e9 de dhl\u00fath agus d\u2019inneach ionam fh\u00e9in, n\u00ed haon ionadh \u00e9 gur chuir m\u00e9 suim, agus dh\u00e1 shuim, sa rang \u00e1irithe sin, agus c\u00e9 go bhfuil dearmad d\u00e9anta agam, le fada, ar an gcuid is m\u00f3 de na ruda\u00ed a m\u00faineadh dom, agus m\u00e9 ag freastal ar Chol\u00e1iste Sheosaimh i Wilton, sna dachaid\u00ed, caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il dhuit anois, n\u00e1r dhein m\u00e9 dearmad riamh ar na ruda\u00ed a d\u2019fhoghlaim m\u00e9 sa rang garra\u00edod\u00f3ireachta sin, agus n\u00ed h\u00e9 sin amh\u00e1in \u00e9, ach m\u00fascla\u00edodh sp\u00e9is sa gharra\u00edod\u00f3ireacht sa chro\u00ed istigh ionam, an t-am sin, sp\u00e9is a d\u2019fhan liom, anuas go dt\u00ed an l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu ann, agus chuir ar fhoghlaim m\u00e9 sa rang sin, ar mo chumas, aire a thabhairt dom gharraithe fh\u00e9in, thar na blianta idirlinneacha, sa chaoi gur bhain m\u00e9 taitneamh agus pl\u00e9isi\u00far as bheith ag pl\u00e9 le c\u00farsa\u00ed garra\u00edod\u00f3ireachta, anall thar na blianta. \u00c1bhar eile a chabhraigh go m\u00f3r liom, le linn mo shaoil, ba ea Deaslabhra, n\u00f3 tr\u00edd an rang sin, rinneamar staid\u00e9ar ar fhuaimeanna agus ar cheart \u00fas\u00e1id an Bh\u00e9arla. Smaoinigh anois, go raibh siad ag ullmh\u00fa sagairt, a raghadh amach ar fud an domhain mh\u00f3ir, agus a chasfadh ar Shasanaigh, ach go h\u00e1irithe, i gcr\u00edocha ollmh\u00f3ra na hAifrice, agus tuigfidh t\u00fa ansin, an ch\u00fais ar theastaigh uathu go mbeadh deis \u00e1r labhartha againne, i gcomhluadar d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id. Bh\u00ed m\u00edbhunt\u00e1iste ag baint leis an scil sin freisin, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed an baol ann, go gcaillfe\u00e1 an meas a bh\u00ed agat, go dt\u00ed sin, ar do chan\u00faint d\u00fachais fh\u00e9in. N\u00edor deineadh aon iarracht riamh an sc\u00e9al ioml\u00e1n a mh\u00edni\u00fa d\u00fainn, s\u00e9 sin, nach raibh muid ag iarraidh c\u00fal a thabhairt ar \u00e1r gcine fh\u00e9in, n\u00f3 ar a can\u00faint, ach go raibh muid ag ullmh\u00fa sinn fh\u00e9in le dul i dteangmh\u00e1il le daoine nach dtuigfeadh, go r\u00f3-mhaith, an chan\u00faint sin, agus d\u00e1 thairbhe sin, go raibh s\u00e9 feili\u00fanach go bhfoghlaimeodh muidinne a gcan\u00faint si\u00fad freisin, mar \u00e1is, leis an Dea-sc\u00e9al a leathadh i gCr\u00edocha Imchiana an Domhain mh\u00f3ir.<\/p>

Leagadh an-bh\u00e9im ar chluich\u00ed agus acla\u00edocht coirp, fad is a bh\u00ed m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in im mhac l\u00e9inn, sa scoil ch\u00e9anna sin. Bh\u00edodh cluich\u00ed againn go rialta, sin agus bh\u00edodh corpoideachas mar \u00e1bhar ar an gcl\u00e1r, chuile sheachtain. N\u00edorbh \u00e9 sin amh\u00e1in \u00e9, ach bh\u00edodh corpoili\u00faint \u00e1 cleachtadh againn, ar feadh leathuair a chloig, chuile mhaidin, geall leis. Bhain m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in an-taitneamh as an taobh sin d\u00e1r scola\u00edocht, agus b\u00edodh nach raibh m\u00e9 ar an t\u00e9 ab fhearr chucu, ag an am gc\u00e9anna, geallaimse dhuit \u00e9 nach raibh m\u00e9 ar an duine ba mheasa, ach oiread.<\/p>

Nach ait go deo na ruda\u00ed beaga at\u00e1 fanta liom, tar \u00e9is imeacht na mblianta, n\u00f3 t\u00e1 breis is tr\u00ed sc\u00f3r bliain seolta leo, tr\u00ed mhuileann an ama, \u00f3 bh\u00ed m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in im mhac l\u00e9inn ansin, ach mar sin fhein, is gl\u00e9, glinn, a fhanann cuimhne an lae \u00fad ar chuir an fothach gath ionnam. Bh\u00ed nead ag na fothaigh ch\u00e9anna sin, ar thaobh cheann de na b\u00f3ithr\u00edn\u00ed, mar a mb\u00edmisne ag si\u00fal\u00f3id, le linn chaitheamh aimsire. Bhuel, an l\u00e1 \u00e1irithe seo, chuaigh m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in r\u00f3-ch\u00f3ngarach don nead sin, agus m\u00e9 ag s\u00fail go gcuirfinn na fothaigh sa t\u00f3ir ar mo chomp\u00e1naigh, ach m\u00e1 sea, d\u2019fhill an feall sin orm fh\u00e9in, ach, ansin nach raibh an n\u00f3s fillte sin ag an bhfeall c\u00e9anna \u00f3 thosach aimsire! agus chuir an fothach m\u00f3r seo ga ionnam, d\u00edreach faoin tsr\u00f3n, agus ba ghairid ina dhiaidh sin, go raibh ar mo chumas mo liobar uachtair a fheicsint go soil\u00e9ir, bh\u00ed s\u00e9 chomh hata sin. Mh\u00fain na fothaigh sin ceacht domsa an l\u00e1 sin, ceacht n\u00e1r dhearmad m\u00e9 san idirlinn, geallaimse dhuit \u00e9. Sea, n\u00e1 bac le mac a\u2019 bhacaigh, is n\u00ed bhacfaidh mac an bhacaigh leat!<\/p>

Sea, agus is cuimhin liom an su\u00edoch\u00e1n samhraidh sin a bh\u00ed againn os comhair na scoile amach, agus an chaoi a mb\u00edmis in \u00e1r su\u00ed ar \u00e1r socracht ar an su\u00edoch\u00e1n sin, go h\u00e1irithe, nuair a bh\u00edodh am saor againn le linn na Scr\u00faduithe Poibl\u00ed. Is cuimhin liom f\u00f3s, sinn a bheith ansin ag comhr\u00e1 faoi pheil agus faoi iom\u00e1int. Nach ait gur fhan na ruda\u00ed beaga sin liom, agus go bhfuil dearmad glan d\u00e9anta agam ar a mb\u00edodh ar si\u00fal againn sna ranganna? <\/p>

Cuimhne eile a shn\u00e1mhann aniar chugam anois as loch na gcuimhn\u00ed isea an l\u00e1 a ndeachaigh muid uilig ar sheilg go C\u00f3bh Chorca\u00ed, s\u00edlim. Ar an traein is ea chuamar, agus tharla gur \u00e9irigh le diabhl\u00e1nach eic\u00ednt in \u00e1r measc greim a fh\u00e1il ar bhuid\u00e9al f\u00edona. Thug mo dhuine an nod do dhream beag againn, agus d\u2019\u00e9irigh linn \u00e9al\u00f3 \u00f3n mbu\u00edon, ar feadh scathaimh, agus i rith an ama sin, chuaigh an buid\u00e9al sin \u00f3 dhuine go duine againn, go dt\u00ed nach raibh deoir f\u00e1gtha sa bhuid\u00e9al. Faoin am sin, bh\u00ed chuile dhuine againn maith go leor<\/em><\/strong>, agus don chuid eile den turas sin, bh\u00edomar ag canadh, ag insint sc\u00e9alta grinn, agus giota\u00ed seanchais, do na leaids eile. Bhaineadar si\u00fad an-taitneamh as an gcuideachta a chuireamarna ar f\u00e1il d\u00f3ibh, saor in aisce, ach t\u00e1 m\u00e9 ag ceapadh, go raibh an sagart a bh\u00ed in\u00e1r mbun, amhrasach go maith f\u00fainn, n\u00edor dh\u00fairt s\u00e9 tada riamh linn faoi na c\u00farsa\u00ed sin, ina dhiaidh sin. Is d\u00f3cha nach raibh s\u00e9 r\u00f3-chinnte go raibh chuile mhac an pheata againn chomh h\u00f3lta le breitheamh, ach ag an am gc\u00e9anna, bheadh roinnt eic\u00ednt d\u00e1 mhille\u00e1n sin airsean, \u00f3 tharla gur cuireadh eisean in\u00e1r bhfeighil! B\u00edodh sin mar at\u00e1, n\u00edor baineadh d\u00edoltas ar bith amach, n\u00f3 n\u00edor gearradh pion\u00f3s ar bith orainne as an diabhla\u00edocht sin a dheineamar, an l\u00e1 \u00fad, ar \u00e1r mbealach go C\u00f3bh Chorca\u00ed. <\/p>

Ag breathn\u00fa siar anois, d\u00e9arfainn gur mar sin a b\u2019fhearr \u00e9, n\u00f3 d\u2019fhoghlama\u00edomar \u00e1r gceacht, geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, n\u00f3 is maith a bh\u00ed a fhios againn, gur dheineamar rud a bh\u00ed crosta, amach agus amuigh, orainn, agus tuigeadh d\u00fainn an tionchar a bh\u00edonn ag alc\u00f3il ar dhuine. Sea, agus tuigeadh d\u00fainn freisin, go raibh an t-\u00e1dh linn n\u00e1r tugadh bata agus b\u00f3thar d\u00fainn as Col\u00e1iste Sheosaimh amach, de bharr na meisce sin! Mo chuidse de, n\u00ed dheachaigh m\u00e9 thar f\u00f3ir leis an \u00f3l \u00f3n l\u00e1 sin anuas go dt\u00ed an l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu fh\u00e9in ann. Sea, mh\u2019anam, fanann cuimhne an lae \u00fad go glas i gcistin mo chuimhne f\u00f3s.<\/p>

Cuimhn\u00ed eile a fhilleann chugam anois, isea na cluich\u00ed uilig sin, ar ligeadh chucu sinn, le linn dom bheith i gCorcaigh na long. N\u00e1r mh\u00f3r an taitneamh a bhaineamar as an gcorrchluiche Sacair, a chonaiceamar th\u00edos ansin, le linn an chogaidh mh\u00f3ir. Chuir m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in suim, agus dh\u00e1 shuim, sna cluich\u00ed sin, n\u00f3 ba mhinic m\u00e9 ag \u00e9istreacht le m\u2019athair agus a chairde ag seanchas, cois na tine fad\u00f3, faoi na cluich\u00ed bre\u00e1tha Sacair a chonaic siadsan, tr\u00e1th raibh siad ag scl\u00e1bha\u00edocht, mar n\u00e1ibhithe, thall in Albain, le linn a n-\u00f3ige si\u00fad. Ligt\u00ed amach freisin sinn nuair a bh\u00edodh cluich\u00ed m\u00f3ra sa pheil n\u00f3 san iom\u00e1int \u00e1 n-imirt sa chathair, agus caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il, gur chuir na cluich\u00ed c\u00e9anna go m\u00f3r leis an bpleisi\u00far, agus leis an spraoi, a bh\u00ed \u00e1 mbaint agam as an saol, faoin am sin. Chonaic m\u00e9 fathaigh mh\u00f3ra na peile agus na hiom\u00e1na ag cleachtadh a scileanna i gCorcaigh na na gCuan, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad. Chonaic m\u00e9 laochra ar n\u00f3s na dearth\u00e1ireacha Mhic Aoidh, \u00f3 Luimneach, Criost\u00f3ir \u00d3 Rinn, Corca\u00edoch cleasach an cham\u00e1in, sea, agus c\u00e1 bhf\u00e1gfainn Seosamh \u00d3 Ceoch\u00e1in, an fathach sin a sciobadh an chaid as sp\u00e9artha nimhe anuas, sea, agus na sc\u00f3rtha eile, a bhfuil a n-ainmneacha dearmadtha agam faoin am seo, ach a bhfuil a lorg f\u00e1gtha go soileir ar url\u00e1r m\u2019anama acu, anuas go dt\u00ed an l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu ann.<\/p>

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Beatha an Scol\u00e1ire <\/span><\/strong><\/p>

Caibidil 23<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

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Sa chaibidil deiridh, labhair m\u00e9 faoi na laethe a chaith m\u00e9 i gCol\u00e1iste Sheosaimh, i Wilton Chorca\u00ed, agus m\u00e9 ag ullmh\u00fa don Ard Teistim\u00e9ireacht, i ndaichid\u00ed na haoise seo caite, agus faoi na heachtra\u00ed a bhain dom, le linn na mblianta sin \u00f3 Mhe\u00e1n F\u00f3mhair 1942 go Meitheamh na bliana 1944. N\u00ed g\u00e1 a r\u00e1 n\u00e1r chaith muid ag ullmh\u00fa don Scr\u00fad\u00fa c\u00e9anna sin ach dh\u00e1 bhliain, agus n\u00ed g\u00e1 a r\u00e1, ach oiread, go raibh an-chuid oibre le d\u00e9anamh againn, agus sinn ag f\u00e1il r\u00e9idh don scr\u00fad\u00fa poibl\u00ed sin, go h\u00e1iraithe nuair a chuireann t\u00fa san \u00e1ireamh, n\u00e1r chaitheamar ach dh\u00e1 bhliain freisin, ag ullmh\u00fa don Mhe\u00e1n Teistim\u00e9ireacht, agus cuir le sin, go raibh muid ag ullmh\u00fa don Mh\u00e1ithre\u00e1nach freisin sa tr\u00e9imhse ch\u00e9anna sin idir 1942 agus 1944, agus tuigfidh t\u00fa ansin c\u00e9 chomh gn\u00f3thach is a bh\u00edomar, le linn na mblianta sin. <\/p>

Ach b\u2019fhi\u00fa an tairbhe an triobl\u00f3id, n\u00f3 nuair a bh\u00ed an d\u00e1 bhliain sin caite againn sa Mhe\u00e1nscoil, agus an Ardteistim\u00e9ireacht, agus an M\u00e1ithre\u00e1nach, gn\u00f3ite againn, n\u00e1r mh\u00f3r ansin an ch\u00e9im suas sa tsaol \u00e9 d\u00fainne, an Mhe\u00e1nscola\u00edocht a fh\u00e1g\u00e1il in\u00e1r ndiaidh, agus aghaidh \u00e1 thabhairt againn ar an Ollscoil, mar, ar bhealach, d\u00e1r linne, ba chos\u00fail le pr\u00edos\u00fan \u00ed an Mhe\u00e1nscoil. Bh\u00edomar gafa istigh ansin agus gan cead againn an \u00e1it a fh\u00e1g\u00e1il, Domhnach n\u00f3 D\u00e1lach, n\u00f3 tada a dh\u00e9anamh nach dtoileodh na m\u00e1istr\u00ed a bh\u00ed orainn chuige. Sea, agus an chathair mh\u00f3r, \u00e1lainn, ansin in\u00e1r n-aice, agus gan cead againne blaiseadh de, olc, maith n\u00f3 dona! Ach, ag freastal ar an Ollscoil! Bhuel, b\u2019in sc\u00e9al eile ar fad Bh\u00ed saoirse ag na mic l\u00e9inn Ollscoile. D\u2019fh\u00e9adfadh siadsan Col\u00e1iste Sheosaimh a fh\u00e1gail ar maidin, agus bun\u00fas an lae a chaitheamh istigh san Ollscoil, sea, agus chomh maith le sin, bheadh cead acu si\u00fal amach tr\u00ed shr\u00e1ideanna na Cathrach, n\u00f3 dul ar bhus, \u00f3 gheata an Chol\u00e1iste i Wilton, agus a mbealach a dh\u00e9anamh s\u00edos chomh fada leis an gCol\u00e1iste Ollscoile. N\u00e1r mh\u00e9anar go deo d\u00fainn, d\u00e1r linne! N\u00f3 anois, bh\u00ed an \u00dat\u00f3ipe sin sroichte againne, agus bh\u00edomar cinnte, go mbainfeadh muid toit agus sp\u00f3rt as. B\u2019fh\u00e9idir gur ch\u00f3ir a lua go raibh c\u00f3na\u00ed orainn i gCol\u00e1iste Sheosaimh, i rith na bliana Ollscoile sin, ach m\u00e1 bh\u00ed fh\u00e9in, bh\u00edomar saor \u00f3 smacht na scoile, bun\u00fas an ama, d\u2019fh\u00e9adf\u00e1 a r\u00e1! <\/p>

N\u00e1r mh\u00f3r an sp\u00f3rt \u00e9 bheith ag roghn\u00fa \u00e1bhar don bhliain a bh\u00ed le caitheamh againn i gCol\u00e1iste na hOllcoile, Corcaigh? Roghnaigh m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in Loighic, Gaeilge, B\u00e9arla, Laidin, agus T\u00edreola\u00edocht, don ch\u00e9ad bhliain Ollscoile sin. Cl\u00e1ra\u00edodh sinn mar mhic l\u00e9inn, agus bheadh orainn cine\u00e1l \u00e9ide faoi leith, \u00e9ide an mhic l\u00e9inn, a chaitheamh, chuile bhabhta a bheadh muid ag freastal ar l\u00e9acht, san Ollscoil sin. N\u00e1r mh\u00f3r idir sin agus n\u00f3smhaireacht na me\u00e1nscoile? Sea, mh\u2019anam, bh\u00ed an bhuaic sroichte againn, i ndeireadh na d\u00e1la! <\/p>

Thaitin an staid\u00e9ar agus na l\u00e9achta\u00ed go m\u00f3r liom. N\u00e1r mh\u00f3r an pl\u00e9isi\u00far \u00e9 bheith ag gabh\u00e1il don l\u00e9ann?<\/p>

\u201cAoibhinn beatha an scol\u00e1ire<\/p>

A bh\u00edos ag d\u00e9anamh l\u00e9inn,<\/p>

Is follas daoibh a dhaoine<\/p>

Gur d\u00f3 is aoibhne in \u00c9irinn.\u201d <\/p>

N\u00e1r bhre\u00e1 go deo an \u00e1it \u00ed an Ollscoil? Ba bheag n\u00e1r bhain m\u00e9ad agus uimhir na Halla\u00ed, agus na seomrai a bh\u00ed sa timpeall, radharc na s\u00fal d\u00edom. \u00d3, sea, agus an oiread sin mic l\u00e9inn ag brost\u00fa leo thall agus abhus. N\u00e1r bhre\u00e1 an radharc iad an hOll\u00fana gona r\u00f3ba\u00ed bre\u00e1tha, fairsinge, gradamacha, a fheice\u00e1il ag seoladh leo chuig a seomra\u00ed. Sea, bh\u00ed an oiread sin l\u00e9inn sa timpeall, go mbeadh s\u00e9 \u00e9asca ag duine ar bith a dh\u00f3thain den earra c\u00e9anna sin a phiocadh suas, ar a sh\u00e1imh\u00edn s\u00f3, cheapf\u00e1!<\/p>

Chuir m\u00e9 sp\u00e9is ar leith sna hOll\u00fana agus sna l\u00e9acht\u00f3ir\u00ed a bh\u00ed agam fh\u00e9in. C\u00e9 d\u2019fh\u00e9adfadh dearmadh a dh\u00e9anamh ar an Ollamh Daniel Corkery<\/strong>, scol\u00e1ire agus scr\u00edbhneoir. B\u00edodh go raibh bunaois mhaith aige faoin am sin, mar sin fh\u00e9in, n\u00ed raibh cuma na haoise air, ach \u00e9 \u00e9irimi\u00fail, spleodrach, \u00f3igeanta. B\u2019annamh a shu\u00edodh s\u00e9 s\u00edos, ach \u00e9 ag bacada\u00edl thart, an t-am ar fad, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed coisc\u00e9im bhaca\u00ed ann, an fear bocht. Fear tana\u00ed, \u00edseal, liath, beosh\u00faileach, a bh\u00ed ann, agus feicim anois fh\u00e9in \u00e9, tr\u00ed sh\u00faile na cuimhne, agus \u00e9 ag aisteoireacht leis, tr\u00ed ghn\u00edomh corraitheach eic\u00ednt de Mhacbeth, n\u00f3 de dhr\u00e1ma eile le Shakespeare. N\u00e1r mhinic a th\u00f3g s\u00e9 mo chro\u00ed, lena scileanna, lena gh\u00e1ire aingl\u00ed, lena Ghaelachas, agus an chaoi ansin a chuirfeadh s\u00e9 in i\u00fal d\u00fainn gur bhain Shakespeare \u00fas\u00e1id as focal \u00e1irithe, abair \u201cRome\u201d an oiread sin uaireannta, sa ghn\u00edomh \u00e1irithe sin, a bh\u00ed idir cham\u00e1in againn an l\u00e1 airithe sin. L\u00e1 eile, th\u00e9adh s\u00e9 ar th\u00f3ir fhocail \u00e1irithe, focal Eibhl\u00edseach, b\u2019fh\u00e9idir, f\u00e9achaint an raibh an focal sin beo f\u00f3s, in\u00e1r nd\u00fathaigh fh\u00e9in, sa mbaile. Is cuimhin liom gur chaitheamar tamall ag tagairt don bhfocal B\u00e9arla sin, \u201cmearing\u201d<\/strong>, n\u00f3 fainic nach meering<\/strong> a bh\u00ed aige, an focal a d\u2019\u00fas\u00e1idt\u00ed thiar, fad\u00f3, ar theorainn, go h\u00e1irithe an teorainn idir dh\u00e1 fheirm, agus ansin s\u00edlim gur cheangail s\u00e9 an focal sin leis an bhfocal \u201cM\u00edr\u201d sa Ghaeilge. \u00d3 ba scol\u00e1ire ild\u00e1nach \u00e9 Dan s\u2019againne, gan aon ag\u00f3. Bh\u00ed meas agus cion againn uilig air, agus len\u00e1r n-\u00f3m\u00f3s d\u00f3 a l\u00e9iri\u00fa, ba bheag duine againn nach raibh leabhair Dan l\u00e9ite aige, leabhair ar n\u00f3s The Hidden Ireland<\/strong>, The Hounds of Banba,<\/strong> The Threshold of Quiet<\/strong>, agus tuilleadh. N\u00edl dabht ar bith ach go raibh Daniel Corkery ar dhuine d\u2019\u00fadair mh\u00f3ra a linne. Rud eile a chuireadh ionadh orainne, n\u00f3 chomh c\u00faramach agus a mharc\u00e1ileadh s\u00e9 \u00e1r n-aist\u00ed, n\u00f3 cib\u00e9 cleachtadh eile a leagfadh muid os a chomhair.<\/p>

I gc\u00e1s na Gaeilge, ba \u00e9 an l\u00e9acht\u00f3ir a bh\u00ed againn n\u00f3 Eamonn \u00d3 Donnch\u00fa, dearth\u00e1ir do Thadhg \u00d3 Donnch\u00fa (T\u00f3rna) file, agus ar\u00eds, ba dhuine \u00e9 a mh\u00fascl\u00f3dh gr\u00e1 don Ghaeilge i mac l\u00e9inn ar bith, a shu\u00edodh tamall ag a ghl\u00fain. Cormac \u00d3 Cadhlaigh a bh\u00ed ina Ollamh le Gaeilge, i gCorcaigh ag an am. Duine de scol\u00e1ir\u00ed m\u00f3ra Gaeilge a linne, ba ea \u00e9, \u00e9 ard scaf\u00e1nta, l\u00e1n d\u00ednit, ach b\u2019fhearr linne Eamonn. Ba n\u00e1isi\u00fana\u00ed \u00e9 Eamonn, agus b\u2019fhurasta sin a thabhairt faoi deara ina chuid l\u00e9achta\u00ed. N\u00e1rbh \u00e9 a chuireadh d\u00e1nta a dhearth\u00e1r, Tadhg, ina seasamh, ina steille bheatha, os \u00e1r gcomhair amach. Mar chuid den obair a bh\u00ed le d\u00e9anamh againn, i rith an bhliain Ollscoile sin, bh\u00ed orainn freastal ar oiread \u00e1irithe seisi\u00fain le P\u00e1draic \u00d3 Nuat\u00e1in, a d\u2019fheidhmigh mar sheancha\u00ed do Roinn na Gaeilge san Ollscoil N\u00e1isi\u00fanta sin. N\u00e1r chiallmhar, fadcheannach, an n\u00f3s ag Ollscoil ar bith \u00e9, a leith\u00e9id de leagan amach a bheith acu an tr\u00e1th \u00fad? Caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il gur bhain m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in an-taitneamh go deo as sc\u00e9alta Ph\u00e1draic, n\u00f3 ba dhuine \u00e9, a raibh seanchas agus stair a dh\u00fathaigh fh\u00e9in de dhl\u00fath agus d\u2019inneach ann. N\u00e1rbh \u00e9 a d\u2019fh\u00e9adfadh sc\u00e9al an Athar Peadar a r\u00edomh go binn agus go blasta? Agus n\u00e1rbh aige a bh\u00ed an Ghaeilge l\u00edofa, chruinn, bhlasta? Nach aige a bh\u00ed stair agus seanchas na gC\u00e1rrthach go cruinn, ceart, \u00f3 th\u00fas deireadh? B\u2019ioma\u00ed uair a chloig a chaith m\u00e9 i seomra na ndalta\u00ed, ag \u00e9isteacht le P\u00e1draic ag eachtra\u00edocht d\u00fainn ar a mh\u00edle dh\u00edcheall, agus b\u00edodh go mb\u00edodh s\u00e9 ag dul siar ar stair na muintire, go cruinn, c\u00faramach, thuigfe\u00e1, ag an am gc\u00e9anna, go raibh s\u00fail eile aige i gc\u00f3na\u00ed ar st\u00edl agus ar chruinneas a chuid cainte.<\/p>

Bh\u00ed Ollamh iontach againn don Loighic, an Docht\u00fair S\u00e9amas, n\u00f3 \u201cDr. James,\u201d mar a thugta\u00ed de ghn\u00e1th air, agus tuigeadh d\u00fainne, nach raibh d\u00e9chosach beo ar thalamh na cruinne, a bh\u00ed inchurtha leis. Ba \u00e9 a mh\u00fain d\u00fainn castacht agus cinnteacht an r\u00e9as\u00fain daonna. Ba \u00e9 a leag s\u00edos d\u00fainn na beala\u00ed le sioll\u00f3g a th\u00f3g\u00e1il, n\u00f3 n\u00e1rbh \u2019in an bealach ba chinnte le cur len\u00e1r st\u00f3r eolais. Agus l\u00e9irigh s\u00e9 d\u00fainn an chaoi ar luigh s\u00e9 le r\u00e9as\u00fan, dul \u00f3n dteoiric ghinear\u00e1lta go dt\u00ed an arg\u00f3int aonair, mar shampla, lu\u00edonn s\u00e9 le r\u00e9as\u00fan a dhearbh\u00fa go bhfaighidh Se\u00e1n b\u00e1s, m\u00e1 dhearbha\u00edm, i dtosach, go bhfaighidh chuile dhuine b\u00e1s, agus gur duine \u00e9 Se\u00e1n. Caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il anois, n\u00e1r chaill m\u00e9 mo shuim riamh sa Loighic ch\u00e9anna sin, agus a bhu\u00edochas sin don Sagart oilte, eolgaiseach, ild\u00e1nach sin, an Docht\u00fair James.<\/p>

Fear eile a chuaigh i gcionn go m\u00f3r orm, le linn na bliana sin a chaith m\u00e9 in Ollscoil Chorca\u00ed, ba ea Dan Treston, an tOllamh le Laidin a bh\u00ed in\u00e1r mbun, an bhliain sin. Claisic\u00edoch, agus scol\u00e1ire den scoth ba ea \u00e9, agus \u00e9 foighdeach, cine\u00e1lta, leis. Cuma c\u00e9 chomh holc is a bheadh do ph\u00edosa Laidine, ba \u00e9 adeireadh an tOllamh ild\u00e1nach sin n\u00f3 nach mbainfeadh Cicero \u00fas\u00e1id as t\u00f3g\u00e1il d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id, ach go raibh chuile sheans ann, go nd\u00e9arfadh tuath\u00e1nach eic\u00ednt a leith\u00e9id, \u00e1it eic\u00ednt san Impireacht R\u00f3mh\u00e1nach, fad\u00f3! N\u00e1r charthannach, fial, an dearcadh \u00e9 sin? Ach, ag an am gc\u00e9anna, d\u2019fh\u00e9adfadh duine eile a r\u00e1, go mba gh\u00e9ar, binbeach, an teanga a bh\u00ed ag an bhfear c\u00e9anna sin, n\u00f3 go raibh an chloch sa mhainchille aige, agus \u00e9 ag cur do chuid Laidine-se i gcompar\u00e1id leis an Laidin ba thuata\u00ed a labhradh riamh. Sea mh\u2019anam, b\u00edonn an d\u00e1 thaobh ar chuile sc\u00e9al, nach mb\u00edonn?<\/p>

Agus anois, c\u00e9 a bh\u00ed againn mar Ollamh T\u00edreolaiochta? S\u00edlim gur O\u2019Connell a bh\u00ed air, agus ar\u00eds, ba dhuine \u00e9, a chuaigh i gcionn go m\u00f3r orainn uilig. Rinne s\u00e9 \u00e1bhar sp\u00e9isi\u00fail, spreag\u00fail, den t\u00edreola\u00edocht. Suas go dt\u00ed an pointe sin, b\u2019\u00e1bhar tur, tuirsi\u00fail, tirim, \u00e9 an t\u00edreola\u00edocht ch\u00e9anna sin, ach d\u2019oscail an tOllamh \u00d3 Conaill fuinneoga fairsinge ar iontais\u00ed an \u00e1bhair sin d\u00fainn. Bh\u00edodh grianghrafanna, scann\u00e1in, agus t\u00e9ipeanna, aige \u00e1 l\u00e9iri\u00fa d\u00fainn, ina halla, agus ba mh\u00f3r a chuaigh siad sin i gcionn ar chuile dhuine againn, agus in \u00e9ineacht le sin, th\u00f3g an tOllamh O Connell amach faoin dtuaith sinn, le hiontais\u00ed na t\u00edre seo a l\u00e9iri\u00fa d\u00fainn, chomh fada is a bhain siad lena \u00e1bhar fh\u00e9in. Thug s\u00e9 sinn amach le bruacha abhann na Laoi a ini\u00fachadh. L\u00e1 eile, bh\u00edodh \u00e1r gcuairt ar Ghleann na Laoi, agus mar sin d\u00f3, go dt\u00ed go raibh tuiscint mhaith againn ar na c\u00farsa\u00ed \u00e9ags\u00fala a bh\u00ed idir cham\u00e1in aige, ina l\u00e9achta\u00ed. Mh\u00fascail an tOllamh c\u00e9anna sin \u00e1r sp\u00e9is sa mheit\u00e9areola\u00edocht, agus sna prionsabail at\u00e1 taobh thiar de ch\u00farsa\u00ed aimsire, freisin. D\u2019fh\u00e9adf\u00e1 a r\u00e1, gur \u00e9irigh leis an bhfear c\u00e9anna sin muid a chur faoi gheasa lena scileanna, lena chur chuige, agus lena l\u00e9ann. Sea, agus chomh maith le sin, b\u2019fhear deas, cine\u00e1lta, l\u00e1ch, carthannach \u00e9, agus fear a chuaigh i gcionn go m\u00f3r ar a mhic l\u00e9inn. Ba dhuine uasail den scoth \u00e9 d\u00e1r linne, mic l\u00e9inn.<\/p>

Tar \u00e9is dom an oiread sin dem chuimhn\u00ed ar Chol\u00e1iste na hOllscoile, Corcaigh, a thabhairt chun cruinnis anois, feictear dom, go ndeachaigh an bhliain sin i gcionn go m\u00f3r orm, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed m\u00e9 \u00e1balta ainmneacha na nOllamh, agus na l\u00e9acht\u00f3ir\u00ed, a bh\u00ed in\u00e1r mbun, a thabhairt chun cuimhne, agus chomh maith le sin, bh\u00ed ar mo chumas, dul ar ais ar chuairt chuig na halla\u00ed inar oileadh sinn, agus ar chuid \u00e1irithe de na ruda\u00ed breise a cuireadh ar si\u00fal, ar mhaithe linne, mic l\u00e9inn. <\/p>

Rud eile inar chuir m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in an-sp\u00e9is ar fad, ba ea na l\u00e9achta\u00ed speisialta a chuirt\u00ed ar si\u00fal d\u00fainn, taobh amuigh ar fad den obair acad\u00fail a bh\u00edodh idir l\u00e1mha againn ag an am. Is cuimhin liom Liam \u00d3 Briain, \u00f3 Chol\u00e1iste na hOllscoile, Gaillimh, ag teacht ar chuairt chugainn, le l\u00e9acht a thabhairt, ar an bp\u00e1irt a ghlac s\u00e9 fh\u00e9in i mbun\u00fa an St\u00e1it s\u2019againne. Chuaigh a Ghaeilge agus a smaointe i gcionn go m\u00f3r ormsa. Ba chos\u00fail le g\u00e1la aniar \u00e9, ag glanadh smionagar agus truif\u00e9is na me\u00e1n as b\u00e9al an phobail. Sea, ba dhuine ar leith \u00e9 Liam \u00d3 Briain. <\/p>

Fear eile a chuaigh i gcionn go m\u00f3r orm ba Alfred O\u2019Rahilly, Uachtar\u00e1n Chol\u00e1iste na hOllscoile, Corcaigh, ag an am. Thugadh an tOllamh \u00d3 Rathaille sraith l\u00e9achta\u00ed uaidh, sa Charghas, chuile bhliain, faoi ch\u00e9asadh \u00e1r Sl\u00e1naitheora ar an gCrois, agus an chaoi nach bhf\u00e9adfadh na tairn\u00ed a bheith d\u00edreach mar a bh\u00edonn siad de ghn\u00e1th sa chrois ch\u00e9asta. N\u00edor chuir s\u00e9 ionadh ar bith orainne, nuair a chuaigh Alfie sna sagairt, i ndeireadh na d\u00e1la, agus gur chr\u00edochnaigh s\u00e9 a shaol, agus a r\u00e9, mar shagart.<\/p>

N\u00e1r mh\u00f3r go deo an difear a bh\u00ed idir na ranganna a bh\u00edodh againn sa Mhe\u00e1nscoil agus na l\u00e9achta\u00ed ar ar fhreastail muid, san Ollscoil, agus ceann de na difr\u00edochta\u00ed ba mh\u00f3 a bh\u00ed eatarthu, n\u00f3 go raibh cail\u00edn\u00ed, agus mn\u00e1 \u00f3ga, ar an bhf\u00f3d, ag na l\u00e9achta\u00ed Ollscoile, sa bhliain acad\u00fail sin 1944-\u201945. B\u2019in an ch\u00e9ad uair againne bheith i l\u00e1thair ban \u00f3g, agus sinn i mbun staid\u00e9ir agus oibre, agus ba mh\u00f3r ar fad a thiochar sin orainn. Cuimhnigh freisin go raibh an chuid ba mh\u00f3 againn ag tarraingt ar naoi mbliana d\u00e9ag, ag an am, ach gan chleachtadh d\u00e1 laghad againn ar an saol m\u00f3r a bh\u00ed thart orainn. N\u00ed raibh gliceas sr\u00e1ide, n\u00f3 tada d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id foghlamtha f\u00f3s againn, agus n\u00ed haon ionadh mar sin, is d\u00f3cha, go bhf\u00e9adf\u00e1 a r\u00e1, gur thit roinnt mhaith againn i ngr\u00e1 leis na mn\u00e1 \u00f3ga, \u00e1ille, c\u00e9anna sin, b\u00edodh nach raibh sa titim ch\u00e9anna sin ach cur i gc\u00e9ill, \u00f3 tharla go raibh muid ag treabhadh linn i dtreo na haontumhachta, ag an am gc\u00e9anna sin, ach cib\u00e9 ar thit, n\u00f3 n\u00e1r thit, n\u00edor tharla tada d\u00e1 bharr, n\u00f3 b\u2019\u00falla na haithne d\u00fainne iad na cail\u00edn\u00ed \u00f3ga, \u00e1ille, c\u00e9anna sin, \u00falla nach raibh cead againne dul ina ngar, n\u00f3 blaiseadh d\u00edobh, olc maith n\u00f3 dona. Bhuel, nach raibh na cithfholctha\u00ed fuara againne le teocht na horm\u00f3n buile \u00fad a \u00edsli\u00fa d\u00fainn, sa tr\u00e1thn\u00f3na thiar, d\u00e1 mbeadh aon gh\u00e1 lena leith\u00e9id! Mo chuidse de, maireann cuimhne na laethe \u00fad glas liom go f\u00f3ill, sea, agus maireann cuimhne na mban \u00f3g, \u00e1lainn, \u00fad, liom freisin, agus ar \u00f3c\u00e1id\u00ed \u00e1irithe, is beag nach bhf\u00e9adfainn a n-aghaidheanna dath\u00fala a fheice\u00e1il ar sc\u00e1ile\u00e1n na gcuimhn\u00ed, fi\u00fa!<\/p>

Fad is a bh\u00ed m\u00e9 ag freastal ar an Ollscoil sin Chorca\u00ed, bh\u00ed deis agam, aithne a chur ar chluich\u00ed \u00e1irithe freisin, cluich\u00ed nach bhfaca m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in \u00e1 n-imirt riamh roimhe sin, cluich\u00ed ar n\u00f3s rugba\u00ed, agus haca, maraon le cam\u00f3ga\u00edocht, agus n\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, gur bhain m\u00e9 taitneamh agus spraoi as bheith ag f\u00e9achaint ar na cluich\u00ed c\u00e9anna sin \u00e1 n-imirt, ar fhaich\u00ed na hOllscoile. <\/p>

Sea, d\u2019fhoscail Col\u00e1iste na hOllscoile, Corcaigh, na s\u00faile dom, agus thug dom freisin mo ch\u00e9ad radharc ar an saol comhaimseartha, n\u00f3 n\u00ed raibh aon chleachtadh agamsa ar an gcine\u00e1l sin saoil, roimhe sin. T\u00f3gadh mise mar bhall de shocha\u00ed mhe\u00e1naoiseach, agus fuair m\u00e9 mo chuid me\u00e1nscola\u00edochta i gCliarscoileanna, a raibh beatha na mainistreacha me\u00e1naoiseacha \u00e1 gcleachtadh iontu. N\u00e1r mh\u00f3r an oscailt s\u00fal \u00e9, mar sin, don ghas\u00far Iorrasach, seal a chaitheamh, ag an aois sin, i bhflaitheas l\u00e9inn d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id? Bh\u00ed a rian orm, n\u00f3 \u00f3n am sin i leith, samhla\u00edodh domsa, go mba shaor\u00e1nach den chathair cheannairceach sin m\u00e9.<\/p>

Thug m\u00e9 cuairt ar Chorcaigh, blianta fada ina dhiaidh sin, agus bhain an chuairt sin d\u00e1n beag i mB\u00e9arla asam. B\u2019fh\u00e9idir n\u00e1rbh olc an tseift \u00ed, cupla v\u00e9arsa as a shn\u00edomh isteach anseo…<\/p>

         <\/em>Lusty Lee.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

Lusty Lee of yester-year,<\/p>

I pace your banks once more,<\/p>

To see if you can thrill me still,<\/p>

With curve and nook and shore.<\/p>

.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

You toss up with abandon,<\/p>

Memories long long dead,<\/p>

Like tresses of a past year,<\/p>

Around my aching head.<\/p>

.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

My God, you never lost it,<\/p>

My heart still jumps for joy,<\/p>

To see your plunging smoothness,<\/p>

Through the clear eyes of a boy.<\/p>

.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

The thoughts you rouse are painful,<\/p>

The heart you stir, now sad,<\/p>

Be gentle Lee, be kindly,<\/p>

For I loved you as a lad.<\/p>

.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

Leor sin do thuras na huaire seo, ach beidh tuilleadh le r\u00e1 agam sa ch\u00e9ad chaibidil eile, nuair a bheidh m\u00e9 ag cur s\u00edos ar na blianta a chaith m\u00e9 im n\u00f3ibh\u00edseach, i \u201cCloughballymore\u201d, Cill Cholg\u00e1in, i gContae na Gaillimhe, mar ar chaith m\u00e9 dh\u00e1 bhliain im\u2019 n\u00f3ibh\u00edseach ag foghlaim ceird na cr\u00e1ifeachta agus na naofachta!<\/p>

.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

Miotal sna Cn\u00e1mha<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

Caibidil 24<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

Ag an bpointe seo, b\u2019fh\u00e9idir n\u00e1rbh aon dochar \u00e9 breathn\u00fa siar ar na blianta sin go l\u00e9ir a chaitheamar i mbun na Scr\u00faduithe Teistim\u00e9ireachta, f\u00e9achaint arbh am am\u00fa iad, chomh fada is a bain s\u00e9 le traen\u00e1il don tsagartacht. T\u00e1 m\u00e9 cinnte, go nd\u00e9arfadh daoine \u00e1irithe nach raibh maitheas ar bith ag baint leo mar ullmh\u00fach\u00e1n don ghairm bheatha sin, n\u00f3 ar an gc\u00e9ad dul s\u00edos, bh\u00ed na dalta\u00ed i bhfad r\u00f3-\u00f3g le dul i gcionn bheartas d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id, agus sa dara h\u00e1it, bheadh s\u00e9 i bhfad n\u00edos fearr, sinn a fh\u00e1g\u00e1il ag foghlaim na cr\u00edosta\u00edochta, mar bhaill de chlann chaitliceach, in\u00e1r mbailte fh\u00e9in, sa bhaile. Agus ar bhealach, ba dheacair cur i gcoinne na tuairime sin, ach, is d\u00f3cha go raibh taobh eile ar an sc\u00e9al freisin. Ar an gc\u00e9ad \u00e1sc, tuigeadh do na sagairt a bh\u00ed i mbun an SMA, gur ch\u00f3ir d\u00f3ibh oideachas den dara leibh\u00e9al a chur ar f\u00e1il d\u00e1r muintir, chomh fada is d\u2019fh\u00e9adfaid\u00eds, agus n\u00ed g\u00e1 dhom a r\u00e1 anseo, nach raibh \u00e1 dh\u00e9anamh acu ach an rud a bh\u00ed \u00e1 dh\u00e9anamh ag Easpaig \u00c9ireann, tr\u00e1th bhunaigh siad a gCol\u00e1ist\u00ed Deoiseacha fh\u00e9in, tar \u00e9is mhaol\u00fa a theacht ar na p\u00e9indlithe, san ocht\u00fa agus sa nao\u00fa haois d\u00e9ag. Bhunaigh siadsan Col\u00e1ist\u00ed Deoiseacha, ar ar thug siad Cliarscoileanna s\u00f3isiaracha. Ba \u00ed an chusp\u00f3ir a bh\u00ed ag an Col\u00e1ist\u00ed sin n\u00f3 oideachas Caitliceach a leathadh i measc an phobail chaitlicigh, agus ag an am gc\u00e9anna, mic l\u00e9inn a ullmh\u00fa don Chliarscoil Sinsearach, i M\u00e1 Nuat. Is d\u00f3cha go bhf\u00e9adf\u00e1 a r\u00e1, go raibh an d\u00e1 chusp\u00f3ir ch\u00e9anna sin ag na Me\u00e1nscoileanna \u00fad a bhunaigh Cumann Misin\u00e9ir\u00ed chun na hAfraice, Col\u00e1iste an Chro\u00ed R\u00f3Naofa, i mB\u00e9al an \u00c1tha Fhada, agus Col\u00e1iste Sheosaimh, i Wilton, s\u00e9 sin, le hoideachas caitliceach a chur ar f\u00e1il, agus ag an am gc\u00e9anna, bheadh s\u00fail acu, go raghadh uimhir \u00e1irithe de na mac l\u00e9inn sin ar aghaidh lena n\u00f3iv\u00edseacht a dh\u00e9anamh i gCill Cholgain, Contae na Gaillimhe, agus le Diacht a dh\u00e9anamh ina dhiaidh sin ina gCliarscoil, i nDroim an tS\u00edn, i gContae an D\u00fain. D\u00e1 dt\u00f3gfadh siad thart ar thriocha mac l\u00e9inn isteach i mB\u00e9al an \u00c1tha Fhada, bheadh an t-\u00e1dh ina gcaip\u00edn, d\u00e1 nd\u00e9anfa\u00ed c\u00faigear fi\u00fa, as an dtriocha sin a oirni\u00fa ina sagairt, in Ardeaglais I\u00fair Chinn Tr\u00e1, tar \u00e9is d\u00f3ibh deich mbliana a chaitheamh ag cur l\u00e9inn an tsagairt orthu.<\/p>

Ach, n\u00ed chuige sin at\u00e1 m\u00e9, go d\u00edreach, an babhta seo, ach chuige seo…<\/p>

Cad \u00e9 go d\u00edreach a bh\u00ed \u00e1 m\u00faineadh acu sna Col\u00e1ist\u00ed sin, thar mar a bheadh \u00e1 m\u00faineadh d\u00e1 ndalta\u00ed i ngn\u00e1thmhe\u00e1nscoileanna na tr\u00e9imhse sin?<\/p>

Bhuel, \u00f3 tharla go mba leo fh\u00e9in na scoileanna, is d\u00f3cha go bhf\u00e9adf\u00e1 a r\u00e1, go mba mhe\u00e1nscoileanna pr\u00edobh\u00e1ideacha iad, ach amh\u00e1in, go raibh cl\u00e1racha na Roinne Oideachais \u00e1 m\u00faineadh iontu, agus cib\u00e9 deontas a bh\u00ed ar f\u00e1il, ag an am, ag dul d\u00f3ibhsean freisin. Thug sin deis d\u00f3ibh m\u00fainteoir\u00ed oiri\u00fanacha a chur i mbun oibre iontu, agus thug s\u00e9 cead d\u00f3ibh freisin, b\u00e9im a leagan ar seo n\u00f3 ar si\u00fad, de r\u00e9ir mar a thogair siad, fad is a bh\u00ed cl\u00e1r na Roinne \u00e1 mh\u00faineadh acu. Bh\u00ed ar a gcumas freisin, saol an mhic l\u00e9inn a leagan amach ar mhodh a chuirfeadh ar a gcumas, dearcadh spiorad\u00e1lta a shn\u00edomh isteach tr\u00ed shaol na ndalta\u00ed, \u00f3 \u00e9ir\u00ed ar maidin d\u00f3ibh, go dt\u00ed m\u00fachadh na soilse d\u00f3ibh, i ndeireadh an lae thiar. B\u2019in an f\u00e1th a raibh orainne \u00e9ir\u00ed ar a s\u00e9 a chlog chuile mhaidin, \u00f3 cheann ceann na bliana! B\u2019in an f\u00e1th freisin, a raibh orainn freastal ar phaidreaacha na maidine, seal a chaitheamh ag machtnamh, agus ansin an tAifreann a \u00e9isteacht, chuile mhaidin. Ina dhiaidh sin, agus roimh an mbricfeasta, bh\u00edodh orainn seal a chaitheamh ag glanadh an t\u00ed, duine ag scuabadh, duine ag snasadh, duine ag glanadh deannaigh, agus duine eile f\u00f3s ag n\u00ed t\u00edleanna, b\u2019fh\u00e9idir. Sa tsl\u00ed sin, mh\u00faint\u00ed do na dalta\u00ed, conas obair t\u00eds a dh\u00e9anamh, n\u00f3 bheadh a leith\u00e9id riachtanach ar na misin choigr\u00edche, ar ball. <\/p>

N\u00edos d\u00e9ana\u00ed sa l\u00e1, nuair a bheadh na ranganna faoi l\u00e1n tseol, leagta\u00ed an-bh\u00e9im ar dhearcadh spiorad\u00e1lta, agus ar chleachtadh Cr\u00edosta\u00ed. Ba chuma c\u00e9n t-\u00e1bhar a bheadh idir cham\u00e1in againn, bheadh an dearcadh Cr\u00edosta\u00ed sin ag lonnradh tr\u00ed chuile \u00e1bhar, Cuma c\u00e9 acu eola\u00edocht n\u00f3 stair, teanga n\u00f3 creideamh, a bheadh idir cham\u00e1in againn, ba \u00e9 an sc\u00e9al c\u00e9anna \u00e9. Deineadh chuile iarracht ar su\u00e1ilc\u00ed na Cr\u00edosta\u00edochta a mh\u00faineadh d\u00fainn, tr\u00ed chleachtadh, tr\u00ed mh\u00faineadh, agus tr\u00ed shampla. N\u00ed g\u00e1 dhom a r\u00e1, go mb\u00edodh c\u00farsa\u00ed spiorad\u00e1lta againn, uair sa bhliain, ar a laghadh, agus chomh maith le sin, bh\u00edodh faoistin choitianta molta d\u00fainn, agus thugadh an fhaoistin ch\u00e9anna sin deis don anamchara comhairle a leasa a chur ar an mac l\u00e9inn. Mar sin, n\u00ed chaillt\u00ed deis ar bith leis an \u00f3g\u00e1nach a chur ar bh\u00f3thar a leasa, agus b\u2019in obair a dh\u00e9anadh a anamchara d\u00f3, i dtr\u00e1th agus in antr\u00e1th.<\/p>

Dh\u00e9anta\u00ed sinn a chosaint ar chathuithe an tsaoil mh\u00f3ir seo freisin. N\u00ed ligt\u00ed d\u00fainn iris\u00ed de chine\u00e1l ar bith, taobh amuigh d\u2019iris an Chumainn, The African Missionary<\/strong>, a bheith in\u00e1r seilbh, n\u00f3 a \u00fas\u00e1id. N\u00ed bh\u00edodh cead againn \u00e9isteacht le cl\u00e1racha raidi\u00f3, n\u00f3 n\u00ed raibh an teilif\u00eds tagtha go h\u00c9irinn f\u00f3s, an t-am sin! \u00d3, geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, go dtabharfa\u00ed cead d\u00fainn \u00e9isteacht le tr\u00e1chtaireacht ar chluich\u00ed Gaelacha, nuair a bh\u00edodh a leith\u00e9id ar si\u00fal, rud a bh\u00ed annamh go maith, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad \u00d3, sea, chuirt\u00ed na treoracha sin i bhfeidhm go dian, na laethe \u00fad. Is cuimhin liom fh\u00e9in, tr\u00e1th raibh m\u00e9 ag freasatal ar an gCliarscoil, i nDroim an tS\u00edn, gur chuir mo dheirfi\u00far gearrth\u00f3ga as nuacht\u00e1n Caitliceach chugam, \u00f3 Shasana. Oscla\u00edodh an litir. Fuarthas na gearrth\u00f3ga, agus n\u00edor f\u00e1gadh agam iad, agus bh\u00ed m\u00e9 tr\u00ed n\u00f3 ceithre bliana is fiche, ag an am! Ach b\u2019in iad na rialacha, agus bh\u00edomar ina gcleachtadh. Ach le filleadh ar na me\u00e1nscoileanna ar\u00eds…<\/p>

N\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, go mb\u00edodh cleachta\u00ed faoi leith againn don Domhnach, chuile sheachtain. Chaithimis an mhaidin ar fad, suas go dt\u00ed am dinn\u00e9ir, ag gabh\u00e1il do ch\u00farsa\u00ed creidimh, idir staid\u00e9ar agus ranganna. Bh\u00edodh deis ag \u00fadar\u00e1is na scoileanna b\u00e9im faoi leith a leagan ar \u00e1r bhforbairt spiorad\u00e1lta, i rith an ama sin. Chomh maith le sin, chuirt\u00ed comhairle faoi leith orainn, go rialta, agus leagta\u00ed os \u00e1r gcomhair amach, tr\u00e9ithe an mhic l\u00e9inn fhoirfe, chr\u00edochnaithe, le bheith mar mh\u00fanla againne, ag s\u00fail go nd\u00e9anfadh muid mar a dh\u00e9anfadh an m\u00fanla sin!<\/p>

Theastaigh uathu freisin, go mbeadh miotal sna cn\u00e1mha againn, agus chuige sin, bh\u00edd\u00eds dian go maith orainn, agus b\u00ed cinnte nach ligfid\u00eds duine ar bith saor \u00f3 phion\u00f3s, d\u00e1 mbeadh a leith\u00e9id tuillte aige, tr\u00ed rialacha na scoile a bhriseadh, n\u00f3 tri thada eile d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id a dh\u00e9anamh. B\u2019in an f\u00e1th ar baineadh \u00fas\u00e1id asainn mar spailp\u00edn\u00ed f\u00e1nacha, le seo agus le si\u00fad a dh\u00e9anamh. Am ar bith a raibh obair chrua, mhaslaitheach, le d\u00e9anamh, b\u00ed cinnte go mbainf\u00ed \u00fas\u00e1id as na h\u00e1bhair sagairt le sin a dh\u00e9anamh. Th\u00f3gta\u00ed amach ar shi\u00fal\u00f3id sinn, chuile Dhomhnach, agus geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, go mb\u00edodh muid tuirseach, traochta, s\u00e1raithe, i ndiaidh na si\u00fal\u00f3ide c\u00e9anna sin. N\u00edorbh aon d\u00f3ich\u00edn in aonchor \u00e9, idir ocht agus deich mile sl\u00ed a shi\u00fal, tr\u00e1thn\u00f3na Domhnaigh. Ag an am gc\u00e9anna, bh\u00edodh f\u00e1ilte againn roimh na si\u00fal\u00f3id\u00ed c\u00e9anna sin, n\u00f3, d\u00e1 mbeadh sagart cine\u00e1lta in\u00e1r mbun, thabharfadh s\u00e9 cead d\u00fainn dul isteach i siopa eic\u00ednt, fan na sl\u00ed, le milse\u00e1in agus seacl\u00e1id, agus tortha\u00ed, b\u2019fh\u00e9idir, a cheannacht, n\u00f3 cos\u00fail le d\u00e9ag\u00f3ir\u00ed an tsaoil mh\u00f3ir, bh\u00edodh ocras tar \u00e9is altaithe orainne, chuile l\u00e1! D\u00e1 chruth\u00fa sin, nach minic a l\u00e9imfheadh duine againn thar chla\u00ed isteach i ngort turnapa\u00ed le turnapa a ard\u00fa leis, lena a ithe, fan an bhealaigh abhaile! <\/p>

Bh\u00ed n\u00f3s againn i gCol\u00e1iste an Chro\u00ed R\u00f3-Naofa, i mB\u00e9al an \u00c1tha Fhada, dul ar thruas fada, uair amh\u00e1in sa bhliain. Bh\u00ed cnoc ard p\u00edosa maith \u00f3n gCol\u00e1iste, Cnoc Spolgad\u00e1in a thugta\u00ed air, agus b\u2019in \u00e1r sprioc, ar an l\u00e1 \u00e1irithe sin. N\u00edl m\u00e9 cinnte anois c\u00e9 chomh fada \u00f3 bhaile is a bh\u00ed s\u00e9, ach cheapfainn go raibh s\u00e9 deich m\u00edle \u00f3 bhaile, ar a laghad. Ba \u00ed cusp\u00f3ir na si\u00fal\u00f3ide sin, n\u00f3 leis an miotal \u00fad a chur sna cn\u00e1mha againn, ach geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, gur bheag dalta in\u00e1r measc, a bhain taitneamh, n\u00f3 tairbhe, as an aera\u00edocht ch\u00e9anna sin. N\u00ed bh\u00edodh againn d\u00e1 bharr, go hiond\u00fail, ach cloig agus spuaiceanna! N\u00ed bh\u00edodh muid tagtha chugainn fh\u00e9in ar\u00eds, go ceann seachtaine ina dhiaidh sin. B\u00ed ag caint ar mhiotal sna cn\u00e1mha! Cuimhnigh freisin ar an obair go l\u00e9ir sin a dh\u00e9anaimis, chuile thr\u00e1thn\u00f3na, geall leis, ag glanadh fiail\u00ed, agus ag g\u00edot\u00e1il b\u00f3ithre na scoile, ag leagan crann, agus ag scoilteadh adhmaid. N\u00ed bh\u00edodh ar dhalta\u00ed sna gn\u00e1th-mhe\u00e1nscoileanna obair d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id a dh\u00e9anamh, geallaimse dhuit \u00e9! Ach smaoinigh ansin, go rabhthas d\u00e1r n-ullmh\u00fa don tsagartacht, agus tuigfidh t\u00fa c\u00e9n f\u00e1th a rabhthas chomh dian sin orainn.<\/p>

Ach bog n\u00f3 dian, n\u00ed raibh ionainne ach gn\u00e1th\u00f3g\u00e1naigh, agus an daonnacht ch\u00e9anna ionainne, is a bh\u00ed i ngach \u00f3g\u00e1nach eile d\u00e1r gcomhaois. Bh\u00ed a shliocht orainn, n\u00f3 b\u00edodh gur deineadh chuile iarracht ar mhanaigh fhoirfe a dheanamh dinn, b\u00ed cinnte, go raibh fonn diabhla\u00edochta orainne, rud a d\u2019fh\u00e1g na hiarrachta\u00ed c\u00e9anna sin gan \u00e9ifeacht, minic go leor. Breathnaigh ar an gcaoi ar thug fear againn buid\u00e9al f\u00edona leis, ar aera\u00edocht a bh\u00ed againn go C\u00f3bh Chorca\u00ed, agus ar an gcaoi ar bhlais dream beag againn de, agus gurbh \u00e9 toradh a bh\u00ed ar an eachtra sin, n\u00f3 go raibh seisear, n\u00f3 mar sin d\u00ednn, maith go leor, tar \u00e9is an \u00f3il. N\u00ed raibh cead againn toit\u00edn\u00ed a chaitheamh, ach b\u00edodh nach raibh fh\u00e9in, b\u00ed cinnte go mb\u00edodh an corrphuth againn, os \u00edseal, am ar bith a dtugta\u00ed an deis d\u00fainn. F\u00e9ach freisin, an chaoi a nd\u00e9anaimis \u00farscealta, agus a leith\u00e9id, a l\u00e9amh, i ngan fhios, le linn am staid\u00e9ir, n\u00f3 faoin bpluid, san o\u00edche, le cabhair \u00f3 sholas t\u00f3irse. Sea, agus corruair, d\u2019fhanadh fear againn sa leaba ar maidin, ag ligint air go raibh s\u00e9 go dona tinn, nuair nach mb\u00edodh faic na fr\u00edde air, ach easba codlata. Ach tr\u00edd is tr\u00edd, bheadh s\u00e9 n\u00edos deacra rud d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id a dh\u00e9anamh in\u00e1r meascna, n\u00e1 mar a bheadh s\u00e9 a leith\u00e9id a dh\u00e9anamh sa ghn\u00e1thmhe\u00e1nscoil, ag an am. N\u00f3 bh\u00ed sl\u00ed iompair faoi leith in\u00e1r measc-na. N\u00ed raibh teach s\u00e1bh\u00e1ilte in\u00e1r measc, le coimirce a chur ar f\u00e1il don lucht m\u00ed-ghn\u00edomha, agus sa tsl\u00ed sin, bh\u00ed seans i bhfad n\u00edos fearr ag \u00fadr\u00e1is \u00e1r scoileanna teacht suas leis an t\u00e9 a bh\u00ed ag dul ar strae, agus freisin, leis an t\u00e9 a bheadh ag iarraidh a chomhscol\u00e1ir\u00ed a mhealladh s\u00edos b\u00f3thar a n-aimhleasa. Is d\u00f3cha, mar sin, go gcaithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il, ar deireadh thiar, gur \u00e9irigh, tr\u00edd is tr\u00edd, leis an gc\u00f3ras smachta, agus traen\u00e1la, a bh\u00ed in \u00fas\u00e1id sna scoileanna s\u2019againne, agus ar an m\u00f3rg\u00f3ir, gur cuireadh an smacht sin i bhfeidhm go ceart, c\u00f3ir, carthannach, c\u00e9 gur f\u00edor, go ndeachaigh an corrdhuine, anseo is ansi\u00fad, thar f\u00f3ir, ina dh\u00fathracht le sinn a chur ar chas\u00e1n \u00e1r leasa. Ag breathn\u00fa siar ar na laethe sin, agus ar na daoine sin, anois, n\u00ed f\u00e9idir liom a r\u00e1 go bhfuil fearg n\u00f3 fuath fanta sa chro\u00ed istigh ionnam do dhuine ar bith, a bh\u00ed i mo bhunsa, n\u00f3 de bharr tada ar bith a deineadh dom, le linn dom bheith ag freastal ar na me\u00e1nscoileanna sin. Ach ar an dtaobh eile den sc\u00e9al, ba mhaith liom anois mo bhu\u00edochas \u00f3 chro\u00ed a chur in i\u00fal do na m\u00fainteoir\u00ed uilig, a raibh baint ar bith acu liomsa, le linn dom bheith faoina gc\u00faram. Ba ghn\u00e1thdhhaoine iad si\u00fad freisin, agus t\u00e1 m\u00e9 cinnte, gur chuireamar le b\u00e1in\u00ed, agus le buile iad, minic go leor, na laethe \u00fad, n\u00f3 n\u00edorbh aon aingil ar thalamh sinne, geallaimse dhuit \u00e9.<\/p>

Ach, f\u00e1gaimis \u00e9 si\u00fad mar at\u00e1 s\u00e9, do thuras na huaire seo<\/p>

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An S\u00edol a Cuireadh <\/span><\/strong><\/p>

Caibidil 25<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

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Le cupla caibidil anois, bh\u00ed an t\u00e9arma SMA<\/strong> \u00e1 \u00fas\u00e1id agam go rialta, agus i nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, n\u00edor dhein m\u00e9 aon r\u00f3-iarracht ar an t\u00e9arma sin a mh\u00edni\u00fa daoibh, agus tuigtear dom anois, n\u00e1rbh olc an tseift \u00ed, tamall a chaitheamh ag cur s\u00edos ar an Eagra\u00edocht Mhiseanach sin, a raibh m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in ag iarraidh f\u00e1il isteach inti, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad. Anois, n\u00ed hOrd Cr\u00e1bhaidh at\u00e1 i gceist againn anseo, ach Cumann Cr\u00e1bhaidh, n\u00f3 c\u00e9 nach mb\u00edonn fl\u00fairse airgid ag duine ar bith den Chumann c\u00e9anna sin, go bhfios domsa ach go h\u00e1irithe, ag an am gc\u00e9anna, n\u00ed bh\u00edonn orthu M\u00f3id Bhochtaineachta a thabhairt. B\u00edonn orthu M\u00f3id Umhla\u00edochta a thabhairt, n\u00ed d\u00e1 n-easpag, ach d\u00e1 n-uachtar\u00e1in fh\u00e9in, agus do cib\u00e9 duine a chuirfeadh na huachtar\u00e1in ch\u00e9anna sin ina mbun. Chomh fada is bhaineann s\u00e9 leis an SMA sin, tagann sin \u00f3 ainm an Chumainn sa Laidin. \u201cS<\/strong>ocietas M<\/strong>issionum ad A<\/strong>fros\u201d, a thugtar orthu sa teanga \u00e1rsa sin, agus b\u2019iad cinnlitreacha na bhfocal sin a d\u2019fh\u00e1g SMA<\/strong> mar ainm orthu. Bh\u00ed ceangal idr an C\u00faige \u00c9ireannach den Chumann sin leis an bhFrainc, d\u00e1r nd\u00f3igh, n\u00f3 ba Easpag Francach a bhunaigh an Cumann, sa bhliain 1856. Joseph Marion de Bresillac,<\/strong> a bh\u00ed ar an easpag sin. B\u2019fhear \u00e9, a raibh blianta caite san India aige, agus \u00f3 tharla gur \u00e9irigh s\u00e9 as a chuid oibre ansin, nuair a th\u00e1inig s\u00e9 ar ais chun na Fraince, theastaigh uaidh misean chun na hAifrice a bhun\u00fa. Thug s\u00e9 cuairt ar an Vatac\u00e1in, le cead chuige sin a lorg, agus ba \u00e9 deireadh an sc\u00e9il \u00e9, n\u00f3 gur thug an P\u00e1pa an cead sin d\u00f3, agus thug \u201cSierra Leone\u201d mar Chr\u00edoch Mhisineach d\u00f3. Bhailigh s\u00e9 na pingneacha, agus cheannaigh teach i Lyons na Fraince, agus i gcionn cupla bliain, bh\u00ed tri\u00far sagart agus beirt bhr\u00e1ithre, maraon leis an Easpag fh\u00e9in, amuigh i Sierra Leone, i mbun oibre, ach ar an drochuair, bh\u00ed an Fiabhras Bu\u00ed ag r\u00e9abadh roimhe sa t\u00edr sin, ag an am, agus taobh istigh d\u2019achar gearr, cailleadh chuile dhuine den Chumann a bh\u00ed i Sierra Leone ag an am. N\u00ed raibh f\u00e1gtha ansin, i gceanncheathr\u00fa na Misean, i Lyons, ach Pere Planque, a f\u00e1gadh i mbun c\u00farsa\u00ed ansin, agus beirt shagart, beirt bhr\u00e1ithre agus ceathrar \u00e1bhar sagairt. Thug an tAthair Planque aghaidh ar an R\u00f3imh, agus leag a ch\u00e1s os comhair an Ph\u00e1pa fh\u00e9in, agus d\u00fairt leis, gur mhaith leis lean\u00faint le f\u00eds an Easpaig de Bresillac a chur i gcr\u00edch. Thug an P\u00e1pa a bheannacht fh\u00e9in d\u00f3, agus mhol d\u00f3 cas\u00e1n an easpaig a leanacht. Ba dhian an misean \u00e9, ag an am sin, n\u00f3 ba \u00e9 ainm a bh\u00ed ar an gcr\u00edoch mhiseanach sin acusan, ag an am, n\u00f3 Reilg na bhFhear Geal, agus c\u00fais mhaith chuige sin, n\u00f3 n\u00ed mhaireadh na fir gheala ch\u00e9anna ann, ar an me\u00e1n, ach thart ar dh\u00e1 bhliain. Caithfidh go raibh creideamh thar na bearta ag na misin\u00e9ir\u00ed sin! <\/p>

Bheannaigh Dia a saothar, n\u00f3 taobh istigh de dheich mbliana, bh\u00ed triocha sagart den Chumann ag saothr\u00fa leo sa mhisean sin, agus faoin mbliain 1907 bh\u00ed breis agus dh\u00e1 ch\u00e9ad misin\u00e9ir amuigh ansin san Aifric acu. B\u00ed ag caint ar fh\u00e1s aon o\u00edche! <\/p>

Ach caithfimid dul siar beag\u00e1in\u00edn, go dt\u00ed seacht\u00f3id\u00ed an nao\u00fa haois d\u00e9ag, nuair a tharla go raibh dh\u00e1 chr\u00edoch mhiseanacha th\u00e1bhachtacha ag an SMA ina raibh B\u00e9arla \u00e1 \u00fas\u00e1id go hoifigi\u00fail iontu, agus b\u2019in iad an Nig\u00e9ir, ar choil\u00edneacht Shasanach \u00ed, \u00f3n mbliain 1862, agus An Aifric Theas, mar a raibh B\u00e9arla riachtanach do na misineir\u00ed. Mar sin, theastaigh misin\u00e9ir\u00ed le B\u00e9arla go g\u00e9ar uathu, agus b\u2019in a tharraing a n-aird ar \u00c9irinn, a ch\u00e9aduair. Sa bhliain 1876, d\u2019oscail an SMA misean san Airfic Theas, agus tharla gur chuir siad aithne ar shagart \u00c9ireannach, d\u00e1rb ainm James O Haire sa Chr\u00edoch sin, agus b\u2019eisean a mhol d\u00f3ibh dul go h\u00c9irinn, le misin\u00e9ir\u00ed a earc\u00fa ansin, le teacht i gcabhair orthu. Ba \u00e9 deireadh an sc\u00e9il sin \u00e9, n\u00f3 gur chuireadar an tAthair O Haire fh\u00e9in go h\u00c9irinn thar a gceann. Thug s\u00e9 a aghaidh ar Chorcaigh na Long, agus fuair cead \u00f3 Easpag Chorca\u00ed d\u00e1 thionscadal. An bhliain d\u00e1r gcionn, chuir s\u00e9 cearthrar mac l\u00e9inn \u00f3 Chorcaigh go dt\u00ed an Chliarscoil i Lyons na Fraince, le dul i mbun staid\u00e9ir don tsagartacht ansin. N\u00edor fhan an tAthair O Haire i bhfad i gCorcaigh, n\u00f3 n\u00edor bhall den SMA riamh \u00e9, agus chuaigh s\u00e9 arais chun na hAfraice Theas ar\u00eds, chomh luath agus a d\u2019fh\u00e9adfadh s\u00e9. Cuireadh sagart Francach, \u201cPere Francois Devoucoux\u201d go h\u00c9irinn, sa bhliain 1878, lena \u00e1it a l\u00edonadh ansin. Th\u00e1inig Sasanach saibhir, a d\u2019iompaigh ina Chaitliceach tamall roimhe sin, i gcabhair ar an sagart Francach sin, agus tr\u00edna chabhair si\u00fad, cheannaigh s\u00e9 seal\u00fachas bre\u00e1 ar Bh\u00f3thar na Carraige Duibhe, i gCorcaigh, agus ba ar an su\u00edomh sin a t\u00f3gadh scoil sa bhliain 1880, agus s\u00e9ip\u00e9al, an bhliain d\u00e1r gcionn, agus is ar an su\u00edomh sin at\u00e1 cro\u00ed agus ceanncheathr\u00fa an SMA sa t\u00edr seo, anuas go dt\u00ed an l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu fh\u00e9in ann. Ba \u00e9 a theastaigh \u00f3 na Francaigh \u00e1fach, n\u00f3 an scoil sin a \u00fas\u00e1id, le mic l\u00e9inn a ullmh\u00fa d\u00e1 gCliarscoil fh\u00e9in i Lyons, ach ar an gc\u00e9ad dul s\u00edos, n\u00ed raibh an oiread sin mic l\u00e9inn \u00e1 n-earc\u00fa acu, agus n\u00edos measa f\u00f3s, d\u2019\u00e9irigh roinnt mhaith d\u00edobh sin as an staid\u00e9ar, sular oirn\u00edodh ina sagairt thall iad. Ansin, tuigeadh d\u00f3ibh, sa bhFrainc, go mba mhaith an smaoineamh \u00e9, \u00fas\u00e1id a bhaint as an scoil sin i gCorcaigh, le deis a thabhairt do mhic l\u00e9inn Francacha, seal a chaitheamh ansin ag foghlaim B\u00e9arla.<\/p>

Sa mbliain 1883, cuireadh ball eile den Chumann go h\u00c9irinn, in \u00e1it \u201cPhere Devoucoux\u201d. Eilbh\u00e9iseach ba ea an tAthair Joseph Zimmerman, agus chaith seisean ocht mbliana is fiche i gCorcaigh, agus b\u2019eisean, thar \u00e9inne eile, a mh\u00fanlaigh an C\u00faige \u00c9ireannach den SMA. D\u2019\u00e9irigh leis an sagart iontach seo dul i gcionn ar easpaig, ar shagairt agus ar thuata\u00ed \u00c9ireann, agus fuair cabhair agus c\u00fanamh fial flaithi\u00fail uathu. Ach ba ch\u00f3ir a lua anseo, go ndeachaigh s\u00e9 i gcionn, ar bhealach speisialta, ar Llewellyn Blake<\/strong>, ball de cheann de na clanna caitliceacha ba ch\u00e1ili\u00fala san Iarthar \u00f3 th\u00e1inig muintir De Burgo<\/strong> chun na d\u00faiche sin, sa dara haois d\u00e9ag, agus ba in \u00f3m\u00f3s d\u00e1 shinsir Bhreatnacha a baisteadh Llewellyn air. B\u2019iarshaighdi\u00fair \u00e9, a chaith seal ag saighdi\u00faireacht san India, mar bhall de na Connaught Rangers<\/strong>, mar ar bhain s\u00e9 c\u00e9im Leifteanantchorn\u00e9al<\/strong> amach d\u00f3 fh\u00e9in. B\u2019fhear saibhir \u00e9, a raibh teach bre\u00e1 m\u00f3r aige i Cloughballymore, l\u00e1imh le Cill Cholgain, i gContae na Gaillimhe. Bhuel, ba \u00e9 deireadh an sc\u00e9il \u00e9, gur bhronn s\u00e9 an teach sin ar an SMA, ach mhair s\u00e9 fh\u00e9in sa teach sin in \u00e9indigh leo, go deireadh a laethe. Ar ball, fuair s\u00e9 teach m\u00f3r a athar, Ballinafad House<\/strong>, le hoidhreacht \u00f3na athair, agus bhfuil fhios agat c\u00e9ard a rinne s\u00e9 leis an teach sin freisin? Sea, thug s\u00e9 an teach sin freisin don SMA, sa bhliain 1908, agus b\u2019in an \u00e1it a raibh Col\u00e1iste an Chro\u00ed R\u00f3Naofa, i mB\u00e9al an \u00c1tha Fhada, mar ar chaith m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in dh\u00e1 bhliain, ag freastal air, i dt\u00fas na ndachaid\u00ed. N\u00edorbh \u00e9 amh\u00e1in gur bhronn Llewellyn an d\u00e1 \u00e1ras \u00e1lainn sin ar an SMA, ach bh\u00ed dh\u00e1 east\u00e1t fhairsinge ag gabh\u00e1il leis na h\u00e1rais ch\u00e9anna sin, agus bronnadh iadsan freisin orthu, agus chomh maith leo sin uilig, thug s\u00e9 airgead d\u00f3ibh go fial fairsing flaithiuil freisin, sa chaoi gur ghearr go raibh an tAthair Zimmerman ag iarraidh C\u00faige neamhsple\u00e1ch de Chumann an SMA a bhun\u00fa anseo in \u00c9irinn, n\u00f3 cheana f\u00e9in, sa bhlain 1888, d\u2019\u00e9irigh leo seal\u00fachas bre\u00e1 fairsing eile a cheannacht i Wilton, ar imeall chathair Chorca\u00ed \u00e1it ar t\u00f3gadh Col\u00e1iste Sheosaimh, agus sa bhliain 1897, th\u00f3g an tAthair Zimmerman s\u00e9ip\u00e9al bre\u00e1 ansin, i Wilton. T\u00e1 an s\u00e9ip\u00e9al ansin go dt\u00ed an l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu fh\u00e9in ann, agus bheadh fhios agat l\u00e1ithreach, go raibh baint eic\u00ednt ag an seip\u00e9al sin leis an Eilbh\u00e9is, n\u00f3 t\u00e1 crochadh an d\u00edn n\u00edos g\u00e9ire i bhfad n\u00e1 mar a gheof\u00e1, coitianta, sa t\u00edr seo.<\/p>

P\u00e9\u2019r bith sc\u00e9al \u00e9, d\u2019\u00e9irigh leis an Athair Zimmerman an comhar a \u00edoc le Llewellyn nuair a d\u2019\u00e9irigh leis, a chur ina lu\u00ed ar an bP\u00e1pa, an teideal, Cunta<\/strong>, a bhronnadh air sa bhliain 1907, agus chomh maith le sin, deineadh ball on\u00f3rach den SMA de. N\u00edor bheag sin, lena meas air, agus lena n-urraim d\u00f3, a l\u00e9iri\u00fa.<\/p>

Fad is a bh\u00ed na ruda\u00ed sin uilig ag tarl\u00fa, bh\u00ed an sagart Eilbh\u00e9iseach sin, ar a mh\u00edle dh\u00edcheall, ag iarraidh C\u00faige \u00c9ireannach den SMA a bhun\u00fa anseo, n\u00f3, go dt\u00ed an pointe sin, n\u00ed raibh acu anseo in \u00c9irinn ach cuid den Mhisean Francach, gan Ionad Feals\u00fanachta n\u00f3 Cliarascoil d\u00e1 gcuid fh\u00e9in acu, le misin\u00e9ir\u00ed \u00c9ireannacha a ullmh\u00fa don tsagartacht iontu, ach n\u00ed raibh na Francaigh s\u00e1sta g\u00e9illeadh puinn don Athair Zimmerman, n\u00f3 d\u00e1 lucht taca\u00edochta, agus bh\u00ed ina chogadh neamha\u00ed eatarthu. I nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, rinne siad a m\u00edle dh\u00edcheall le f\u00e9achaint chuige, nach dtarl\u00f3dh a leith\u00e9id, ach i ndeireadh na d\u00e1la, bh\u00ed an br\u00fa \u00f3n Eilbh\u00e9iseach, agus \u00f3 Easpaig \u00c9ireannacha s\u00e1ch l\u00e1idir, le cur ina lu\u00ed ar an Vatac\u00e1in, gur ch\u00f3ir d\u00f3ibhsean g\u00e9illeadh, agus sa bhliain 1909, tugadh an cead p\u00e1p\u00fail do na h\u00c9ireannaigh, le scoil Feals\u00fanachta, agus scoil Diagachta, d\u00e1 gcuid fh\u00e9in, a bhun\u00fa ina gceanncheathr\u00fa, ar Bh\u00f3thar na Carraige Duibhe, i gCorcaigh. Oscla\u00edodh na hionaid sin, ar an 20 Me\u00e1n F\u00f3mhair, 1909, agus b\u2019in an ch\u00e9ad Mh\u00f3r-Chliarscoil, d\u00edrithe ar na misin choigr\u00edocha amh\u00e1in, a oscla\u00edodh riamh sa t\u00edr seo.<\/p>

Bh\u00ed ceata\u00ed sa sc\u00e9al \u00e1fach, n\u00f3 ag an bpointe seo, dhearbhaigh na Francaigh don Vatac\u00e1in, go mbeadh siad s\u00e1sta C\u00faige \u00c9ireannach den SMA a chead\u00fa, ar choinn\u00edoll go nd\u00e9anfa\u00ed an tAthair Zimmerman a aisghairm chun na Fraince, agus an tAthair Stephen Kyne, arbh leasainm a thugaimis air n\u00f3 an \u201cSkipper\u201d, a chur go h\u00c9irinn ina \u00e1it. Glacadh leis an gcomhgh\u00e9illeadh sin sa R\u00f3imh, b\u00edodh nach raibh na hEaspaig abhus, n\u00f3 an Cunta Blake, s\u00e1sta leis an socr\u00fa sin, olc, maith, n\u00f3 dona, agus b\u00edodh go ndearna siad chuile dh\u00edcheall a chur ina lu\u00ed ar an Vatac\u00e1in n\u00e1r ch\u00f3ir an tAthair Zimmerman a aisghairm, n\u00edor tugadh orthu \u00e1fach, ach an chluas bhodhar. D\u2019imigh an sagart sin ar ais chun na Fraince, agus sa bhliain 1910 seoladh chun na St\u00e1t Aontaithe \u00e9, agus b\u00edodh gur chaill roinnt mhaith de na hEaspaig agus de na tuata\u00ed \u00c9ireannacha, suim sa Chumann d\u00e1 bharr, ag an am gc\u00e9anna, fuair na misin\u00e9ir\u00ed \u00c9ireannacha cead a gC\u00faige neamhsple\u00e1ch fh\u00e9in a bhun\u00fa, sa bhliain 1912. Go gairid ina dhiaidh sin, sa bhliain 1916, dh\u00edrigh na hEaspaig \u00c9ireannacha a nd\u00fathracht ar Mhisean Mh\u00e1 Nuat chun na S\u00edne, agus ar ball ar\u00eds, sa bhliain 1932, buna\u00edodh bu\u00edon eile, The Kiltegan Fathers, le d\u00fail na nEaspag sna misin a l\u00e9iri\u00fa, d\u00fail a dh\u00faisigh an tAthair Zimmerman iontu, blianta fada roimhe sin. Ag an am gc\u00e9anna, agus tr\u00e1th\u00fail go leor, bh\u00ed an-dul chun cinn d\u00e9anta ag an SMA \u00c9ireannach, agus bh\u00ed an tAthair Stephen Kyne chomh d\u00edograiseach sin, gur \u00e9irigh leo, n\u00ed amh\u00e1in teacht i dt\u00edr, ach d\u2019\u00e9irigh leo f\u00e1s agus forbairt, sa tsl\u00ed go raibh an C\u00faige \u00c9ireannach den Chumann neamhsple\u00e1ch ar fad ar an M\u00e1thair-Chumann sa bhFrainc. Ach, chaithfeadh duine smaoineamh gur mh\u00f3r an trua \u00e9, gur tharla an t-easaontas sin idir an Athair Zimmerman agus an Mh\u00e1thair-Chumann c\u00e9anna sin sa bhFrainc, n\u00f3 n\u00edl dabht ar domhan, ach gur bhain an t-easaontas c\u00e9anna sin siar go m\u00f3r as a ndul chun cinn, agus as an taca\u00edocht, agus as an gc\u00fanamh, a bh\u00ed curtha ar f\u00e1il d\u00f3ibh, roimhe sin, ag Easpaig, ag sagairt, agus ag tuata\u00ed \u00c9ireann. Ach nach \u2019in an saol agat, a mhiceo!<\/p>

Faoin mbliain 1922, bh\u00ed tr\u00ed sc\u00f3r misin\u00e9ir ag saothr\u00fa leo, ar na misin choigr\u00edocha, ag C\u00faige \u00c9ireann den SMA, agus ag an am gc\u00e9anna, bh\u00ed c\u00e9ad triocha \u00e1bhar sagairt \u00e1 n-ullmh\u00fa don tsagartacht acu ina gc\u00faig Chol\u00e1iste, anseo i dt\u00edr na h\u00c9ireann. Oscla\u00edodh Cliarscoil bhrea, nua, fairsing, don Chumann, in \u201dDromantine\u201d, i gContae an D\u00fain, sa bhliain 1926, nuair a d\u2019\u00e9irigh leis an gCumann \u201cDromantine House\u201d a cheannach, rud a tuigeadh a bheith dodh\u00e9anta sa taobh sin t\u00edre, ag an am. Ach beidh tuilleadh le r\u00e1 agam faoi Cloughballymore House<\/strong> agus faoi Dromantine House<\/strong>, amach anseo. <\/p>

D\u2019imigh sin \u00e1fach, agus th\u00e1inig seo, agus sa l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu ann, t\u00e1 an Cumann c\u00e9anna sin beo beatha\u00edoch f\u00f3s, agus faoin am seo, t\u00e1 naoi gC\u00faige den Chumann ann, agus ceanncheathr\u00fa acu sa R\u00f3imh fh\u00e9in. T\u00e1 breis mhaith is m\u00edle sagart acu ar mhisin, \u00f3 cheann ceann na cruinne, agus n\u00ed g\u00e1 a r\u00e1, gurb \u00e9 an C\u00faige \u00c9ireannach, an C\u00faige is m\u00f3 orthu uilig, n\u00f3 t\u00e1 thart ar cheithre ch\u00e9ad sagart acusan ar na misin. T\u00e1 tarraingt ar ch\u00e9ad milli\u00fan daoine ina gc\u00f3na\u00ed sna cr\u00edocha a nd\u00e9anann siad freastal orthu, \u00e1it a bhfuil thart ar 4%, n\u00f3 5%, d\u00edobh ina gCaitlicigh.<\/p>

Bhuel, sin agat anois roinnt \u00e9igin eolais faoin \u201coutfit\u201d a raibh m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in bainteach leo, ar feadh breis is naoi mbliana, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed m\u00e9 i ngiorracht scread asail do bheith oirnithe, nuair a d\u2019fh\u00e1g m\u00e9 Cliarscoil Dromantine, sa bhliain 1950. Ach, b\u2019fh\u00e9idir go bhfuil mo sh\u00e1ith r\u00e1ite agam faoin SMA, an babhta seo, ach tuigeadh dom, nach bhf\u00e9adfa\u00ed mo sc\u00e9al a thuiscint i gceart, mura l\u00edonfainn isteach cuid den mhioneolas c\u00e9anna sin.<\/p>

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Im\u2019 N\u00f3ibh\u00edseach dom <\/p>

Caibidil 26<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

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I Me\u00e1n F\u00f3mhair na bliana 1945, thug m\u00e9 aghaidh ar N\u00f3ibh\u00edseacht an SMA, i Cloughballymore House, l\u00e1imh le Cill Cholg\u00e1in, i gContae na Gaillimhe. Mh\u00ednigh m\u00e9 cheana, go mba leis an gCunta Llewellyn Blake an Teach M\u00f3r c\u00e9anna sin, fear a d\u2019\u00e9irigh as an tsaighdi\u00faireacht san India agus \u00e9 na Leifteanantchoirn\u00e9al sna Connaught Rangers, reisimint de chuid Arm na Breataine, ag an am. Ar ball, tar \u00e9is d\u00e1 bhean b\u00e1s d\u2019fh\u00e1il, agus \u00e9 f\u00e1gtha gan chlann, gan oidhre, shocraigh s\u00e9 ar a Theach M\u00f3r a bhronnadh ar an SMA, mar N\u00f3ibh\u00edseacht, rud a bh\u00ed ag teast\u00e1il go g\u00e9ar uathusan, ag an am, tharla go raibh siad ar an m\u00edle d\u00edcheall, ag iarraidh C\u00faige neamhsple\u00e1ch den Chumann sin, a bhun\u00fa anseo in \u00c9irinn. D\u2019fhan an Cunta fh\u00e9in, ar deineadh ball on\u00f3rach den SMA de, ina ch\u00f3na\u00ed sa Teach M\u00f3r sin go dt\u00ed gur d\u00e1ileadh an chr\u00e9 leis. N\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, go raibh chuile eolas againne faoin gCunta c\u00e9anna sin, n\u00f3 bh\u00edodh se in\u00e1r bpaidreacha chuile l\u00e1. Ach le filleadh ar mo sc\u00e9al f\u00e9in…<\/p>

Ba bheag feabhas a bh\u00ed tagtha ar ch\u00farsa\u00ed taistil sa t\u00edr seo, \u00f3 ch\u00e9adthaistil m\u00e9 go Wilton, Chorca\u00ed, tr\u00ed bliana roimhe sin, agus d\u00e1 bhr\u00ed sin, b\u2019\u00e9igean dom dh\u00e1 l\u00e1 a chaitheamh ag taisteal \u00f3 bhaile na Druime, go Teach Cloughballymore. N\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, go mba mhall, tuirsi\u00fail, leadr\u00e1nach, an turas \u00e9, ach i ndeireadh na feide, shroich m\u00e9 cathair na Gaillimhe, agus ceart go leor, bh\u00ed duine ansin, ag fanacht orm, le mo thabhairt \u00f3 st\u00e1isi\u00fan na traenach ansin, go dt\u00ed an N\u00f3ibh\u00edseacht. Ni capall agus jaunt, n\u00f3 carr cliath\u00e1nach, a bh\u00ed aige seo, faoi mar a bh\u00edodh i mB\u00e9al an \u00c1tha Fhada, i gContae Mhaigh Eo. N\u00edorbh ea mh\u2019anam, ach carr bre\u00e1 gal\u00e1nta. Tharla go raibh beirt, n\u00f3 tri\u00far eile, ag dul ar an aistear c\u00e9anna liom, agus bhailigh an tAthair Harrington muid leis ina charr bre\u00e1, gal\u00e1nta. Fear \u00edseal, tana\u00ed, greannmhar, ba an sagart seo, a raibh stad ann, ach taobh amuigh de sin, b\u2019fhear l\u00e1ch, gean\u00fail, cairdi\u00fail, \u00e9, agus ollamh cliste, l\u00e9annta, eolgaiseach, freisin.<\/p>

N\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, nach raibh seomra\u00ed d\u00e1r gcuid fh\u00e9in le f\u00e1il againn sa N\u00f3ibh\u00edseacht sin, n\u00ed raibh, muis! N\u00ed raibh againn ach suainliosanna m\u00f3ra, fuara, folamha. Tugadh a leaba fh\u00e9in do chuile dhuine againn, agus chuireamar pe acair\u00ed, agus \u00e9ada\u00ed, a bh\u00ed againn, isteach i gc\u00f3ifr\u00edn a bh\u00ed ag taobh na leapan, ag chuile dhuine againn. Nuair a bh\u00ed an gn\u00f3 sin d\u00e9anta againn, tugadh ar chuairt na N\u00f3ibh\u00edseachta sinn. Bh\u00ed ansin, in \u00e9ineacht leis na suanliosanna, bh\u00ed Aireagal bre\u00e1, fairsing, gal\u00e1nta; agus seomra\u00ed ranga, maraon le halla ollmh\u00f3r staid\u00e9ir. Teasp\u00e1ineadh an Bhialann mh\u00f3r, fhairsing, d\u00fainn freisin, agus diabhal locht ar bith a fuaireamar ar an Halla m\u00f3r c\u00e9anna sin! N\u00ed lampa\u00ed pearaif\u00edn a bh\u00ed \u00e1 n-\u00fas\u00e1id sa bhfoirgneamh seo, n\u00edorbh ea mh\u2019anam, ach soilse gl\u00e9igeala leictreacha. Tugadh spl\u00e9achadh d\u00fainn freisin, ar chuid den Teach M\u00f3r fh\u00e9in, mar a raibh parl\u00fais, seomra\u00ed feithimh, agus seomra\u00ed na sagart, suite. Samhla\u00edodh domsa, ach go h\u00e1irithe, go mba neamha\u00ed an t-ionad \u00e9 an N\u00f3ibh\u00edseacht \u00e1lainn seo, i Cloughballymore House. <\/p>

B\u2019\u00e1lainn go deo an su\u00edomh a bh\u00ed ag an bhfoirgneamh \u00e1lainn seo. Sea, agus n\u00e1rbh iad na boic mh\u00f3ra a bh\u00ed in ann su\u00edomh feili\u00fanach, feice\u00e1lach, a fh\u00e1il d\u00e1 dtithe? P\u00e1ircaeanna agus b\u00f3ithr\u00edn\u00ed sp\u00e9isi\u00fala tr\u00edothu, a bh\u00ed thart ar an gCol\u00e1iste seo. Col\u00e1iste a bh\u00ed againn anseo, cinnte, ach ag an am gc\u00e9anna, ba N\u00f3ibh\u00edseacht \u00e9, agus b\u2019in \u00e9 pr\u00edomhghn\u00f3 an ionaid seo. Dh\u00e9anfa\u00ed chuile iarracht ar bhealach an Spioraid a l\u00e9iri\u00fa, agus a mh\u00faineadh, do chuile N\u00f3ibh\u00edseach, le linn an ama a chaitheadh s\u00e9 ansin. Cinnte, mar ad\u00fairt m\u00e9, ba Chol\u00e1iste \u00e9, agus mh\u00fainf\u00ed Feals\u00fanacht d\u00fainn freisin, agus d\u00e1r nd\u00f3igh, nach bre\u00e1 a raghadh an p\u00e9ire sin, an Fheals\u00fanacht, agus an N\u00f3ibh\u00edseacht, le ch\u00e9ile, i m\u00fanl\u00fa spiorad\u00e1lta na Mac L\u00e9inn, san institi\u00faid sin. <\/p>

Bh\u00ed rainse m\u00f3r ag dul leis an bhfoirgneamh sin, ach i nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, n\u00edor thalamh maith \u00e9 an chuid ba mh\u00f3 de, n\u00f3 ba chos\u00fail le t\u00edrdhreach boireannach \u00e9. Ag an am gc\u00e9anna, bh\u00ed p\u00e1irceanna bre\u00e1tha, goirt mh\u00e9ithe, agus cim\u00edn\u00ed mealltacha, le f\u00e1il anseo is ansi\u00fad sa rainse sin. Bh\u00ed an chos\u00falacht air, go raibh na c\u00e9adta agus na c\u00e9adta acra sa rainse c\u00e9anna sin, agus anois is ar\u00eds, nuair a bh\u00edodh l\u00e1 saoire n\u00f3 a leith\u00e9id d\u2019\u00f3c\u00e1id againn, th\u00e9imis ag f\u00e1na\u00edocht tr\u00edd an rainse c\u00e9anna sin, agus nach orainn a bh\u00edodh an t-\u00e1thas, agus an t-ionadh, nuair a thagaimis ar fhoireann bhre\u00e1 mh\u00f3r de chapaill\u00edn\u00ed Chonamara, ag r\u00e9abadh leo thar na carraigreacha, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed seansagart ag cur faoi sa N\u00f3ibh\u00edseacht sin, Spar\u00e1na\u00ed na hinstiti\u00faide, a raibh sp\u00e9is an domhain aige sna capaill\u00edn\u00ed c\u00e9anna sin, agus dh\u00e9anadh seisean iad a ph\u00f3r\u00fa agus a th\u00f3g\u00e1il ar fheirm an Chol\u00e1iste. Nach minic a chuireamar ceist orainn fh\u00e9in faoin chaoi ar \u00e9irigh leis na beithigh sin teacht i dt\u00edr ar thalamh chomh bocht, neamhthorth\u00fail, n\u00f3 ba bheag f\u00e1sra a bh\u00ed le f\u00e1il acu sa timpeallacht fhi\u00e1in sin, n\u00ed raibh le f\u00e1il acu, ach cib\u00e9 a bh\u00ed ag f\u00e1s idir, agus i measc, na gcarraigreacha. <\/p>

Ach, n\u00ed raibh na c\u00farsa\u00ed sin ag cur as d\u00fainne, an l\u00e1 bre\u00e1 sin i bhF\u00f3mhar na bliana 1945, an l\u00e1 \u00fad ar ch\u00e9adleag muid sp\u00e1g ar thalamh Cloughballymore, in aice le Cill Cholgain, i gContae na Gaillimhe.<\/p>

N\u00ed raibh an oiread sin difr\u00edochta idir an N\u00f3ibh\u00edseacht seo, agus na Col\u00e1ist\u00ed \u00fad, ar dhein m\u00e9 freastal orthu, sna blianta roimhe sin. Ba \u00e9 an leagan amach c\u00e9anna a bh\u00ed ar ch\u00farsa\u00ed ansin. D\u2019\u00e9ir\u00edmis ar a s\u00e9 a chlog ar maidin, chuile mhaidin, ach amh\u00e1in, nuair a bh\u00edodh saoire de chine\u00e1l eic\u00ednt againn, nuair a d\u2019fh\u00e1gta\u00ed sa leabha sinn, go dt\u00ed an seacht! Ansin, bh\u00edodh paidreacha, Aifreann, glanadh, snasadh, agus a leith\u00e9id, ar chl\u00e1r na maidine d\u00fainn, roimh an mbricfeasta. Seal gairid ansin ag si\u00fal timpeall, ag d\u00e9anamh caitheamh aimsire d\u00fainn fh\u00e9in, agus ina dhiaidh sin, bh\u00edodh ranganna, agus c\u00farsa\u00ed spiorad\u00e1lta idir cham\u00e1in againn go ham l\u00f3in. Ba chos\u00fala le l\u00e9achta\u00ed Ollscoile \u00e1r ranganna, faoin am seo \u00e1fach, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed cead faighte againn \u00f3 Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, cuid mhaith d\u00e1r l\u00e9achta\u00ed a fhreastal, istigh ansin sa N\u00f3ibh\u00edseacht s\u2019againne, ar choin\u00edoll go nd\u00e9anfaimis freastal ar l\u00e9acht, n\u00f3 dh\u00f3, sa tseachtain, istigh san Ollscoil fh\u00e9in. Ba \u00e9 an s\u00e1rscol\u00e1ire, agus an fealsamh aithnidi\u00fail, ild\u00e1nach, an tAthair F\u00e9lim \u00d3 Briain, a bh\u00ed mar Ollamh, agus mar threoir, againn, istigh san Ollscoil. I ngluaiste\u00e1in a th\u00e9imis chun na hOllscoile, i nGaillimh, ar na h\u00f3c\u00e1id\u00ed sin, chuile sheachtain, agus bhainimis toit agus spraoi as na h\u00f3c\u00e1id\u00ed c\u00e9anna, n\u00f3 bh\u00edodh deis againn cuairt a thabhairt ar shiopa\u00ed, le ruda\u00ed ar n\u00f3s milse\u00e1n agus briosca\u00ed a cheannacht, agus geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, gur g\u00e9ar a bh\u00ed na hearra\u00ed c\u00e9anna sin ag teast\u00e1il uainn, ag an am, n\u00f3 b\u00edodh go raibh muid thart ar sc\u00f3r bliain d\u2019aois, ag an am, n\u00ed raibh muid chomh haib\u00ed, glic, is a bheadh daoine d\u00e1r gcomhaois, a mbeadh c\u00f3na\u00ed orthu, amuigh sa saol m\u00f3r. Ar an dtaobh eile den sc\u00e9al, thaitin an staid\u00e9ar agus na l\u00e9achta\u00ed thar barr liom fh\u00e9in, agus n\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, gur ar On\u00f3racha sa Ch\u00e9im a bh\u00ed m\u2019aire fh\u00e9in d\u00edrithe. Is d\u00f3cha go bhf\u00e9adf\u00e1 a r\u00e1 freisin, gur chuir m\u00e9 suim, agus dh\u00e1 shuim, i gc\u00farsa\u00ed spiorad\u00e1lta na N\u00f3ibh\u00edseachta. N\u00edorbh aon ionadh sin, ar bhealach, n\u00f3 n\u00e1r f\u00e1isceadh m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in as pobal spiorad\u00e1lta? Agus nach raibh an creideamh go beo, l\u00e1idir, i measc na muintire ar d\u00edobh me? <\/p>

Bh\u00ed rud amh\u00e1in \u00e1fach, nach raibh r\u00f3-\u00e9asca a dh\u00e9anamh, agus b\u2019in comhairle na n-uachtar\u00e1n a lean\u00faint, gan cheist, i gc\u00f3na\u00ed, gan eisceacht ar bith, cuma c\u00e9 acu cheap t\u00fa fh\u00e9in go mba amad\u00e1n cr\u00edochnaithe \u00e9 an t-uachtar\u00e1n c\u00e9anna sin! Is cuimhin liom go mb\u00edodh leabhar faoi ch\u00farsa\u00ed spiorad\u00e1lta ar an gc\u00farsa againn, leabhar le fear, d\u00e1rb ainm Rodriguez, ba ea \u00e9, mura bhfuil dul am\u00fa orm, agus bh\u00ed sampla\u00ed den umhla\u00edocht ghaisci\u00fail sin le f\u00e1il ann. Seo mar a bh\u00ed i gceann acu… Tharla uair amh\u00e1in, gur th\u00e1inig fear \u00f3g isteach i mainistir, le bheith ina mhanach. Glacadh leis, agus choinnigh an tAbb s\u00fail gh\u00e9ar air, ar feadh roinnt laethanta. Anois, ba fheirmeoir an fear \u00f3g, sular thainig s\u00e9 chun na mainistreach, agus le humhla\u00edocht chr\u00f3ga a mh\u00faineadh d\u00f3, ba \u00e9 an cleachtadh a thug an tAbb d\u00f3, n\u00f3 planda\u00ed cabaiste a chur sa cheap cab\u00e1iste, ach in ionad iad a chur mar a chuirfeadh feirmeoir iad, d\u00fairt an tAbb leis, iad a phlandail bun os cionn, sa chaoi go mbeadh na fr\u00e9amhacha in airde san aer aige. Mura mbeadh s\u00e9 s\u00e1sta sin a dh\u00e9anamh, thabharfa\u00ed bata agus b\u00f3thar d\u00f3, n\u00f3 n\u00ed bheadh s\u00e9 umhal d\u00e1 uachtar\u00e1n, agus sin bunchloch, agus cloch phreachain, shaol na mainistreach. Bh\u00ed sc\u00e9al eile le l\u00e9amh sa chuid ch\u00e9anna den leabhar sin, faoi Abb eile, a raibh cleas difri\u00fail aige, le humhla\u00edocht a mh\u00faineadh d\u00e1 n\u00f3ibh\u00edsigh. Bh\u00edodh manach \u00f3g eile ag obair sa gharra\u00ed ar\u00eds, ach an babhta seo, is amhlaidh a thug an tAbb a mhaide si\u00fail d\u00f3, agus d\u2019iarr air, \u00e9 a phland\u00e1il sa chr\u00e9, agus ansin, teacht ar ais, chuile l\u00e1, \u00e1 uisci\u00fa, faoi mar ba phlada beo \u00e9. Bhuel, i gc\u00e1s an n\u00f3ibh\u00edsigh \u00f3ig seo, rinne s\u00e9 mar ad\u00faradh leis, agus thagadh s\u00e9, chuile l\u00e1, leis an mbata si\u00fail a uisci\u00fa, agus tar \u00e9is m\u00edosa, n\u00f3 mar sin, i mbun na ceirde sin, is amhlaidh a chuir an bata si\u00fail fr\u00e9amhacha uaidh agus d\u2019fh\u00e1s ina phlanda \u00e1lainn sa gharra\u00ed d\u00f3. Ba chomhartha \u00e9 sin, go raibh Dia s\u00e1sta le leibh\u00e9al umhla\u00edochta an n\u00f3ibh\u00edsigh sin. Anois, n\u00ed raibh sna sampla\u00ed sin ach sc\u00e9alta, ach m\u00faineadh d\u00fainne go naomh\u00f3dh umhla\u00edocht d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id sinn, agus moladh d\u00fainn, aithris a dh\u00e9anamh ar an gcine\u00e1l sin iompair. Ag an am, t\u00e1 m\u00e9 cinnte, gur ghlac m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in leis, chomh maith le duine, gur ch\u00f3ir dom an chonair sin a lean\u00faint. Agus t\u00e1 m\u00e9 cinnte freisin, go mba ghn\u00e1th mh\u00faineadh \u00e9 sin, i gCliarscoileanna na t\u00edre, ag an am. N\u00ed h\u00e9 mo thuairim \u00e1fach, go leanfadh n\u00f3ibh\u00edsigh an lae inniu an chonair ch\u00e9anna sin, agus b\u2019fh\u00e9idir n\u00e1r mhiste d\u00f3ibh sin.<\/p>

Anois, b\u00edodh go mb\u00edodh an-chuid ama le caitheamh againn, ag gu\u00ed, ag staid\u00e9ar, agus ag obair, n\u00ed hionann sin is a r\u00e1 gur deineadh dearmad ar chluich\u00ed, n\u00f3 ar chaitheamh aimsire. N\u00edor deineadh, muis! agus bh\u00edodh cluich\u00ed againn cupla uair sa tseachtain. Bh\u00edodh peil, iom\u00e1int, sacar, agus rugar corr uair, againn. D\u00e9arfainn go raibh caighde\u00e1n r\u00e9as\u00fanta ard sroichte againn sna cluich\u00ed c\u00e9anna sin, go h\u00e1irithe sna cluich\u00ed Gaelacha, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed beirt d\u00e1r n\u00f3ibh\u00edsigh ag imirt ar fhoireann Mhaigh Eo, ag an am sin. Sea, mh\u2019anam, beirt Iorrasach, agus beirt dearth\u00e1r de mhuintir Mhic Aindri\u00fa, agus nach bhfuil fhios ag an saol m\u00f3r, go mba Bhair\u00e9adaigh iad muintir Mhic Aindri\u00fa, leis na cianta! Ach n\u00e1r chuma faoin gcaighde\u00e1n. Bhainimis sp\u00f3rt agus spraoi as na cluich\u00ed c\u00e9anna sin, agus b\u00edodh gur chrua a d\u2019imr\u00edomar chuile chluiche, ba chrua i bhfad \u00c9ireann f\u00f3s, a d\u2019imr\u00edomar na Cluich\u00ed C\u00faige a bh\u00edodh againn ar chuile L\u00e1 \u2018le P\u00e1draig. Mar a mh\u00ednigh m\u00e9 cheana, bh\u00edodh mic l\u00e9inn againn \u00f3 chuile chearn den t\u00edr, agus \u00f3 chuile ch\u00faige de ch\u00faig\u00ed \u00c9ireann, agus ansin, uair amh\u00e1in sa bhliain, d\u2019imr\u00edmis cluich\u00ed idirch\u00faig\u00edocha, agus geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, go mb\u00edodh fuil agus feannadh ag gabh\u00e1il leis na cluich\u00ed c\u00e9anna sin, chuile bhliain! Ach, b\u00edodh gur mar sin a bh\u00ed, n\u00edor chuir na h\u00fadar\u00e1is ina gcoinne riamh, is d\u00f3cha gur cheap siad, n\u00e1rbh olc an rud \u00e9, uair amh\u00e1in sa bhliain, deis a thabhairt d\u00fainne, \u00e1r racht a ligean amach, leis na sp\u00e9artha a ghlanadh, faoi mar ad\u00e9arfadh duine!<\/p>

N\u00edl fhios agam, conas a dheintear N\u00f3ibh\u00edseachta\u00ed a sti\u00faradh, na laethe seo, ach nuair a smaoin\u00edonn t\u00fa air, n\u00e1rbh ait an traen\u00e1il a thugta\u00ed d\u2019fhir \u00f3ga, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, le saol an tsagairt a chaitheamh. Th\u00f3gta\u00ed isteach san institi\u00faid sin \u00e9, ar feadh dh\u00e1 bhliain, geall leis, agus i rith an ama sin uilig, choinn\u00edt\u00ed glan scartha \u00e9 \u00f3n saol m\u00f3r thart air. N\u00ed ligt\u00ed d\u00f3 nuacht\u00e1in a l\u00e9amh, n\u00f3 eisteacht leis an raidi\u00f3. Choinn\u00edt\u00ed uaidh amach chuile thionchar \u00f3n dtaobh amuigh, sa chaoi go bhf\u00e9adfadh s\u00e9 a anam a mh\u00fanl\u00fa ar bhealach spiorad\u00e1lta, ar bhealach a bheadh neamhsple\u00e1ch ar fh\u00f3rsa\u00ed truaillitheacha an tsaoil truaillithe seo. Anois n\u00edlim ag ma\u00edomh anseo, go bhfuil bealach n\u00edos fearr n\u00e1 sin le moladh agamsa, n\u00f3 n\u00edl, ach, ag an am gc\u00e9anna, nach gcuirfeadh a leith\u00e9id de leagan amach duine ag smaoineamh? B\u2019fh\u00e9idir go gcuirfeadh, ach, n\u00edor chuir s\u00e9 sinne ag smaoineamh fan an bhealaigh sin, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad. Ghlacamar go huile is go hioml\u00e1n leis an gc\u00f3ras sin, faoi mar a bh\u00ed. Mholamar an t-\u00e1th mar a fuaireamar. Tuige nach nd\u00e9anfadh? N\u00e1r mh\u00ednigh m\u00e9 dhuit thuas, faoin umhla\u00edocht \u00fad a dh\u00e9anfadh bata si\u00fail a uisci\u00fa, chuile l\u00e1, go dt\u00ed go bhf\u00e1sfadh s\u00e9! Nuair a bhreathna\u00edm ar na c\u00farsa\u00ed sin anois, feictear dom go raibh a gciall fh\u00e9in acu si\u00fad a dhr\u00e9acht na beala\u00ed sin le l\u00e9ann an tsagairt a chur ar dhuine, ach ag an am gc\u00e9anna, n\u00ed f\u00e9idir liom \u00e9al\u00f3 \u00f3 na laig\u00ed a bh\u00ed de dhl\u00fath agus d\u2019inneach, sa ch\u00f3ras c\u00e9anna sin. Cuimhnigh anois, go ndeachaigh mise isteach i Cloughballymore House, i Me\u00e1n F\u00f3mhair na bliana, 1945, agus an sc\u00f3r s\u00e1raithe agam ag an am, agus coinn\u00edodh istigh ansin m\u00e9, go dt\u00ed Meitheamh na bliana 1947. I rith an ama sin go l\u00e9ir, n\u00edor ligeadh abhaile ar saoire n\u00f3 tada d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id m\u00e9. Geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, go mba fhada an t-achar \u00e9 sin, d\u2019fhear \u00f3g ar bith, a bheith scartha \u00f3na phobal, agus \u00f3na mhuintir. Ag breathn\u00fa siar ar\u00eds, feictear dhom anois, go n-oirfeadh an cine\u00e1l sin oili\u00fana don t\u00e9 a mbeif\u00ed \u00e1 ullmh\u00fa lena shaol a chaitheamh i mainistir, mar bhall dOrd Cr\u00e1bhaidh, ach ar ullmhaigh s\u00e9 duine lena shaol a chaitheamh ar na misin choigr\u00edche? Bhuel, sin sceal eile ar fad, agus b\u2019fh\u00e9idir gur ch\u00f3ir dul siar ar\u00eds go fr\u00e9amhacha an Ch\u00faige \u00c9ireannaigh den SMA, agus an tionchar a bh\u00ed ag baill na Fraince den Chumann sin, ar bhun\u00fa an SMA anseo in \u00c9irinn, agus ar a gcur chuige si\u00fad, i gc\u00farsa\u00ed oili\u00fana, agus traen\u00e1la d\u00e1 misin\u00e9ir\u00ed. Ach t\u00e1 fait\u00edos orm, go bhfuil sc\u00e9al mhadra na n-ocht gcos d\u00e9anta agam de sc\u00e9al seo na n\u00f3ibh\u00edseachta, ach b\u2019fh\u00e9idir, ar an dtaobh eile den sc\u00e9al, gur thug s\u00e9 deis dom, cuid de mo smaointe ar an \u00e1bhar seo a l\u00e9iri\u00fa anseo dhuit! Ach ar\u00eds, sin sc\u00e9al eile, do l\u00e1 eic\u00ednt eile. B\u00ed liom ar\u00eds sa ch\u00e9ad chaibidil eile, nuair a bheidh m\u00e9 ag cur s\u00edos ar chuid de na heachtra\u00ed a bhain dom, le linn dom bheith im n\u00f3ibh\u00edseach i Cloughballymore House, i gContae na Gaillimhe. Ach ar chraiceann do chluaise, n\u00e1 d\u00e9an dearmad ar sin a dh\u00e9anamh , n\u00f3 t\u00e1 ualach asail de sc\u00e9alta agam, faoin d\u00e1 bhliain sin, a chaith m\u00e9 san institi\u00faid ch\u00e9anna sin.<\/p>

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M\u00f3r idir Inn\u00e9 agus Inniu <\/span><\/strong><\/p>

Caibidil 27<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

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T\u00e1 roinnt seachtain\u00ed caite, \u00f3 scr\u00edobh m\u00e9 an chaibidil deiridh, agus i rith an ama sin, bh\u00ed m\u00e9 ag iarraidh roinnt \u00e1irithe cuimhn\u00ed agus eachtra\u00ed a ard\u00fa \u00f3 ghrinneall loch na gcuimhn\u00ed, \u00e1it ar fhan siad go ci\u00fain, r\u00e9idh, socair, \u00f3 mhaireas iad, thart ar thr\u00ed sc\u00f3r bliain \u00f3 shoin anois. Labhair m\u00e9 cheana, faoin rainse m\u00f3r tal\u00fan a bh\u00ed mar fheirm ag an gCol\u00e1iste \u00fad \u201cCloughballymore\u201d, taobh le hArd Rathain, i gContae na Gaillimhe. N\u00edor den scoth \u00e9, mar rainse, mar a mh\u00ednigh m\u00e9 cheana dhaoibh, n\u00f3 ba thalamh, cos\u00fail le Boireann an Chl\u00e1ir \u00e9, den chuid is m\u00f3, a bh\u00ed ann, ach anseo is ansi\u00fad, bh\u00ed p\u00e1irceanna bre\u00e1tha f\u00e9armhara, agus goirt torth\u00fala, mh\u00e9ithe, tugtha chun m\u00ednt\u00edreachais ag lucht an Chol\u00e1iste, tr\u00ed spreacadh a gcn\u00e1mh agus tr\u00ed hallas a mala\u00ed. Minic freisin, a mbaint\u00ed \u00fas\u00e1id as \u00e1r gc\u00fanamhna, ag cur scoilte\u00e1n, agus ag baint an fh\u00f3mhair sna p\u00e1iraceanna agus sna goirt ch\u00e9anna sin, sea, agus thugaimis c\u00fanamh freisin, nuair a thagadh tr\u00e1th buailte an arbhair ba thoradh ar na goirt ch\u00e9anna sin. Ach, t\u00e1 na c\u00e9apair sin m\u00ednithe agam daoibh cheana, agus b\u00edodh n\u00e1r thaitin an cine\u00e1l sin oibre liom fh\u00e9in, olc, maith, n\u00f3 dona, tharla go raibh m\u00fachadh ag cur orm, an tr\u00e1th sin, n\u00edorbh ionann sin is a r\u00e1, nach raibh orm d\u00e9anamh mar ad\u00faradh liom, n\u00f3 m\u00e1 th\u00e9ann t\u00fa le saighdi\u00faireacht, caithfidh t\u00fa na br\u00f3ga a chaitheamh, agus an raidhfil a iompar.<\/p>

Anois, ba N\u00f3ibh\u00edseacht \u00e9 Col\u00e1iste Cloughballymore, agus bh\u00ed ar chuile dhuine againn dh\u00e1 bhliain, as a ch\u00e9ile, gan gn\u00e1thlaethe saoire, a chaitheamh ansin, le linn d\u00fainn bheith ag foghlaim cheird na sagartachta. N\u00ed hionann sin is a r\u00e1, nach mb\u00edodh aon laethe saoire, in aon chor, againn, n\u00f3 bh\u00edodh, ach bh\u00edodh orainn na laethe saoire c\u00e9anna sin a chaitheamh sa Chol\u00e1iste! Bh\u00edomar in\u00e1r bhfir \u00f3ga, ag an am, thart ar an sc\u00f3r bliana d\u2019aois, agus caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il, go mb\u00edodh cumha \u00e1r nd\u00f3thain orainn, um Nollaig, go h\u00e1irithe, agus cuimhnigh go mb\u00edodh orainn dh\u00e1 Nollaig a chaitheamh ar deora\u00edocht ansin i gCloughballymore na Gaillimhe. Chaitheadh muid roinnt mhaith ama ag d\u00e9anamh mhaisi\u00fach\u00e1in Nollag do na Halla\u00ed M\u00f3ra loma, agus don Aireagal freisin. Chaitheadh muid laethe fada ag cur duilleoga agus caora cuillinn ar shn\u00e1itheanna, len iad a chrochadh mar mhaisi\u00fach\u00e1in, thall is abhus. Bh\u00edodh orainn dul amach ar an iarg\u00fal, leis na toir \u00e1irithe Nollaigi\u00fala sin, a fh\u00e1il, is a bhaint. Fad is a bheadh sin ar si\u00fal ag bu\u00edon amh\u00e1in, bheadh dream eile ag d\u00e9anamh maisi\u00fach\u00e1n \u00e1ille as p\u00e1ip\u00e9ar daite. Nuair a bh\u00edodh chuile sh\u00f3rt crochta, ceangailte, feistithe, againn, geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, go mbeadh s\u00e9 deacair an \u00e1it s\u2019againne a sh\u00e1r\u00fa, chomh fada is a bhain s\u00e9 le maisi\u00fach\u00e1in, agus le horn\u00e1idachas. Ba mh\u00f3r an chabhair an obair sin uilig d\u00fainne, le c\u00fal a chur ar an gcumha ollmh\u00f3r a bh\u00edodh orainn, n\u00f3 i nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, n\u00edor tugadh m\u00f3r\u00e1n deise d\u00fainn teacht in inmhe, n\u00f3 aipi\u00fa, mar ad\u00e9arf\u00e1, riamh, n\u00f3 ba bheag cead a tugadh d\u00fainn \u00e1r mbreith fh\u00e9in a thabhairt ar \u00e1bhar ar bith faoin sp\u00e9ir, ach muid de sh\u00edor ag brath ar uachtar\u00e1in, leis an ngn\u00f3 sin a dh\u00e9anamh d\u00fainn. N\u00ed call a r\u00e1, ach oireadh, go gcaitheadh muid roinnt mhaith ama freisin, ag ullmh\u00fa liot\u00fairge, agus ceoil, le F\u00e9ile na Nollag a cheili\u00faradh, mar ba cheart agus mar ba ch\u00f3ir. <\/p>

Bh\u00edodh saoire againn freisin um Ch\u00e1isc, agus ar\u00eds, chaitheadh muid an-chuid ama, ag ullmh\u00fa do na searmanais uilig, a ghabh le ceili\u00faradh na C\u00e1sca, faoi mar a dheint\u00ed \u00ed a cheili\u00faradh, faoin tseanreacht, roimh an Dara Comhairle Vatac\u00e1ineach. M\u00f3r go deo idir na searmanais sin, agus na searmanais faoi mar at\u00e1 againn, sa l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu ann. Leor dom a r\u00e1, go maireadh cuid de na searmanais sin thart ar thr\u00ed huaire a choig, maidin is tr\u00e1thn\u00f3na. Th\u00f3gadh s\u00e9 an-chuid ama leis na searmanais sin a chleachtadh, agus leis an gceol a ghabh leo, a ullmh\u00fa, sa chaoi nach mbeadh bun cleite amach, n\u00f3 barr cleite isteach, nuair a thagadh an cr\u00fa ar an tairne. Bh\u00edodh deiseanna againn le linn na laethe saoire \u00fad, ceol a chleachtadh, scileanna \u00fas\u00e1ideacha a fhoghlaim, agus cruinnithe a sheoladh freisin.<\/p>

Ar deireadh thiar, thagadh Saoire an tSamhraidh, agus ar\u00eds, chuireadh s\u00e9 sinne ag smaoineamh ar \u00e1r muintir fh\u00e9in sa bhaile, ach faoin am sin, n\u00ed bh\u00edodh an cumha chomh dian sin ar fad, n\u00f3 bh\u00edodh muid bainte den ch\u00edoch, d\u2019fh\u00e9adf\u00e1 a r\u00e1, agus muid ag iarraidh \u00e1r sl\u00ed fh\u00e9in a dh\u00e9anamh sa saol corraitheach a bh\u00ed thart orainn. I dt\u00fas an tSamhraidh, bh\u00edodh C\u00farsa Spiorad\u00e1lta le d\u00e9anamh againn, agus n\u00ed gn\u00e1th ch\u00farsa spiorad\u00e1lta at\u00e1 i gceist agam anseo, ach c\u00farsa spiorad\u00e1lta a mhair ar feadh triocha l\u00e1<\/strong>, ag d\u00e9anamh aithrise ar an tr\u00e1th a chaith \u00e1r Sl\u00e1naitheoir ag troscadh sa bhf\u00e1sach. Cheapfadh duine go mbeadh c\u00farsa d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id an-dian ar fhear \u00f3g, ach, tar \u00e9is roinnt laethe, thiocf\u00e1 isteach air, agus bhainfe\u00e1 idir thairbhe agus thaitheamh as, uaidh sin amach. Ba \u00e9 an pr\u00edomhrud a bh\u00ed idir cham\u00e1in againn, le linn an ch\u00farsa ch\u00e9anna sin, n\u00f3 rogha a dh\u00e9anamh, idir an mhaith agus an t-olc. T\u00e1 dh\u00e1 arm ansin, agus caithfidh t\u00fa dul le taobh amh\u00e1in, n\u00f3 leis an dtaobh eile, n\u00f3 \u201can t\u00e9 nach bhfuil Liom, t\u00e1 s\u00e9 sin im\u2019 choinne\u201d. T\u00e1 dh\u00e1 mheirge amuigh ansin, agus caithfidh t\u00fa sl\u00f3gadh faoi mheirge amh\u00e1in, n\u00f3 faoi\u2019n meirge eile. Sea, mh\u2019anam, caithfidh t\u00fa taobh\u00fa le Dia, n\u00f3 le diabhal. Tar \u00e9is do dhuine, thart ar mh\u00ed a chaitheamh ag smaoineamh, agus ag machtnamh, ar na h\u00e1bhair dhoimhne, bhun\u00fasacha, sin, agus tar \u00e9is d\u00f3 an seal sin a chaitheamh ag gu\u00ed, ag paidreoireacht, agus ag d\u00e9anamh a anama, thiocfadh s\u00e9 amach, ag deireadh an ch\u00farsa spiorad\u00e1lta sin, agus a aigne socraithe, a rogha d\u00e9anta, agus \u00e9 me\u00e1ite ar bhealach a leasa a lean\u00faint feasta, go deireadh a r\u00e9. Deireadh feasta, le Tadhg an d\u00e1 thaobhachas! Chuirfeadh s\u00e9 i gcuimhne do dhuine, miotal ag teacht amach as an bhfoirn\u00e9is, agus \u00e9 ag spr\u00e9acharnaigh le gile, ach n\u00ed bheife\u00e1 ag s\u00fail go bhfanfadh an snas sin air go deo, n\u00f3 b\u00edonn air dul i gcoimhlint leis an saol m\u00f3r amuigh, agus diaidh ar ndiaidh, cailleann s\u00e9 a loinnir, agus tagann meirg air. Ba \u00e9 an sc\u00e9al c\u00e9anna againne \u00e9, n\u00f3 ar a laghad, ba \u00e9 an sc\u00e9al c\u00e9anna agamsa \u00e9. Ach nach \u2019in an saol agat, a mhiceo!<\/p>

Nuair a bh\u00ed an c\u00farsa spiorad\u00e1lta sin cr\u00edochnaithe, bh\u00ed seal saoire againn, agus cead againn dul ag d\u00e9anamh sp\u00f3irt agus spraoi d\u00fainn fh\u00e9in. Th\u00e9imis ag sn\u00e1mh go minic, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed an fharraige an-ch\u00f3ngarach d\u00fainn, agus bh\u00ed c\u00e9ibh bheag ansin, agus roinnt bheag b\u00e1d ceangailte lei, de ghn\u00e1th. Ar \u00e1r mbealach abhaile, tr\u00e1thn\u00f3na amh\u00e1in, chualamar torann eitle\u00e1in chugainn isteach thar farraige, isteach thar Chuan na Gaillimhe. Bh\u00ed s\u00ed ag eitilt an-\u00edseal, agus na rotha\u00ed th\u00edos aici. Rinne s\u00ed orainn ar l\u00e1n-luas, n\u00f3 b\u2019in mar a chonacthas d\u00fainne \u00e9, agus an ch\u00e9ad rud eile, bh\u00ed s\u00ed ag r\u00e9abadh a sl\u00ed tr\u00ed falla\u00ed cloiche agus p\u00e1irc\u00edn\u00ed, tr\u00ed ghoirt agus tr\u00ed mh\u00f3in\u00e9ir. Ar deireadh thiar, stop s\u00ed, tar \u00e9is do na falla\u00ed cloiche sin na hinnill a str\u00f3iceadh aisti, agus tar \u00e9is d\u00f3ibh a bolg a r\u00e9abadh, faoi mar a theas\u00f3dh uathu na put\u00f3ga a ligint lei. Chuamar de ruaig reatha chun an eitle\u00e1in sin, agus b\u2019uaf\u00e1sach an radharc a chonaiceamar, Tri\u00far ar fad a bh\u00ed de chri\u00fa ar an eitle\u00e1n sin. Piol\u00f3ta, a ch\u00fant\u00f3ir, agus fear an raidi\u00f3. Ceart go leor, n\u00ed raibh \u00e9inne acu marbh, ach mura raibh fh\u00e9in, b\u2019olc an crot a bh\u00ed ar chuile dhuine acu. Bh\u00ed siad gortaithe go holc, agus iad cl\u00fadaithe le fuil, ach b\u00edodh go raibh siad lag, l\u00fabach, tar \u00e9is na tion\u00f3isce sin, rinneadar cinnte de, nach ligf\u00ed \u00e9inne d\u00ednne isteach i gc\u00e1b\u00e1n an phiol\u00f3ta, cib\u00e9 ciste a bh\u00ed \u00e1 iompar acu, sa ch\u00e1b\u00e1n c\u00e9anna sin. D\u2019iarradar orainne cabhair a fh\u00e1il d\u00f3ibh, rud a rinneamar, chomh tapaidh agus a d\u2019fh\u00e9adfaimis. Th\u00e1inig na garda\u00ed, gan m\u00f3r\u00e1n moille, agus rinneadarsan a raibh le d\u00e9anamh acu, agus thugamarna an Col\u00e1iste orainn fh\u00e9in, ach n\u00ed gan chuimhneach\u00e1n a d\u2019im\u00edomar. Th\u00f3gamar lann li\u00e1in an eitlle\u00e1in abhaile linn, go Cloughballymore, agus roinnt laethe ina dhiaidh sin, d\u2019\u00e9irigh linn an lann ch\u00e9anna sin a shocr\u00fa i gcoincr\u00e9it, in aice an Chol\u00e1iste, mar chuimhneach\u00e1n ar an eitle\u00e1n \u00fad, a thuairt in aice le cuan na Gaillimhe, sa bhliain sin 1946. Mh\u00ednigh na heitleoir\u00ed d\u00fainn, nach raibh siad ar mhisin troda, n\u00f3 tada d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id, tharla go raibh an cogadh thart ag an am, ach gurbh amhlaidh a raibh an t-eitle\u00e1n a seoladh thar an Atlantach acu, mar chuid de shocr\u00fa idir na St\u00e1it agus Sasana. Ar aon n\u00f3s, d\u2019\u00e9irigh leis na heitleoir\u00ed c\u00e9anna sin na cosa a thabhairt sl\u00e1n leo, an babhta sin, agus cuireadh thar teorainn \u00f3 thuaidh iad, \u00e1it a raibh ar a gcumas, eitilt ar ais abhaile chuig na St\u00e1it Aontaithe ar\u00eds. Bh\u00ed an t-\u00e1dh leo, n\u00f3 b\u2019olc an taobh t\u00edre a roghnaigh siad le tuirlingt \u00e9igeand\u00e1la a dh\u00e9anamh, ach thug an eachtra ch\u00e9anna sin \u00e1bhar cainte d\u00fainne, ar feadh an tSamhraidh sin uilig, agus nach ait mar a fhanann a chuimhne chomh glas sin liom, go dt\u00ed an l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu fh\u00e9in ann? <\/p>

Ba mhaith liom tagairt a dh\u00e9anamh d\u2019eachtra amh\u00e1in eile, a tharla domsa, an Samhradh s\u00e1mh sin, nuair a bh\u00ed s\u00fa na h\u00f3ige ag \u00e9ir\u00ed f\u00f3s sna cn\u00e1mha istigh ionnam. Mh\u00ednigh m\u00e9 dhaoibh cheana, go raibh de n\u00f3s againn an fharraige th\u00edos a thabhairt orainn fh\u00e9in, bun\u00fas chuile l\u00e1, i rith an tSamhraidh. Bhuel, bh\u00ed duine de na sagairt, a bh\u00edodh in\u00e1r mbun, ag an am, a bh\u00ed an-tugtha don bhfarraige agus do bh\u00e1id, agus do sc\u00f3r ruda\u00ed eile, freisin. Ba shagart bre\u00e1, gro\u00ed, Gaelach \u00e9, agus ba mhinic a chaitheadh s\u00e9 an filleadh beag, faoina sh\u00fat\u00e1n, ach b\u2019ar na b\u00e1id agus ar an bhfarraige, a tharraing m\u00e9 an sc\u00e9al anseo. Bhuel, bh\u00edodh b\u00e1d aige th\u00edos ag an gc\u00e9ibh, in \u00e1it ar a dtugaid\u00eds \u201cTarrea\u201d, i mB\u00e9arla, agus ba mhinic a bh\u00edodh an seantsagart seo ag iarraidh n\u00f3sanna agus scileanna na farraige a mh\u00faineadh d\u00fainn. Th\u00f3gadh s\u00e9 dream d\u00ednn amach sa bh\u00e1d leis, agus chuireadh s\u00e9 rialacha na b\u00e1d\u00f3ireaachta i bhfeidhm orainn. \u2018N\u00e1 seas suas i mb\u00e1d riamh,\u2019 adeireadh s\u00e9 linn, agus am eile, chuireadh s\u00e9 iachall orainn na maid\u00ed r\u00e1mha a ligean le ceathr\u00fa, agus c\u00e9ad ord\u00fa eile, at\u00e1 dearmadta agamsa anois leis na blianta, ach ba throm na clocha ar mo phaidr\u00edn iad, ag an am. Bhuel, tharla l\u00e1 amh\u00e1in, nach raibh an tAthair Billy ar an bhf\u00f3d, agus nuair a chuaigh \u00e1r gcomr\u00e1daithe arais chun an Chol\u00e1iste, i ndiaidh doibh seal a chaitheamh ag sn\u00e1mh, d\u2019fhan m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in agus tri\u00far eile ina ndiaidh, ag an gc\u00e9ibh, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed f\u00fainn babhta b\u00e1d\u00f3ireachta a dh\u00e9anamh, linn fh\u00e9in, le cleachtadh a fh\u00e1il amuigh ar an ndomhain. Bh\u00ed socraithe againn freisin, seal a chaitheamh ag iascaireacht sa bh\u00e1, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed na ronnaigh chomh fl\u00fairseach, an t-am sin, gur bheag nach l\u00e9imfeadh siad isteach sa bh\u00e1d chugat. Bh\u00ed ceata\u00ed bheag sa sc\u00e9al \u00e1fach, n\u00f3 n\u00ed raibh leapacha iomartha n\u00f3 cnoga\u00ed ar bith againn, leis na c\u00e9asla\u00ed a choinne\u00e1il socair, le linn d\u00fainn bheith ag iomramh. Ach b\u2019fhear c\u00faramach, \u00fadar\u00e1sach, \u00e9ifeachtach \u00e9 an tAthair Billy, agus b\u00ed cinnte de, nach bhf\u00e1gfadh seisean na leapacha iomartha ina bh\u00e1d, ar eagla go nd\u00e9anfa\u00ed iarracht ar a bh\u00e1d a th\u00f3g\u00e1il gan chead. C\u00e9ard a bh\u00ed le d\u00e9anamh againne \u00e1fach? Theastaigh tr\u00e9imhse b\u00e1d\u00f3ireachta uainne, agus nach cuma n\u00f3 muc fear gan seift. Bhuel, ba \u00e9 a shocraigh muid, n\u00f3 na maid\u00ed r\u00e1mha a cheangal le piosa de r\u00f3pa, ar \u00e1r mbealach trasna, agus ansin, tuigeadh d\u00fainn, go dtabharfadh na hiascair\u00ed thall ar an dtaobh eile den chuan, go dtabharfadh siad leapacha iomartha d\u00fainn, don turas ar ais. Bh\u00ed go maith. Bh\u00ed an b\u00e1 chomh ci\u00fain le p\u00e1na gloine, agus chuamar trasna gan aon r\u00f3-dheacracht. Ach, n\u00ed mar a sh\u00edltear a bh\u00edtear, i gc\u00f3na\u00ed, agus ba \u00e9 an d\u00e1la c\u00e9anna sin againne \u00e9, n\u00f3 nuair a chuamar i dt\u00edr thall, agus nuair a thosa\u00edomar ag cuardach leapacha iomartha, n\u00f3 cnoga\u00ed, ba sc\u00e9al eile ar fad \u00e9, n\u00f3 th\u00edos n\u00f3 thuas, thall n\u00f3 abhus, n\u00ed raibh f\u00e1il ar leapacha iomartha n\u00f3 cnoga\u00ed. N\u00ed raibh f\u00e1il orthu ar \u00f3r, n\u00f3 ar airgead. Is d\u00f3cha n\u00e1r tugadh m\u00f3r\u00e1n airde orainne, mic l\u00e9inn, n\u00f3 ar \u00e1r sc\u00e9al. Bh\u00ed an tr\u00e1thn\u00f3na ag dul i nd\u00e9ana\u00ed, agus tuigeadh d\u00fainn, gur ch\u00f3ir d\u00fainn aghaidh a thabhairt ar \u201cTarrea\u201d ar\u00eds, agus \u00e1r nd\u00edcheall a dh\u00e9anamh an tr\u00e1 thall sin a bhaint amach, ar ais n\u00f3 ar \u00e9igean. Is d\u00f3cha gur tuigeadh d\u00fainn, ag an am, nach raibh an dara rogha againn, ach tabhairt faoin turas c\u00e9anna sin. Rinneamar amhlaidh, ach mo bhr\u00f3n is mo mhilleadh, mar adeireadh na sc\u00e9alaithe fad\u00f3, ba ghearr gur \u00e9irigh an ghaoth, agus gur t\u00f3igeadh an fharraige, d\u00e1 bharr. Geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, go raibh s\u00e9 an-deacair coime\u00e1d ci\u00fain, agus lean\u00faint den r\u00e1mha\u00edocht, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed b\u00e1id\u00edn bocht Bhilly ag \u00e9ir\u00ed is ag titim ar ucht na dtonn. Caitheadh na r\u00f3pa\u00ed, leis an s\u00edor-iomramh, agus b\u2019\u00e9igean d\u00fainn ansin, na maid\u00ed r\u00e1mha a \u00fas\u00e1id, mar a dh\u00e9anadh na hIndiaigh lena gcurracha si\u00fad a iomramh, m\u00e1 b\u2019fh\u00edor do na scann\u00e1in! Ach, i ndeireadh na feide, bhaineamar an ch\u00e9 amach, agus muid scanraithe, s\u00e1raithe, suncaithe, go maith. Rinneamar an b\u00e1d a fheisti\u00fa, mar ba ch\u00f3ir, agus thugamar an b\u00f3thar go dt\u00ed an Col\u00e1iste orainn fh\u00e9in. Bh\u00edothas d\u00edreach r\u00e9idh ansin, le sc\u00e9ala a chur chuig na garda\u00ed, sul a raghaid\u00eds fh\u00e9in amach d\u00e1r gcuardach. N\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1 gur tugadh \u00edde na muc is na madra\u00ed d\u00fainn, ach tuigeadh do chuile dhuine againne, go raibh an sciollad\u00f3ireacht sin tuillte, agus tuillte go maith againn, agus d\u00e1 bhr\u00ed sin, n\u00edor dh\u00fairt muid cat dubh, n\u00f3 cat b\u00e1n, leis na hurar\u00e1is, a thug an l\u00e9asadh teanga sin d\u00fainn. Ar aon n\u00f3s, n\u00edor cuireadh an ruaig as an gCol\u00e1iste orainn, l\u00e1ithreach bonn, ach d\u00faradh linn, bualadh le hUachtar\u00e1n an Chol\u00e1iste, an tr\u00e1thn\u00f3na d\u00e1r gcionn, lena bhreith si\u00fad a chlos. N\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, gur bheag l\u00e1 a bh\u00ed chomh fada leis an l\u00e1 ar na mh\u00e1rach sin, ach ar deireadh, th\u00e1inig an t-am sprioc\u00e1ilte, agus bh\u00edomarna ag creathadh linn ag doras an Uachtar\u00e1in. Ligeadh isteach sinn, agus tar \u00e9is don Uachtar\u00e1n an sc\u00e9al ar fad, faoi chomh hamaid\u00ed, agus chomh cont\u00fairteach, is a bh\u00ed an beart a rinneamar, d\u00fairt s\u00e9 linn, gurbh \u00e9 a thuairim fh\u00e9in, go raibh \u00e1r s\u00e1ith fulaingthe againn cheana f\u00e9in, agus chomh maith le sin, tuigeadh d\u00f3, go raibh chuile chos\u00falacht ar an sc\u00e9al, go raibh \u00e1r gceacht foghlamtha againn, agus nach nd\u00e9anfadh muid beart chomh hamad\u00e1nta sin go deo ar\u00eds, lig s\u00e9 \u00e1r gcosa linn, ar choinn\u00edoll go bhfanfadh muid glan amach \u00f3 na b\u00e1id, fad is a bh\u00edomar ag freastal ar Chol\u00e1iste Chloughballymore. Gheallamar d\u00f3 go bhfanfadh, agus b\u2019in deireadh leis an eachtra mh\u00ed-\u00e1mharach sin. Agus caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il anseo anois, go raibh \u00e1r gceacht foghlamtha againn, n\u00f3 \u00f3n l\u00e1 sin go dt\u00ed an l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu ann, n\u00ed dhearna mise, n\u00f3 \u00e9inne eile den bhu\u00edon, chomh fada is is feasach m\u00e9, iarracht ar bith ar bh\u00e1d gan leapacha iomartha, n\u00f3 cnoga\u00ed, a th\u00f3g\u00e1il ar iasacht, le cuan n\u00f3 le b\u00e1 a thrasn\u00fa!! Agus t\u00e1 chuile chos\u00falacht ar an sc\u00e9al anois, nach bhfuil baol ar bith ann, go nd\u00e9anfaidh m\u00e9 a leith\u00e9id, sna blianta at\u00e1 romhainn amach, ach oiread.<\/p>

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N\u00f3ibh\u00edsigh ar Stailc! <\/span><\/strong><\/p>

Caibidil 28 <\/span><\/strong><\/p>

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Sa chaibidil deiridh bh\u00ed m\u00e9 ag cur s\u00edos ar na laethe, n\u00f3 na blianta, a chaith m\u00e9 im\u2019 n\u00f3ibh\u00edseach i gCloughballymore House, Cill Cholgain, i gContae na Gaillimhe, ach sul m\u00e1 fh\u00e1gaim Cloughballymore House taobh thiar d\u00edom, ba mhaith liom tagairt a dh\u00e9anamh do chupla rud eile, le picti\u00far n\u00edos ioml\u00e1ine den \u00e1it sin a thabhairt don l\u00e9itheoir. B\u2019fh\u00e9idir n\u00e1rbh olc an rud \u00e9, tuairim eic\u00ednt a thabhairt, faoin gcine\u00e1l beatha a chleachta\u00edmis, agus muid in\u00e1r n\u00f3ibh\u00edsigh ansin, d\u00edreach i ndiaidh an dara cogadh domhanda. Ba \u00e9 a bh\u00edodh againn don bhricfeasta, ar maidin, n\u00f3 brach\u00e1n i dtosach, agus ansin, cup\u00e1n tae agus ar\u00e1n, n\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, nach mb\u00edodh im againn le cur ar an ar\u00e1n sin, n\u00ed bh\u00edodh againne ach margair\u00edn. D\u00e1r nd\u00f3igh choinn\u00edt\u00ed an t-im do na sagairt a bh\u00ed in\u00e1r mbun! Diabhal locht ar bith ar an gcine\u00e1l sin beatha, ad\u00e9arfadh duine, b\u2019fh\u00e9idir, agus bheadh an ceart aige, ach amh\u00e1in in\u00e1r gc\u00e1sna, bh\u00ed ceata\u00ed sa sc\u00e9al, n\u00f3 i gc\u00e1s an ar\u00e1in sin de, d\u2019fh\u00e9adf\u00e1 a r\u00e1, nach raibh s\u00e9 inite in aon chor. Ba \u00e9 an rud a tharla, n\u00f3 gur dhein \u00fadar\u00e1is an Chol\u00e1iste a gcuid cruithneachta fh\u00e9in a mheilt ina pl\u00far, agus b\u2019as an bpl\u00far sin a dh\u00e9anaid\u00eds \u00e1r n-ar\u00e1n laeth\u00fail a fhuint. Anois, bh\u00ed an iomarca taise sa chruithneacht sin tar \u00e9is drochfh\u00f3mhar na bliana \u00fad 1947 , agus d\u00e1 bharr sin, n\u00ed bh\u00edodh inite de na buil\u00edn\u00ed a dh\u00e9anaid\u00eds aisti, ach an screamh, agus b\u2019in d\u00edreach an m\u00e9id de a d\u2019ithimis, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed an chuid eile ina thaos, gan chuma an ar\u00e1in chor ar bith air. Bh\u00ed go maith. Leanamar linn ag iarraidh maireacht\u00e1il ar an bpraiseach sin, ar feadh tamaill, ach ansin chuireamar stailc suas, agus chuireamar in i\u00fal do na h\u00fadar\u00e1is, nach gcuirfeadh muid suas lena leith\u00e9id de bhia, a thuilleadh. Bhuel, a st\u00f3r mo chro\u00ed th\u00fa! ba bheag nach ndeachaigh siad le b\u00e1in\u00ed ar chlos an m\u00e9id sin d\u00f3ibh. Ba bheag nach gceapf\u00e1 gur orainne a bh\u00ed an locht ar fad, n\u00f3 d\u00e1r leosan, ba cheart, agus ba ch\u00f3ir, do n\u00f3ibh\u00edsigh, bheith s\u00e1sta cur suas lena leith\u00e9id, agus gan sc\u00e9al mhadra na n-ocht gcos a dh\u00e9anamh de! Chaitheadar seal ar a marana. Bh\u00edomarna ag ceapadh go dtabharfa\u00ed bata agus b\u00f3thar do chuid againn, ach ar deireadh thiar, tuigeadh d\u00f3ibh, nach raibh dh\u00e1 cheann ar dhuine ar bith againn, agus nach raibh \u00e1 dh\u00e9anamh againn, ach an rud a dh\u00e9anfadh siad fh\u00e9in, d\u00e1 mbeadh siadsan in\u00e1r gc\u00e1sna, rud nach raibh, n\u00f3 fuaireadarsan a gcuid ar\u00e1in fh\u00e9in \u00f3 bh\u00e1c\u00fas i gCathair mh\u00f3r na Gaillimhe. Bhuel, ba \u00e9 deireadh an sc\u00e9il sin \u00e9, n\u00f3 gur stop siad d\u00e1 gcruithneacht fh\u00e9in a mheilt, agus gur thosaigh siad ag ceannacht ar\u00e1in isteach \u00f3n mb\u00e1c\u00fas sin i gCathair na Gaillimhe. N\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, go mba mh\u00f3r an faoiseamh d\u00fainne, an socr\u00fa sin.<\/p>

Bh\u00edodh an dinn\u00e9ar againn, thart ar mhe\u00e1nlae, agus ba \u00e9 a bh\u00edodh againn don bh\u00e9ile sin n\u00f3 anraith, de chineal eic\u00ednt, i dtosach, agus ansin, bh\u00edodh feoil, fata\u00ed, agus glasra eic\u00ednt \u00e1 dtionlacan, agus b\u00edodh nach mb\u00edodh ceann ar bith acu thar mholadh beirte, de r\u00e9ir chaighde\u00e1n an lae inniu, ag an am gc\u00e9anna, caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il go gcuirfeadh siad c\u00fal ar an ocras, agus go s\u00e1s\u00f3dh siad sinn, go ceann scathaimh, ach go h\u00e1irithe. Anois, caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il, go raibh cupla glasra n\u00e1r thaitin in aon chor liom fh\u00e9in, agus b\u2019iad sin, cainneann, agus biatas dearg. Bh\u00edodh milseog de chineal eic\u00ednt againn freisin, le cr\u00edoch a chur le chuile dhinn\u00e9ar acu. L\u00e1 amh\u00e1in bheadh r\u00eds ar bhainne againn, l\u00e1 eile, bheadh \u00falla bruite agus custard, agus l\u00e1 eile f\u00f3s, bheadh mar\u00f3g ar\u00e1in mar mhilseog againn. N\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, go dtaitna\u00edodh an milseoga c\u00e9anna liomsa, ach go h\u00e1irithe. D\u00e1r nd\u00f3igh, i gc\u00e1s cuid de na buachaill\u00ed, a bh\u00ed n\u00edos beada\u00ed n\u00e1 mise, n\u00ed bh\u00edodh meas an mhadra acu ar na milseoga c\u00e9anna sin, agus b\u2019in an f\u00e1th go mb\u00edodh thar mo dh\u00f3thain le n-ithe agamsa, chuile l\u00e1, geall leis! N\u00edor luaigh m\u00e9 nach mb\u00edodh cead cainte againn le linn \u00e1r ndinn\u00e9ir! Bhuel, n\u00ed bh\u00edodh, n\u00f3 is amhlaidh a bh\u00edodh leabhar eic\u00ednt \u00e1 l\u00e9amh, i rith an bh\u00e9ile, leabhar a mb\u00edodh blas spiorad\u00e1lta air, de ghn\u00e1th. <\/p>

Don tae, ansin, bh\u00edodh, b\u2019fh\u00e9idir, br\u00fait\u00edn, maraon le har\u00e1n agus margair\u00edn, agus cup\u00e1n tae, n\u00f3 caif\u00e9, mar bh\u00ed tae gann go leor, an t-am sin.<\/p>

Nuair a chuimhn\u00edonn t\u00fa air, is d\u00f3cha go mbeadh ort a r\u00e1, nach raibh basctha de mar bheatha, ach d\u2019\u00f3g\u00e1naigh, a raibh goile na seacht bhfathach acu, ag an am sin, b\u2019\u00e9 a locht a laghad, chuile bhabhta. Ag breathn\u00fa siar air anois, is iad na smaointe a thagann thar nais chugamsa faoi na b\u00e9il\u00ed sin, n\u00f3 an chaoi ar leagadh os \u00e1r gcomhair iad, d\u2019fh\u00e9adfa\u00ed iad a chur i l\u00e1thair ar bhealach i bhfad n\u00edos taitneamha\u00ed, agus n\u00edos meallta\u00ed, b\u2019fh\u00e9idir, ach taobh amuigh den ar\u00e1n \u00fad, bh\u00edodh a mbun\u00fas inite, agus chomh maith le sin, is d\u00f3cha go raibh s\u00e9 an-deacair srian a chur ar an gcaiteachas ar bhianna d\u00fainne, n\u00f3 i nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, d\u2019iosfadh muid an diabhal fh\u00e9in, gan salann, gan anlann, d\u00e1 bhfaigheadh muid bruite \u00e9, ag an am sin. Is d\u00f3cha gur leor sin mar chuntas ar an gcine\u00e1l beatha a thugta\u00ed d\u00fainne, n\u00f3ibh\u00edsigh, i gCloughballymore House, idir Mhe\u00e1n F\u00f3mhair 1945, agus Meitheamh 1947.<\/p>

Bh\u00ed \u00fallord ollmh\u00f3r ag an gCol\u00e1iste, agus b\u2019orainne a thit s\u00e9, aire a thabhairt don \u00fallord c\u00e9anna sin. Bh\u00edodh orainn \u00e9 a choinne\u00e1il deas, n\u00e9ata, i rith na bliana, agus sa bhF\u00f3mhar ach go h\u00e1irithe, bh\u00edodh orainne na tortha\u00ed a d\u2019fh\u00e1s san \u00fallord c\u00e9anna sin a bhaint, a chnuasach, agus a chur ar st\u00f3r, ionnas go mbeadh raidhse \u00falla agus tortha\u00ed eile againn, a choinneodh tortha\u00ed linn, go dt\u00ed an tr\u00e1th sin bliana ar\u00eds. N\u00e1r bhre\u00e1 go deo an obair d\u00fainne sa bhF\u00f3mhar \u00e9, bheith amuigh san \u00fallord sin ag baint \u00fall. N\u00ed g\u00e1 dhom a r\u00e1, go mb\u00edodh l\u00e1n-chead againn \u00e1r nd\u00f3thain \u00fall a ithe, le linn na hoibre sin. B\u2019fh\u00e9idir nach bhfuil s\u00e9 sin f\u00edor, amach is amuigh, ach cuirfidh m\u00e9 mar seo \u00e9, d\u2019ithimis \u00e1r nd\u00f3thain \u00fall agus sinn ag cnuasach na n-\u00fall sin! N\u00ed h\u00e9 sin amh\u00e1in \u00e9, ach th\u00f3gaimis roinnt \u00fall linn, i ngan fhios, agus choinn\u00edmis sa Suanlios iad, le c\u00fal a chur ar an ocras, d\u00e1 mbeadh g\u00e1 lena leith\u00e9id, n\u00f3 bhainimis \u00fas\u00e1id astu freisin, nuair a thagadh fonn beada\u00edochta orainn, i rith an lae, n\u00f3 d\u2019fh\u00e9adfaimis dul isteach sa Suanlios, i ngan fhios, agus \u00fall bre\u00e1, aibidh, dearg, a thabhairt linn, le bheith ag baint sclaimheanna as, nuair nach mbeadh duine ar bith de na sagairt sa timpeall!<\/p>

Bh\u00edodh gn\u00f3 eile le d\u00e9anamh againn san \u00fallord c\u00e9anna sin freisin, n\u00f3 istigh ansin, bh\u00edodh bl\u00e1thcheapacha ina sc\u00f3rtha againn, le bl\u00e1thanna a choinne\u00e1il leis an alt\u00f3ir, \u00f3 cheann ceann na bliana. Chuir m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in s\u00e1r-aithne ar na bl\u00e1thcheapacha sin, n\u00f3 chaith m\u00e9 seal im shacraisteoir, agus d\u00e1 bharr sin, b\u2019ormsa a thit s\u00e9, bl\u00e1thanna deasa \u00fara a choinne\u00e1il ar na halt\u00f3ir\u00ed, chuile l\u00e1, agus \u00f3 cheann ceann na bliana sin. Thaitin an post sin go m\u00f3r liom, n\u00f3 ba san ionad sin a chaithinnse m\u2019am, nuair a bh\u00edodh na n\u00f3ibh\u00edsigh eile amuigh ag obair go dian ar na b\u00f3ithr\u00edn\u00ed, n\u00f3 ag scuabadh, ag glanadh, ag snasadh, is ag d\u00e9anamh cib\u00e9 cine\u00e1l oibre, a bheadh leagtha amach d\u00f3ibh le linn \u00e1r sealanna oibre, \u00f3 l\u00e1 go l\u00e1. Bh\u00edodh de dhualgas ormsa, an tAireagal a choinne\u00e1il glan, n\u00e9ata, snasta. Sea, agus bh\u00edodh orm freisin, aire a thabhairt do na soithigh coisricthe, agus \u00e9ide an Aifrinn a leagan amach do na sagairt, chuile thr\u00e1thn\u00f3na, sa chaoi go mbeadh siad ullamh ansin d\u00f3ibh ar maidin.<\/p>

N\u00edor luaigh m\u00e9, go nuige seo, gur chaith m\u00e9 bliain im chinnire ar n\u00f3ibh\u00edsigh an Chol\u00e1iste. Ba bhre\u00e1 taitneamhach an gn\u00f3 \u00e9 sin, agus i nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, bh\u00ed s\u00e9 \u00e9asca go maith dualgais\u00ed an phoist sin a choimhl\u00edonadh. Ba \u00e9 an gn\u00f3 ba mh\u00f3 a bh\u00ed le d\u00e9anamh ag an gcinnire, n\u00f3 fan\u00faint i dteangmh\u00e1il leis na n\u00f3ibh\u00edsigh, sa chaoi go dtuigfeadh s\u00e9 d\u00edreach c\u00e9ard a bheadh ag d\u00f3 na geirbe acu, \u00f3 am go ch\u00e9ile. Ansin, bheadh ar a chumas, leagan \u00e1irithe de sin a chur in i\u00fail do na h\u00fadar\u00e1is, agus ar an dtaobh eile den sc\u00e9al sin, bheadh an cinnire i dteangmh\u00e1il leis na h\u00fadar\u00e1is, agus thuigfeadh s\u00e9 c\u00e9ard a bheadh ag d\u00f3 na geirbe acusan freisin, agus ansin, d\u2019fh\u00e9adfadh s\u00e9 leagan \u00e1irithe de sin a chur in i\u00fal do na n\u00f3ibh\u00edsigh. N\u00edl dabht ar domhan, n\u00f3 gur bhraith toradh a chinnireachta ar chomh maith is a d\u2019\u00e9irigh leis an d\u00e1 thr\u00e1 sin a fhreastal. Bh\u00ed graith\u00ed beaga eile le d\u00e9anamh ag an gcinnire freisin. B\u2019eisean a bheadh i gceannas nuair a bh\u00edodh na mic l\u00e9inn ag d\u00e9anamh a gcuid staid\u00e9ir sa Halla M\u00f3r, chuile thr\u00e1thn\u00f3na, agus i nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, bh\u00ed seisean i bhfeighil c\u00farsa\u00ed, am ar bith nach mbeadh sagart ansin le s\u00fail a choinne\u00e1il ar ch\u00farsa\u00ed. Caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il, gur thaitin an post sin go m\u00f3r liom, agus ag breathn\u00fa siar anois ar ch\u00farsa\u00ed na bliana sin, d\u00e9arfainn, n\u00e1r \u00e9irigh go r\u00f3-dhona liom dualgais\u00ed na hoifige sin a chur i gcr\u00edch, le linn dom bheith in \u00faim don ghn\u00f3 sin. Thug an post sin deis dom freisin, teacht i gcabhair ar n\u00f3ibh\u00edseach ar bith a bheadh i dtriobl\u00f3id, ar bhealach amh\u00e1in, n\u00f3 ar bhealach eile. Ar bhealach, bh\u00ed gn\u00f3 an chinnire an-chos\u00fail le gn\u00f3 an ph\u00f3il\u00edn. Bh\u00ed s\u00e9 ansin le rialacha an Chol\u00e1iste a chur i bhfeidhm, agus d\u00e1 dteipfeadh air sin a dh\u00e9anamh i gc\u00e1s mhic l\u00e9inn ar bith, ansin bheadh de dhualgas air, sin a chur in i\u00fal do na h\u00fadar\u00e1is, agus cead acusan ansin cib\u00e9 rud ba mhaith leo a dh\u00e9anamh, le c\u00farsa\u00ed a chur ina gceart ar\u00eds. Ach, chomh fada is is cuimhin liom anois, n\u00ed bh\u00edodh orm dul chuig na h\u00fadar\u00e1is ach go f\u00edor-annamh, n\u00f3 bh\u00edodh na mic l\u00e9inn fh\u00e9in bre\u00e1, toilteanach, do chomhairle a ghlacadh, agus rud a dh\u00e9anamh ort, agus b\u2019in an bealach ab\u2019 fhearr le dualgais\u00ed an phoist sin a chur i gcr\u00edch. <\/p>

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Ar th\u00f3ir na Cr\u00e1ifeachta<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

Caibidil 29 <\/span><\/strong><\/p>

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Is d\u00f3cha go gcuirfeadh an saol a bh\u00ed againn i gCloughballymore House an v\u00e9arsa \u00fad, a chum an file anaithnid, fad\u00f3, i gcuimhne do dhuine… <\/p>

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Aoibhinn beatha an scol\u00e1ire<\/p>

Bh\u00edos ag d\u00e9anamh l\u00e9inn;<\/p>

Is follas daoibh a dhaoine,<\/p>

Gur d\u00f3 is aoibhne in \u00c9irinn.<\/p>

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N\u00edl dabht ar domhan, ach go raibh saol aoibhinn againn sa Chol\u00e1iste sin. Chaitheamar \u00e1r laethe ag d\u00e9anamh staid\u00e9ir ar fheals\u00fanacht, agus ar oideachas, ar chr\u00e1ifeacht agus ar naofacht. B\u00ed cinnte, go mb\u00edodh \u00e1r dtriobl\u00f3id\u00ed fh\u00e9in againn, i rith an achair a chaitheamar ansin, ach, ag breathn\u00fa siar anois ar na laethe a chaitheamar ann, Dheamhan dabht ar domhan, ach go raibh saol an mhadaidh bh\u00e1in againn, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad. Rinne m\u00e9 tagairt don staid\u00e9ar a dheineamar ar fh\u00e9insmacht, agus ar an leabhar \u00fad leis an scr\u00edbhneoir spiorad\u00e1lta sin, Rodriguez,<\/strong> agus mar a chuaigh an leabhar sin i bhfeidhm orainn. Is cuimhin liom an chaoi a mb\u00edodh na mic l\u00e9inn ag iarraidh smacht a fh\u00e1il ar ainmhianta na colainne, tr\u00ed throscadh, tr\u00ed phion\u00f3s, agus tr\u00ed st\u00edl bheatha shl\u00e1inti\u00fail a chleachtadh. Is cuimhin liom n\u00f3ibh\u00edsigh a fheice\u00e1il amuigh ag si\u00fal, maidin seaca, agus iad ag coinne\u00e1il a l\u00e1mha as a bp\u00f3ca\u00ed, ar mhaithe le pion\u00f3s a ghearradh orthu fh\u00e9in, sea, agus d\u2019fheicfe\u00e1 iad b\u2019fh\u00e9idir, ar a ngl\u00fana ag Uaimh Mhaisithe na Maighdine, mar a gcaithfheadh siad seal ag gu\u00ed, agus iad pr\u00e9achta leis an bhfuacht. D\u2019fheicfe\u00e1 fear acu freisin, agus \u00e9 ag f\u00e1g\u00e1il leath a dhinn\u00e9ir ina dhiaidh ar an bpl\u00e1ta, c\u00e9 go mbeadh s\u00e9 sti\u00factha leis an ocras, ag an am gc\u00e9anna sin! Fear eile, a chuirfeadh litir a fuair s\u00e9 tr\u00edd an bpost, isteach ina ph\u00f3ca, le smacht a fh\u00e1il ar a fhiosracht fh\u00e9in. Sea, agus choinneodh s\u00e9 an litir sin sa ph\u00f3ca, go ceann uair a\u2019 chloig, n\u00f3 n\u00edos faide, b\u2019fh\u00e9idir. Bh\u00edodh a bhealach fh\u00e9in chun na cr\u00e1ifeachta le fionnadh ag chuile n\u00f3ibh\u00edseach, as a stuaim fh\u00e9in, n\u00f3 b\u2019eisean amh\u00e1in a thuig c\u00e9rbh iad na mianta, ar gh\u00e1 iad a smacht\u00fa, b\u2019in iad na mianta a bh\u00ed \u00e1 sheoladh ar bhealach a aimhleasa. Cheapf\u00e1 nach mbeadh fir \u00f3ga s\u00e1sta a leith\u00e9id de phion\u00f3s a ghearradh orthu fh\u00e9in, agus b\u2019fh\u00e9idir nach mbeadh, sa l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu ann, ach ag an am \u00e1irithe sin, tuigeadh d\u00fainne, go mba n\u00e1d\u00fartha go maith an gn\u00f3 a bh\u00ed idir cham\u00e1in againn, agus muid ag f\u00e1il smachta ar mhianta agus ar ainmhianta \u00e1r gcolainne. Tuigeadh do na N\u00f3ibh\u00edsigh, go raibh t\u00e1bhacht ag baint lena raibh \u00e1 dh\u00e9anamh acu agus iad i mbun an ghn\u00f3 sin, n\u00f3 tuigeadh d\u00f3ibh, gurbh \u00e9 sin a neart\u00f3dh an cn\u00e1mh droma iontu, sa chaoi go mbeadh ar a gcumas dul i ngleic leis na f\u00f3rsa\u00ed a thiocfadh ina gcoinne, i gcathanna agus i gcomhlainn iomad\u00fala an tsaoil a bh\u00ed rompu amach.<\/p>

Ar dhein m\u00e9 tagairt ar bith f\u00f3s do Gheimhreadh crua g\u00e1ifeach na bliana 1947? Bhuel, bh\u00edos fh\u00e9in sa N\u00f3ibh\u00edseacht i gCloughballymore an bhliain sin, agus geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, go mba chrua an tr\u00e9imhse againne \u00e9, \u00f3 thaobh aimsire dhe. Thosaigh an sneachta i Mi Feabhra, agus d\u2019fhan ar an talamh go dt\u00ed an 19\u00fa de Mh\u00e1rta na bliana sin. Is d\u00f3cha go gcaithfear a r\u00e1 go raibh teas l\u00e1rnach aibhl\u00e9ise againn, ach m\u00e1 bh\u00ed fh\u00e9in, is cinnte nach raibh an c\u00f3ras c\u00e9anna sin thar mholadh beirte, agus is f\u00e9idir liom f\u00f3s fuacht na mbr\u00e1ill\u00edn\u00ed b\u00e1na, stalctha, o\u00edche sheaca, a thabhairt chun cuimhne, go gl\u00e9, glinn, soil\u00e9ir, f\u00f3s. T\u00e1 m\u00e9 ag ceapadh, go mb\u00edodh thart ar ch\u00faig, n\u00f3 s\u00e9 cinn, de bhlainc\u00e9id os \u00e1r gcionn againn, na ho\u00edcheannta sin, ach m\u00e1 bh\u00ed fh\u00e9in, bheadh ort tamall a chaitheamh f\u00fathu, i dtosach, sula bhf\u00e9adf\u00e1 aon teas ar f\u00f3namh a fh\u00e1il uathu. N\u00ed bh\u00edodh aon r\u00f3-fhonn orainn ansin \u00e1r sp\u00e1ga a leagan ar an url\u00e1r, nuair a chloisimis an clog d\u00faisithe \u00e1 bhualadh ar a s\u00e9 a chlog ar maidin, agus fear an chloig ag beann\u00fa d\u00fainn lena \u201c Benedicamus Domino\u201d! agus muidinne ag iarraidh \u201cDeo Gratias\u201d a thabhairt mar fhreagra ar an mbeannacht sin, le moiche na maidine fuaire, feannta\u00ed. N\u00e1r chrua an gn\u00f3 \u00e9 ansin, sinn fh\u00e9in a n\u00ed, agus a bhearradh, le huisce fuar. Deirimse fuar, feanntach, leat! Bhainfeadh s\u00e9 an craiceann anuas d\u00edot, bh\u00edodh s\u00e9 chomh fuar sin.<\/p>

N\u00ed bh\u00edodh ar \u00e1r gcumas cluich\u00ed a imirt, na laethe \u00fad, n\u00f3 bh\u00edodh P\u00e1irc an Bh\u00e1ire faoi bhrat sneachta, ach mar sin fh\u00e9in, bh\u00edodh fonn orainn bheith amuigh. Chuireadh muid \u00e1r n-\u00e9ide peile orainn fh\u00e9in, agus th\u00e9adh muid amach ar fud na bhfud. Chaithimis seal ag sleamhn\u00fa ar leac oighre , agus seal eile ag troid le liathr\u00f3id\u00ed sneachta. Bh\u00edodh muid fuar feannta, i dtosach, ach ba ghearr an mhoill orainn sinn fh\u00e9in a th\u00e9amh, agus ag deireadh thiar thall, bh\u00edodh muid r\u00f3sta te, tar eis na hacla\u00edochta uilig, agus b\u2019in a choinnigh bre\u00e1 sl\u00e1inti\u00fail muid, le linn na seachtain\u00ed fada uilig, a raibh greim docht daingean,do-scaoilte, ag an sneachta, ar thalamh agus ar uisce. Geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, gur chuireamar f\u00e1ilte agus fiche roimh an choscairt, nuair a th\u00e1inig s\u00ed, ar deireadh thiar, mar nach m\u00edn\u00e1d\u00fartha an saol \u00e9 nuair a bh\u00edonn clocha ceangailte agus madra\u00ed scaoilte! <\/p>

Bh\u00ed ar \u00e1r gcumas filleadh ar ghn\u00e1thshaol na N\u00f3ibh\u00edseachta ar\u00eds, agus dul go Cathair na dTreabh, chuig an Ollscoil ansin, uair sa tseachtain, le freastal ar l\u00e9achta\u00ed \u00f3n nDocht\u00fair F\u00e9lim \u00d3 Briain, O.F.M. B\u2019iontach go deo an fh\u00e1ilte a bh\u00edodh againn roimh na cuairteanna sin a thugaimis ar an Ollscoil. Thug s\u00e9 deis d\u00fainn, dul i dteangmh\u00e1il leis an saol m\u00f3r amuigh, ar feadh tamaill\u00edn, fi\u00fa. Bh\u00edodh deis againn \u00e1r gcomhr\u00e1 a dh\u00e9anamh le gn\u00e1thdhaoine, leis an ollamh, agus len\u00e1r gcomhdhalta\u00ed, freisin. Thugadh an Docht\u00fair \u00d3 Briain corrl\u00e9acht d\u00fainn tr\u00ed Ghaeilge, rud a chabhraigh linn sp\u00e9is sa teanga sin, a choth\u00fa agus a neart\u00fa. Is cuimhin liom l\u00e9acht amh\u00e1in a thug an Docht\u00fair d\u00fainn faoi bhaill ghini\u00fana an daonna\u00ed, agus bh\u00ed s\u00e9 ag iarraidh chuile sh\u00f3rt a mh\u00edni\u00fa, tr\u00ed phicti\u00fair a tharraingt ar an gcl\u00e1r dubh d\u00fainn. Ach m\u00e1 bh\u00ed fh\u00e9in, n\u00ed d\u00e9arfainn go raibh a chuid l\u00edn\u00edochta thar mholadh beirte, agus bh\u00ed muidinne ag iarraidh smacht eic\u00ednt a choinne\u00e1il ar an bhfonn diabhalta g\u00e1ire, a mh\u00fascail na picti\u00fair ar an gcl\u00e1r dubh ionainn. Anois, tharla go raibh cupla Proinsiasc\u00e1nach \u00f3ga sa rang freisin, agus theip ar fhear acu sin srian a choinne\u00e1il ar an bhfonn g\u00e1ire a bh\u00ed \u00e1 ch\u00e9asadhsan, agus phl\u00e9asc an fear bocht amach ag g\u00e1ir\u00ed. Bhuel! Stop an tOllamh. Bhreathnaigh thart. Thug faoi deara gur dhuine d\u00e1 \u00e1l fh\u00e9in a bh\u00ed sna tr\u00edth\u00ed. Leag s\u00e9 uaidh an chailc, agus tar \u00e9is na s\u00fal a chur tr\u00ed mo dhuine, thug s\u00e9 faoi, agus n\u00edor stop s\u00e9 go raibh an mac l\u00e9inn Proinsiasc\u00e1nach bocht sin feannta go cn\u00e1mh aige. Ansin, th\u00f3g suas an chailc ar\u00eds, agus lean air, faoi mar n\u00e1r tharla a dhath le fearg a chur air. B\u2019oscailt s\u00fal d\u00fainne \u00e9, n\u00f3 go dt\u00ed an pointe sin, cheapamar nach raibh an dara duine ar an saol chomh s\u00e9imh, l\u00e1ch, cine\u00e1lta, leis an nDocht\u00fair F\u00e9ilim \u00d3 Briain. Bh\u00ed trua againn uilig don bProinsiasc\u00e1nach \u00f3g, n\u00f3 thuigeamar d\u00f3!<\/p>

Anois, \u00f3 tharla go raibh C\u00e9im On\u00f3racha idir cham\u00e1in agam fh\u00e9in, n\u00ed dhearna m\u00e9 aon scr\u00fad\u00fa i Meitheamh na bliana sin 1947, ach is amhlaidh a th\u00f3g m\u00e9 mo leabhair, is mo n\u00f3ta\u00ed, abhaile liom le staid\u00e9ar a dh\u00e9anamh sa bhaile, i rith an tSamhraidh bhu\u00ed, \u00e1lainn, sin 1947. D\u2019fhill m\u00e9 ar chathair na Gaillimhe ansin, i Me\u00e1n F\u00f3mhair na bliana sin, le scr\u00fad\u00fa na C\u00e9ime On\u00f3ra\u00ed sin a dh\u00e9anamh. Bh\u00edomar ag cur f\u00fainn, m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in agus mo chomhleacaithe, a bh\u00ed ar th\u00f3ir On\u00f3racha freisin, i dteach aoichta i mB\u00f3thar na Tr\u00e1, agus muid ag dul isteach chun na hOllscoile, le haghaidh na scr\u00faduithe. N\u00e1r bhre\u00e1 an saol a bh\u00ed againn. Sea. Mh\u2019anam! <\/p>

Aoibhinn beatha an scol\u00e1ire<\/p>

Bh\u00edos ag d\u00e9anamh l\u00e9inn;<\/p>

Is follas daoibh a dhaoine,<\/p>

Gur d\u00f3 is aoibhne in \u00c9irinn.<\/p>

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Bhuel, t\u00e1 s\u00fail agam, gur thug m\u00e9 picti\u00far eic\u00ednt daoibh, den chine\u00e1l saoil a bh\u00ed againne, agus muid ag freastal ar an N\u00f3ibh\u00edseacht \u00fad, i gCloughballymore House, thart ar thr\u00ed sc\u00f3r bliain \u00f3 shoin anois. <\/p>

Ach sa ch\u00e9ad chaibidil eile, bheidh m\u00e9 ag cur s\u00edos ar m\u2019eachtra\u00ed agus ar m\u2019imeachta\u00ed, in\u00e1r gCliarscoil fh\u00e9in, i nDroim an tS\u00edn, n\u00f3 i Dromantine, mar a thugta\u00ed uirthi i dteanga na Banr\u00edona, mar ar chaith m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in seal de bhlianta, idir 1947 agus 1950, nuair a thr\u00e9ig m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in an Chliarscoil, le dul le m\u00fainteoireacht.<\/p>

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Cliarscoil Dhroim an tS\u00edn <\/span><\/strong><\/p>

Caibidil 30 <\/span><\/strong><\/p>

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I Me\u00e1n F\u00f3mhair na bliana 1947, chaith m\u00e9 deich l\u00e1, n\u00f3 mar sin, i gCathair na Gaillimhe, ag d\u00e9anamh na Scr\u00faduithe C\u00e9ime. Bh\u00ed an aimsir go h\u00e1lainn, agus chomh fada agus is cuimhin liom anois, n\u00ed raibh aon r\u00f3-dheacracht ag baint leis na scr\u00faduithe c\u00e9anna sin. Bh\u00ed an t-ullmh\u00fach\u00e1n uilig d\u00e9anta agam i rith an tSamhraidh bhre\u00e1, bhrothallaigh sin, thiar in Iorras na nIontas, agus n\u00edor bhain aon cheann de na P\u00e1ip\u00e9ir On\u00f3racha, sa scr\u00fad\u00fa sin, aon stangadh asamsa. Bh\u00ed a shliocht orm, n\u00f3 nuair a th\u00e1inig na tortha\u00ed chugam ar ball, fuair m\u00e9 amach, gur \u00e9irigh liom go seoigh, sa Scr\u00fad\u00fa C\u00e9ime sin, agus bronnadh an Ch\u00e9im sin orm, ar ball, an ch\u00e9ad duine de Bhair\u00e9adaigh Iorrais a bhain c\u00e9im amach in Ollscoil N\u00e1isi\u00fanta na h\u00c9ireann riamh. Ach, b\u00edodh a fhios agat anois, n\u00e1r tuigeadh domsa, n\u00f3 dom mhuintir thiar, go raibh aon \u00e9acht speisialta d\u00e9anta agamsa, n\u00f3 n\u00ed raibh ann i nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, ach an rud a mbeife\u00e1 ag s\u00fail leis \u00f3 dhuine a chaith a shaol uilig, suas go dt\u00ed an pointe sin, d\u2019fh\u00e9adf\u00e1 a r\u00e1, ag gabh\u00e1il do na leabhair. D\u00e1 dteipfeadh orm, bhuel, ansin, chuirf\u00ed nath ann, gan aon ag\u00f3. <\/p>

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I ndiaidh scr\u00faduithe na C\u00e9ime a chr\u00edochn\u00fa, thugamar, m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in agus mo chomhleacaithe, a bh\u00ed ag d\u00e9anamh a Scr\u00faduithe C\u00e9ime, i nGaillimh, in \u00e9ineacht liom, thugamar aghaidh ar Dhromantine, an Chliarscoil s\u2019againne, a bh\u00ed suite taobh amuigh de bhaile an I\u00fair, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed na mic l\u00e9inn eile \u00f3n\u00e1r rangna, nach raibh ag gabh\u00e1il don Ch\u00e9im On\u00f3rach, bh\u00ed siadsan imithe thar nais go dt\u00ed Droim an tS\u00edn, cheana f\u00e9in.. <\/p>

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Bh\u00ed an dara cogadh domhanda thart faoin am sin, agus n\u00ed raibh c\u00farsa\u00ed taistil chomh holc sin ar fad. Ar an traein is ea chuamar \u00f3 Ghaillimh go Baile \u00c1tha Cliath, agus bhaineamar sult is taitneamh as an turas sin. Chaitheamar seal maith ag imirt carta\u00ed, b\u2019fh\u00e9idir nach \u00e9 sin an eala\u00edn a mbeife\u00e1 ag s\u00fail lei \u00f3 \u00e1bhair shagairt, an t-am sin, ach, ag an am gc\u00e9anna, bhaineamarna toit agus spraoi as, agus n\u00e1r bhre\u00e1 an t-athr\u00fa \u00e9, \u00f3 bheith ag gabh\u00e1il don staid\u00e9ar agus do na scr\u00faduithe. Shroicheamar an Ardchathair, ar deireadh thiar, agus b\u00edodh go raibh bailte m\u00f3ra agus cathracha eile feicthe agam fh\u00e9in, roimhe sin, caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il gur bhain \u00c1th Cliath radharc na s\u00fal d\u00edom. N\u00ed raibh tada cos\u00fail le Sr\u00e1id U\u00ed Chonaill feicthe agamsa riamh roimhe sin. N\u00e1r dheacair domsa sr\u00e1id chomh fada lei, fi\u00fa a shamhl\u00fa, ach nuair a chuir t\u00fa le sin, leitheid na sr\u00e1ide, airde na bhfoirgneamh bre\u00e1, a bh\u00ed suite ar chaon taobh den tsr\u00e1id ch\u00e9anna sin, agus fur\u00fa agus fuirseadh na ndaoine, n\u00ed hamh\u00e1in ar na taobhchas\u00e1in ach iad ag rith is ag sodar leo trasna na sr\u00e1ide sin, faoi mar a bheadh Dia \u00e1 r\u00e1 leo, agus iad beag beann ar mh\u00e9ad, n\u00f3 ar luas, an tr\u00e1chta, a bh\u00ed ag greadadh leis, s\u00edos suas na sr\u00e1ide c\u00e9anna sin, n\u00e1r leor an radharc c\u00e9anna sin, le duine mar mise a mhear\u00fa scun scan, sea, agus an t-anam a scanr\u00fa ann, go ceann roinnt mhaith blianta ina dhiaidh sin freisin. Is f\u00e9idir liom an radharc sin a fheice\u00e1il tr\u00ed sh\u00faile na cuimhne anois fh\u00e9in, agus m\u00e9 suite ag mo r\u00edomhaire anseo, ag iarraidh athchuairt a thabhairt ar na laethe gl\u00f3rmhara \u00fad. <\/p>

Bh\u00ed an t-\u00e1dh orainn, ar bhealach, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed cupla gas\u00far as an Ardchathair in\u00e1r measc, agus rinne siadsan a nd\u00edcheall beala\u00ed na cathrach a mh\u00faineadh d\u00fainn, ach t\u00e1 fait\u00edos orm, go raibh s\u00e9 f\u00e1nach acu bheith ag iarraidh a leith\u00e9id a dh\u00e9anamh domsa ach go h\u00e1irithe, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed beala\u00ed na tuaithe r\u00f3-fhr\u00e9amhaithe sa chro\u00ed istigh ionnamsa, faoin am sin. Ach chuamar isteach leo go Caffola\u2019s agus chaitheamar uachtar reoite a raibh ainm gl\u00f3rmhar samhla\u00edoch air, ainm cos\u00fail le, Knickerbocker Glory, n\u00f3 rud eic\u00ednt d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id, agus blas chomh h\u00e1lainn, is a bhlais m\u00e9 riamh, air.<\/p>

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Ar deireadh, thugamar uilig aghaidh ar St\u00e1isi\u00fan na Traenach ag Sr\u00e1id Amiens, agus \u00e1r m\u00e1la\u00ed taistil \u00e1 n-iompar againn, agus chuamar ar bord traenach ansin, tar \u00e9is d\u00fainn na tic\u00e9id chu\u00ed a cheannacht. Ar ball, ghluais an traein sin amach as an st\u00e1isi\u00fan, agus thug a haghaidh \u00f3 thuaidh. Bhuel, ar bhealach eic\u00ednt n\u00e1r thuigeas-sa fh\u00e9in in aon chor, ba ghearr gur thugas faoi deara, go raibh atmosf\u00e9ar na traenach athraithe, go huile is go hioml\u00e1n, agus b\u00edodh go rabhamar f\u00f3s ag taisteal i dt\u00edr na h\u00c9ireann, agus sa St\u00e1t s\u2019againne, thugamar faoi deara, nach raibh sin le tabhairt faoi deara sa traein sin istigh. Bh\u00ed athr\u00fa tagtha ar chuile sh\u00f3rt. N\u00ed raibh fonn grinn n\u00f3 sp\u00f3irt orainn, a thuilleadh. N\u00edor ardaigh daoine a nguth agus iad i mbun cainte n\u00f3 comhr\u00e1, agus ar bhealach amh\u00e1in, n\u00f3 ar bhealach eile, bheadh tuairim ag duine, go mbfh\u00e9idir go mba dh\u00fa-or\u00e1isteach, an fear, n\u00f3 an bhean, a bh\u00ed suite os do chomhair amach ansin. N\u00edor bhain m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in aon toit n\u00f3 spraoi as an turas sin \u00f3 thuaidh. Thugamar suntas don Bh\u00f3inn agus muid ar \u00e1r mbealach thairsti, agus dh\u00faisigh s\u00ed smaointe ionainn, ar chathanna a troideadh, agus a briseadh orainn, siar tr\u00edd an stair, rud n\u00e1r chuir len\u00e1r ngi\u00famar, ar \u00e1r mbealach go Droim an tS\u00edn.<\/p>

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Ag st\u00e1isi\u00fan an I\u00fair, thuirling\u00edomar, agus nach orainn a bh\u00ed an t-\u00e1thas, go rabhthas romhainn ansin le gluaiste\u00e1in, le sinn fh\u00e9in agus \u00e1r m\u00e1la\u00ed taistil, a tharl\u00fa leo abhaile go Cliarscoil Dhroim an tS\u00edn. <\/p>

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N\u00edor th\u00f3g s\u00e9 i bhfad orainn, an turas a dh\u00e9anamh, \u00f3n st\u00e1isi\u00fan traenach go dt\u00ed an Col\u00e1iste Sagartachta sin, a bh\u00ed suite i l\u00e1r dh\u00faiche na bhfear bu\u00ed, faoi mar a tuigeadh d\u00fainne, ach go h\u00e1irithe. Nuair a shroicheamar an Col\u00e1iste, bh\u00ed roinnt mhaith d\u00e1r gcairde ansin, le f\u00e1ilte a chur romhainn, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed ansin na fir a raibh aithne againn orthu on\u00e1r mblianta ag staid\u00e9ar leo, i gCol\u00e1iste an Chro\u00ed R\u00f3-Naofa, B\u00e9al an \u00c1tha Fhada, i gCol\u00e1iste Sheosaimh, Corcaigh, agus i gCloughballymore House, i gContae na Gaillimhe. Bh\u00ed sagairt ansin freisin, le chuile eolas a chur ar f\u00e1il d\u00fainn, agus len\u00e1r gceisteanna a fhreagairt. N\u00edor th\u00f3g s\u00e9 i bhfad orthu uilig \u00e1r seomra\u00ed a theasp\u00e1int d\u00fainn, agus b\u2019in difir mh\u00f3r idir an Chol\u00e1iste seo Dhrom an tS\u00edn agus na Col\u00e1ist\u00ed ar dhein muid freastal orthu roimhe sin, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed seomra d\u00e1 chuid fh\u00e9in ag chuile dhuine againn anois, agus ba mh\u00f3r go deo an ch\u00e9im chun tosaigh \u00e9 sin ar an gcine\u00e1l saoil a chaitheamar, mar mhic l\u00e9inn, go nuige sin. Nuair a bh\u00ed na socruithe sin uilig d\u00e9anta againn, t\u00f3gadh ar chuairt sinn, thart ar an bhfoirgneamh ar fad. N\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, gur chuireamar sp\u00e9is faoi leith sa Phroinnteach, n\u00f3 bheadh t\u00e1bhacht thar na bearta ag an teach c\u00e9anna sin, i gc\u00farsa\u00ed \u00e1r saoil, chuile l\u00e1, uaidh sin amach, ar feadh na gceithre bliana a bh\u00ed os \u00e1r gcomhair amach, mar mhic l\u00e9inn Diagachta, i gCol\u00e1iste Dhrom an tS\u00edn, ansin i gContae an D\u00fain. <\/p>

Bh\u00ed b\u00e9ile bre\u00e1 leagtha amach d\u00fainn ansin sa Phroinnteach c\u00e9anna sin, agus caithfidh m\u00e9 a r\u00e1 leat, gur bhaineamar toit agus cnagarnach as, n\u00f3 bh\u00edomar sti\u00factha leis an ocras, faoin am sin. Nuair a bh\u00ed an b\u00e9ile sin ite againn, t\u00f3gadh ar chuairt chun an Aireagail sinn. \u00d3, a Thiarna, n\u00e1r mh\u00f3r idir an Aireagal seo agus na hAireagail a bh\u00ed againn sna Col\u00e1ist\u00ed eile. Bh\u00ed an tAireagal seo leagtha amach go h\u00e1lainn, eala\u00edonta, scilii\u00fail, agus \u00e9 maisithe orn\u00e1idithe, snasta, \u00f3 bhun go barr. B\u2019Aireagal faoi leith \u00e9 seo, n\u00f3 b\u2019Aireagal do Chliarscoil Sinsearach \u00e9, agus n\u00ed h\u00e9 amh\u00e1in go raibh Pr\u00edomhalt\u00f3ir \u00e1lainn, snoite, neamha\u00ed ann, ach bh\u00ed thart ar sc\u00f3r alt\u00f3ir eile, thart le falla, san Aireagal c\u00e9anna sin, n\u00f3 caithfear cuimhneamh, go mb\u00edodh foireann mh\u00f3r sagart ag cur f\u00fathu ansin, agus go mb\u00edodh n\u00f3s an Aifrinn aonair faoi l\u00e1n-tseol, an tam sin, murab ionann is anois, nuair a deintear Aifreann a chomhcheili\u00faradh, i gc\u00fains\u00ed d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id. Chuaigh an tAireagal c\u00e9anna sin i bhfeidhm go m\u00f3r orainn uilig, agus b\u00edodh go bhfuil m\u00e1m maith blianta imithe isteach i muileann an ama, san idirlinn, tagann cuimhne an Aireagail \u00e1lainn sin ar ais go seoigh chugam, anois fh\u00e9in, agus m\u00e9 ag iarraidh picti\u00far na laethe sin a athdhath\u00fa, i ndathanna beoga, br\u00edomhara, glinne, dhachaid\u00ed d\u00e9anacha na haoise seo caite.<\/p>

Ba ghearr gur th\u00e1inig muid isteach ar chl\u00e1r \u00e1r laethe sa Chol\u00e1iste Sagartachta sin, n\u00f3 i nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, bh\u00ed seanchleachtadh faighte againne, cheana f\u00e9in, ar an gcine\u00e1l sin saoil. N\u00ed seomra\u00ed ranga a bh\u00ed againn anois \u00e1fach, ach halla\u00ed l\u00e9achta, agus in \u00e1it ranganna, is amhlaidh a thugta\u00ed l\u00e9achta\u00ed d\u00fainn. Bh\u00edomar ag staid\u00e9ar anois ar an tr\u00ed\u00fa leibh\u00e9al, c\u00e9 go raibh c\u00e9im bainte amach ag \u00e1r mbun\u00fas, cheana f\u00e9in, agus diaidh ar ndiaidh th\u00e1ngamar isteach ar bheala\u00ed na hInstiti\u00faide sin. Nuair a bh\u00ed chuile rud feicthe, scr\u00fadaithe, againn, bh\u00ed s\u00e9 in am soip, agus tar eis d\u00fainn paidreacha na ho\u00edche a r\u00e1, thugamar \u00e1r seomra\u00ed orainn fh\u00e9in. Saol eile ar fad a bh\u00ed againn anois, i gcompar\u00e1id leis an saol a bh\u00ed againn sna Col\u00e1ist\u00ed eile, agus b\u2019iontach go deo an bhunt\u00e1iste \u00e9, do sheomra fh\u00e9in a bheith agat. D\u2019fh\u00e9adf\u00e1 seal a chaitheamh ag l\u00e9amh, n\u00f3 ag staid\u00e9ar, n\u00f3 ag gabh\u00e1il do cheird ar bith a bheadh idir l\u00e1mha agat, ag an am. Chomh fada anois agus is cuimhin liom, n\u00ed bh\u00edodh aon chl\u00fadach ar bith ar na hurl\u00e1ir againn, sna seomra\u00ed ch\u00e9ad bhliana sin, ach bh\u00ed c\u00f3fra \u00e9adaigh, leabhrag\u00e1n, b\u00e1is\u00edn l\u00e1mh, leaba, agus bord, n\u00f3 crinl\u00edn, le do chuid staid\u00e9ar a dh\u00e9anamh air, agus chomh maith leo sin uilig, bh\u00ed scuab url\u00e1ir agus m\u00e9is\u00edn deannaigh ansin, le leide thabhairt duit, go rabhthas ag s\u00fail go gcoinneof\u00e1 an \u00e1it deas, glan, n\u00e9ata. Bh\u00edomarna thuas ag barr an t\u00ed, ar an gceathr\u00fa hurl\u00e1r, s\u00edlim anois, ach n\u00e1r chuma faoi sin, n\u00f3 thart orainn, bh\u00ed na dalta\u00ed a rinne a gcuid saighdi\u00faireachta linn, le m\u00e1m blianta roimhe sin, cuid acu mar chomr\u00e1daithe againn, \u00f3 laethe Bh\u00e9al an \u00c1tha Fhada, anuas. <\/p>

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Bh\u00ed an \u00e1it an-mh\u00f3r go deo, n\u00f3 c\u00e9 gur cheannaigh an SMA, Dromantine House, thart ar l\u00e1r na bhfichid\u00ed, n\u00edor oscla\u00edodh \u00e9 mar Chol\u00e1iste Diagachta an SMA, go dt\u00ed an bhliain 1926. Ba \u00e9 an tAthair Slattery, a bh\u00ed taobh thiar den tionscnamh sin uilig. Anois, ba \u00e9 an sc\u00e9al a chuala mise n\u00f3, gur cuireadh an Teach agus an fheirm mh\u00f3r a bh\u00ed ag gabh\u00e1il leis, ar an margadh, agus c\u00e9 gur chuir lucht an SMA suim agus dh\u00e1 shuim sa seal\u00fachas c\u00e9anna sin, n\u00f3 d\u2019oirfeadh siad go seoigh d\u00e1 riachtanais, agus biodh go raibh an t-airgead acu chuige, ag an am gc\u00e9anna, tuigeadh d\u00f3ibh nach mbeadh seans ar domhan go nd\u00edolfa\u00ed d\u2019eagra\u00edocht Chaitliceach, cos\u00fail leis an SMA, iad, agus ba \u00e9 dhein siad, n\u00f3 \u00e9 a cheannacht tr\u00ed dhl\u00edod\u00f3ir. N\u00ed raibh na d\u00fachasaigh r\u00f3-sh\u00e1sta, nuair a chuala siad faoi na h\u00fan\u00e9ir\u00ed nua, agus ar\u00eds, bh\u00ed s\u00e9 ina sc\u00e9al sc\u00e9il in\u00e1r measc, gur deineadh cupla iarracht nimh a chur ina sol\u00e1thar uisce, ach, n\u00ed raibh aon chruth\u00fa riamh againne, gur mar sin a tharla. Faoi mar ad\u00fairt m\u00e9, n\u00ed raibh ann ach, \u201cd\u00fairt bean liom, go nd\u00fairt bean lei, gur chuala sise bean eile \u00e1 r\u00e1\u201d. N\u00f3 ar ch\u00f3ir dom an focal, \u201cbean\u201d, a fh\u00e1g\u00e1il ar l\u00e1r ansin, agus focal ar n\u00f3s, \u201cduine,\u201d a chur isteach ina \u00e1it? N\u00ed d\u00f3igh liom go mbeadh an d\u00fachas c\u00e9anna sa leagan athraithe!! Ag an am gc\u00e9anna, n\u00edor mhothaigh m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in riamh, go raibh na comharsana, a bh\u00ed againn i nDroim an tS\u00edn, r\u00f3-chairdi\u00fail linn, agus tharla\u00edodh corr rud, anois is ar\u00eds, a chuireadh sin ar \u00e1r s\u00faile d\u00fainn. <\/p>

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Mo chuidse de, tharla am eic\u00ednt, le linn mo laethe sa Chol\u00e1iste Diagachta sin Dhroim an tS\u00edn, go raibh orm seal a chaitheamh in Ospid\u00e9al an Mhater, i mB\u00e9al Feirste. Bh\u00ed cupla gear\u00e1n ag cur as dom, ag an am, agus b\u2019\u00e9igean dom seal a chaitheamh istigh. Tr\u00e1th raibh m\u00e9 istigh ansin, chuir m\u00e9 aithne ar roinnt mhaith daoine, agus caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il go raibh a mbun\u00fas cairdi\u00fail, carthannach, l\u00e1ch, ach n\u00ed chuige sin at\u00e1 m\u00e9, ach chuige seo.<\/p>

Nuair a bh\u00ed mo sheal san ospid\u00e9al sin caite, bh\u00ed orm mo bhealach a dh\u00e9anamh ar ais go dt\u00ed an Col\u00e1iste, ach nuair a thuirling m\u00e9 den bhus, ag an mbus-stad ba ch\u00f3ngara\u00ed do Dhrom an tS\u00edn, bh\u00ed rothar f\u00e1gtha ansin dom. Cead agam mo bhealach a dh\u00e9anamh abhaile dom fh\u00e9in. Bhuel, n\u00edor luaithe suite ar mo rothar m\u00e9, agus m\u00e9 ag tos\u00fa ar mo thuras abhaile, n\u00f3 chonaic m\u00e9 beirt fhear ag l\u00e9imt ar rothair, taobh thiar d\u00edom, agus thuig m\u00e9 l\u00e1ithreach, go raibh siad sa t\u00f3ir orm. Agus b\u00edodh go raibh m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in lagaithe go maith, tar \u00e9is mo sheal san ospid\u00e9al, ag an am gc\u00e9anna, thuig m\u00e9 br\u00ed an tseanfhocail \u201cnuair is crua don chailleach caithfidh s\u00ed rith\u201d, agus geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, go mbeadh s\u00e9 deacair go maith teacht suas liom, ar an r\u00e1s sin go dt\u00ed geata m\u00f3r tosaigh an Chol\u00e1iste. Ar aon chuma, d\u2019\u00e9irigh liom geata an Chol\u00e1iste a bhaint amach rompu, agus n\u00edor lean an bheirt ghaisc\u00edoch isteach thar an ngeata c\u00e9anna sin m\u00e9. D\u00faradh liom, ar ball, go mba bhaill de na \u201cB Specials\u201d a bh\u00ed iontu, agus chuile sheans, d\u00e1 mb\u00e9arfaid\u00eds orm, go dt\u00f3gfa\u00ed chun na beairice m\u00e9, le mo cheisti\u00fa, cib\u00e9 c\u00e9n saghas ceisteanna a bheadh i gceist acu? Ar aon n\u00f3s, tuigeadh domsa, nach gcuirf\u00ed aon r\u00f3-fh\u00e1ilte romham sa mbeairic ch\u00e9anna sin, n\u00f3 tuigeadh dom, nach maith an n\u00f3s \u00e9 bheith ag br\u00fa ar an ndoicheall, agus b\u00ed cinnte dhe, go moth\u00f3f\u00e1 an doicheall oscailte, c\u00e9anna sin, romhat, sa d\u00faiche sin.<\/p>

Comhartha eile nach raibh aon r\u00f3-fh\u00e1ilte romhainne, sna bailte in aice l\u00e1imhe linn, n\u00f3,<\/p>

teacht an tSamhraidh, go hiond\u00fail, nuair a thosa\u00edodh na fir bhu\u00ed ag cleachtadh drumad\u00f3ireachta, don \u201cTwalfth\u201d, n\u00edor neamhchoitianta in aon chor an rud \u00e9, go dtiocfadh d\u00edograiseoir or\u00e1isteach eic\u00ednt suas go geata tosaigh an Chol\u00e1iste s\u2019againne, agus \u00e9 ag leadradh a Dhruma M\u00f3r, faoi mar a bheadh Dia \u00e1 r\u00e1 leis, n\u00f3 b\u2019fh\u00e9idir gur \u00f3n dtaobh eile a fuair s\u00e9 a inspreagadh! Chuirfeadh an torann millteanach, cluasphl\u00e9ascach, aduain sin, an cro\u00ed trasna ionat, nuair a chloisfe\u00e1 \u00e9 i l\u00e1r na ho\u00edche ci\u00faine, agus gan a fhios agat, i nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, c\u00e9n fuadar a bh\u00ed faoi na fir bhu\u00ed a bh\u00ed timpeall ort, ag an am. Ar aon n\u00f3s, thangamar sl\u00e1n \u00f3 na hionsaithe sin uilig, ach m\u00e1 th\u00e1inig fh\u00e9in, fanann cuimhne na n-o\u00edcheannta sin, go glas f\u00f3s i gcro\u00ed mo chuimhne, agus fanfaidh go leagfar na hord\u00f3ga orm, n\u00f3 tuigeadh domsa, ach go h\u00e1irithe, gur le drochr\u00fan agus le drochchro\u00ed, a buaileadh chuile buille d\u00e1r chualamar uathusan. Bh\u00edodh fait\u00edos orm fh\u00e9in i gc\u00f3na\u00ed, go gcuirfid\u00eds an \u00e1it tr\u00ed thine, ach bh\u00edodh an t-\u00e1dh orainn go mb\u00edodh an Col\u00e1iste d\u00fanta thart faoin \u201cTwalfth\u201d, agus bh\u00ednn fh\u00e9in ar mo sh\u00e1imh\u00edn s\u00f3, thiar in Iorras na nIontas, agus gan sp\u00e9is d\u00e1 laghad agam sna fir bhu\u00ed, n\u00f3 ina gcuid m\u00e1irse\u00e1la. Ach \u00f3 tharla gur luaigh m\u00e9 Dromantine House, sa chomhr\u00e1 sin, is d\u00f3cha gur ch\u00f3ir dom a lua, gur thr\u00e9igh an SMA an t-ionad sin, sa bhliain 1973, nuair a shocraigh siad ar a gcuid staid\u00e9ar Diagachta a dh\u00e9anamh feasta, i M\u00e1 Nuat.<\/p>

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Bheadh s\u00e9 deacair teach n\u00edos \u00e1ille, n\u00edos dea-dheartha, n\u00edos dea-th\u00f3gtha, n\u00e1 Teach Dhroim an tS\u00edn a fh\u00e1il i do shi\u00fal lae. Is d\u00f3cha go nd\u00e9arfadh duine, go raibh cuma claisiceach air, mar fhoirgneamh, agus \u00e9 m\u00f3r, maisi\u00fail, t\u00e9agartha, agus cuma air, go mba chuid den d\u00faiche timpeall \u00e9, ach n\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, gur deineadh an t-uaf\u00e1s t\u00f3g\u00e1la timpeall ar an dteach bunaidh, ach fi\u00fa sa ch\u00e1s sin fh\u00e9in, n\u00edor chaill an seanteach a dh\u00ednit, n\u00f3 a uaisleacht, n\u00f3 a shnas, riamh. \u00d3! sea, agus b\u00ed ag caint ar gharraithe! Bh\u00ed siad sin ann, n\u00f3 timpeall an T\u00ed Mh\u00f3ir ar fad, bh\u00ed garraithe de chuile sh\u00f3rt. Bh\u00ed toir agus bl\u00e1thanna den scoth, ina m\u00edlte sa timpeall, agus chuile cheann acu n\u00edos \u00e1ille agus n\u00edos maisi\u00fala n\u00e1 an ceann eile. Bh\u00ed ansin freisin, crainn ina gc\u00e9adta, agus iad ag baint barr \u00e1ille d\u00e1 ch\u00e9ile tr\u00ed \u00e9ags\u00falacht a ndatha, agus a gcuma. Leagadh amach na garraithe, agus cuireadh na crainn, go heala\u00edonta, cliste, scili\u00fail, sa tsl\u00ed go dt\u00f3gfadh siad cro\u00ed an t\u00e9 a chaithfeadh seal ina measc. <\/p>

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Bh\u00ed ann freisin, fuar\u00e1in, agus linnte uisce thart orthu, agus i gcl\u00faideanna c\u00falr\u00e1ideacha, i measc na gcrann is na dtor, bh\u00ed tig\u00edn\u00ed cluthara agus su\u00edoch\u00e1in fhosc\u00fala, le deis a thabhairt do dhuine, seal a chaitheamh ar a sh\u00e1imh\u00edn s\u00f3 ansin, agus \u00e9 i dteangmh\u00e1il leis an d\u00falra. Sea, b\u2019\u00e1lainn an Teach a bh\u00ed acu ansin, agus b\u2019\u00e1lainn na garraithe a bh\u00ed timpeall ar an dTeach M\u00f3r c\u00e9anna sin, agus timpeall ar an \u00e1itreabh sin ar fad, bh\u00ed, d\u00e1r nd\u00f3igh, feirm an-mh\u00f3r, agus n\u00ed athra\u00edonn c\u00farsa\u00ed chomh m\u00f3r sin riamh, n\u00f3 tomhas, c\u00e9ard a tharla\u00edodh nuair a bh\u00edodh cru\u00f3g ar lucht na feirme, tr\u00e1th mb\u00edd\u00eds ag cur na bhfata\u00ed san Earrach, n\u00f3 \u00e1 bpiocadh sa bhF\u00f3mhar, n\u00f3 ag bualadh an arbhair b\u2019fh\u00e9idir? Sea, t\u00e1 an ceart agat! Chuireadh siad fios ar na spailp\u00edn\u00ed f\u00e1nacha leis an scl\u00e1bha\u00edocht a dh\u00e9anamh. N\u00ed g\u00e1 dhom a r\u00e1, go mba fhuath liom fh\u00e9in an cine\u00e1l sin oibre, chuile l\u00e1 riamh, ach amh\u00e1in ar \u00e1r bhfeirm\u00edn fh\u00e9in sa bhaile fad\u00f3, ach sin sc\u00e9al eile ar fad. Ba \u00ed c\u00fais n\u00e1r thaitin an cine\u00e1l sin oibre sin liom, ag an am, n\u00f3 go mb\u00edodh an t-asma ag cur as dom, i gc\u00fains\u00ed d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id. Ach, b\u2019fh\u00e9idir gur ch\u00f3ir dom an sc\u00e9al a fh\u00e1g\u00e1il mar sin, don bhabhta seo, agus fillfidh m\u00e9 ar an \u00e1bhar sin, sa ch\u00e9ad chaibidil eile, nuair a bheidh m\u00e9 ag cur s\u00edos ar an gcine\u00e1l saoil a bh\u00ed againn, agus muid ag treabhadh linn tr\u00ed na C\u00farsa\u00ed Diagachta agus Feals\u00fanachta, thuas ansin, i nDroim \u00e1lainn an tS\u00edn, i gContae daingean an D\u00fain, faoi sc\u00e1th Shl\u00e9ibhte m\u00edor\u00failteacha Mughdhorna.<\/p>

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Campa\u00ed na bPunc\u00e1n<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

Caibidil 31<\/h1>

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Ba ghearr go raibh m\u00e9 socruithe s\u00edos i gCol\u00e1iste Dhroim an tS\u00edn, agus b\u00ed<\/span>odh go raibh cuid de mo chomhleacaithe tosaithe sa Chliarscoil sin le tamall romham, ba ghearr go raibh m\u00e9 tagtha isteach ar na h\u00e1bhair nua, a bh\u00ed idir cham\u00e1in againn sa Chol\u00e1iste Diagachta sin, Dromantine. Ba mh\u00f3r idir na h\u00e1bhair sin agus a mb\u00edodh ar si\u00fal againn sna Col\u00e1ist\u00ed eile, ach ag an am gc\u00e9anna, ba chuid den tsruth c\u00e9anna staid\u00e9ir iad. Bh\u00ed<\/span> Diagacht Dogmach, Diagacht Mhor\u00e1lta, Dl\u00ed Can\u00f3nta, na Scriopt\u00fair, Caitisceasmaic, R\u00faibric\u00ed, agus an Reiligi\u00fan fh\u00e9in. Don ch\u00e9ad uair anois, bh\u00ed bun\u00fas na dt\u00e9acsl<\/span>eabhar i Laidin, ach i nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, n\u00edor chuir s\u00e9 sin as go r\u00f3-mh\u00f3r d\u00fainn, agus ba ghearr gur th\u00e1inig muid isteach ar an Laidin ch\u00e9anna sin. N\u00e1 ceap anois go raibh ar \u00e1r gcumas, \u00e1r gcomhr\u00e1 a dh\u00e9anamh go h\u00e9asca sa teanga sin, n\u00f3 n\u00ed raibh, ach, ag an am gc\u00e9anna, bh\u00ed ar \u00e1r gcumas \u00ed a l\u00e9amh go r\u00e9as\u00fanta r\u00e9idh. Tar \u00e9is d\u00fainn t\u00e9arma, n\u00f3 mar sin, a chur isteach ag gabh\u00e1il do na h\u00e1bhair sin, tuigeadh dom fh\u00e9in, go raibh siad chomh h\u00e9asca le haon bhrainse eile l\u00e9inn, agus b\u00edodh gur \u00e9irigh liom fh\u00e9in go maith sna h\u00e1bha<\/span>ir sin, fr\u00ed cheile, d\u2019\u00e9irigh thar barr liom sa Dl\u00ed Can\u00f3nta, agus b\u2019in mo rogha \u00e1bhair, fad is a d\u2019fhan m\u00e9 i nDroim an tS\u00edn. N\u00e1 s\u00edltear anois, go bhfuilim thar a bheith ma\u00edteach anseo, faoi\u2019n chaoi ar \u00e9irigh liom sna staid\u00e9ir ch\u00e9anna sin, ach \u201can fh\u00edrinne i gc\u00f3na\u00ed\u201d, mar ad\u00fairt an fear fad\u00f3, go h\u00e1irithe, nuair nach mbaineann s\u00ed sclaimh asat!<\/span><\/h2>

I gc\u00e1s na hoibre t\u00ed a bh\u00edodh \u00e1 d\u00e9anamh againn sna Col\u00e1ist\u00ed eile, geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, n\u00e1r th\u00e1inig aon athr\u00fa sna c\u00farsa\u00ed sin, agus bh\u00edothas ag brath orainne, mic l\u00e9inn, leis an \u00e1it ar fad a choinne\u00e1il glan, \u00f3 bhun go barr. Bh\u00ed foireann mh\u00f3r oll\u00fana againn sa Chol\u00e1iste sin, agus bh\u00edodh de dhualgas ar chuid againn bheith in\u00e1r ngiolla\u00ed seomra acu, le haire a thabhairt do na seomra\u00ed c\u00e9anna sin. Bh\u00ed m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in im ghiolla seomra, agus b\u00edodh go raibh orm an seomra sin a choinne\u00e1il glan, n\u00e9ata, tine a fhad\u00fa ann, chuile mhaidin, agus leabhair agus n\u00f3ta\u00ed a chur in ord agus in eagar, agus b\u00edodh go raibh an obair sin dian go maith, b\u2019fhearr liom fh\u00e9in an cine\u00e1l sin oibre n\u00e1 bheith amuigh ar fud an Chol\u00e1iste, ag scuabadh, ag snas\u00fa, ag n\u00ed, is ag glanadh, idir halla\u00ed is sheomra\u00ed, idir ph\u00f3irs\u00ed agus staighr\u00ed, chuile mhaidin. Ach san iarn\u00f3in \u00e1fach, bh\u00edodh ar chuile dhuine againn, tamall a chaitheamh ar\u00eds i mbun oibre, n\u00f3 nach raibh b\u00f3ithre agus b\u00f3ithr\u00edn\u00ed le glanadh is le c\u00f3iri\u00fa, agus gortghlanah le dh\u00e9anamh ar na bl\u00e1thcheapacha, agus chomh maith le sin, nach raibh bl\u00e1thanna le cur, sea, agus am ar bith a mbeadh g\u00e1 leis, nach raibh obair feirme le d\u00e9anamh? Mura mbeadh an obair uilig sin a rinne na mic l\u00e9inn, is d\u00f3cha nach mbeadh ar chumas \u00fadar\u00e1is an Chol\u00e1iste \u00edoc as chuile sh\u00f3rt, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed an \u00e1it chomh huaf\u00e1sach m\u00f3r sin, go dt\u00f3gfadh s\u00e9 fort\u00fan beag, le h\u00edoc as a raibh le d\u00e9anamh ansin, chuile l\u00e1.<\/p>

Ceithre bliana ar fad a bh\u00ed le caitheamh againn sa Chliarscoil sin, Dhroim an tS\u00edn, agus i rith an ama sin, d\u2019fhoghlaim na h\u00e1bhair sagairt chuile sh\u00f3rt a bheadh ag teast\u00e1il uathu, agus iad i mbun a gcuid dualgais\u00ed, ar ball, amuigh ar na misin san Aifric. I rith na mblianta sin freisin, bh\u00edd\u00eds gl\u00e9asta in \u00e9adaigh an tsagairt, agus s\u00fat\u00e1n \u00e1 chaitheamh ag chuile mhac an pheata acu, sea, agus b\u00f3na snasta geal an tsagairt thart ar a mhuin\u00e9al aige freisin. Bh\u00ed an leagan amach sin bre\u00e1 s\u00e1s\u00fail i rith an Gheimhridh, agus geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, go mb\u00edodh na Geimhr\u00ed ansin feanntach fuar, ach sc\u00e9al eile ar fad a bh\u00ed ann le linn an tSamhraidh, ach is d\u00f3cha, go raibh an t-\u00e1dh linn, n\u00f3 bh\u00edodh muid ar laethe saoire, le linn an chuid ba mh\u00f3, agus ba theo, de na Samhra\u00ed brothallacha c\u00e9anna sin.<\/p>

Ar do bhealach isteach sa Chol\u00e1iste, \u00f3n ngeata tosaigh, an t-am sin, n\u00ed fh\u00e9adf\u00e1 gan suntas a thabhairt do shraith de bhoth\u00e1in sinciarainn, ar thaobh an aibhinne. Chuirfe\u00e1 ceist ort fh\u00e9in f\u00fathu. Tuige an raibh siad ansin? Cad \u00ed an \u00fas\u00e1id a bhaint\u00ed astu? Chuirfeadh s\u00e9 ionadh ort, a fh\u00e1il amach, go mba iad na Punc\u00e1in a th\u00f3g na both\u00e1in ch\u00e9anna sin, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed chuid mhaith saighdi\u00fair\u00ed Meirice\u00e1nacha lonnaithe sa Tuaisceart, le linn an Dara Cogadh Domhanda, agus d\u00e1r nd\u00f3igh, is d\u00f3cha n\u00e1r chuir s\u00e9 isteach go r\u00f3-mh\u00f3r ar na h\u00fadar\u00e1is \u00f3 thuaidh, saighdi\u00fair\u00ed Mheirice\u00e1 a chur ar choinmheadh, taobh amuigh de gheata tosaigh an Chol\u00e1iste Chaitlicigh sin Dhroim an tS\u00edn! Caithfidh go raibh roinnt mhaith acu ann freisin, agus deireadh muintir na h\u00e1ite linn, go mb\u00edodh damhsa\u00ed ar si\u00fal sa champa sin acu, chuile dheireadh seachtaine, agus go raibh s\u00e9 de n\u00f3s ag na saighdi\u00fair\u00ed, leoraithe d\u00e1 gcuid, a chur amach ar fud na d\u00faiche, le s\u00edob isteach chuig an damhsa, a thabhairt do chail\u00edn\u00ed \u00f3ga na h\u00e1ite, n\u00f3 d\u00f3ibh si\u00fad, ach go h\u00e1irithe, a raibh fonn orthu dul ag rince sa champa. Ait go leor, n\u00edor bhain \u00fadar\u00e1is an Chol\u00e1iste aon \u00fas\u00e1id as na both\u00e1in ch\u00e9anna sin riamh, b\u00edodh go raibh an-bhail orthu f\u00f3s, tr\u00e1th a raibh m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in ag freastal ar Dhroim an tS\u00edn.<\/p>

Fad is a bh\u00edomar ag freastal ar an gCliarscoil Diagachta sin, leanamar den n\u00f3s a bh\u00ed againn sna Col\u00e1ist\u00ed eile, s\u00e9 sin dul amach ag si\u00fal chuile Dhomhnach. B\u2019\u00e1lainn an taobh t\u00edre a bh\u00ed thart orainn ansin, agus ba bhre\u00e1 an crot a bh\u00ed ar chuile sh\u00f3rt, idir bh\u00f3ithre, agus bh\u00f3ithr\u00edn\u00ed, idir ghoirt agus mh\u00f3in\u00e9ir. N\u00edl dabht ar domhan, ach go raibh cuma an airgid ar chuile sh\u00f3rt \u00f3 thuaidh, murab ionann is an taobh t\u00edre s\u2019againne, an t-am sin, n\u00f3 ba bhocht an leagan amach a bh\u00ed ar ch\u00farsa\u00ed anseo sa Deisceart, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, i ndeireadh na ndaichid\u00ed. Bh\u00ed an cogadh m\u00f3r thart, agus bh\u00ed ciond\u00e1il f\u00f3s i bhfeidhm anseo, sea, agus chuile sh\u00f3rt gann, n\u00f3 n\u00ed raibh ar \u00e1r gcumas m\u00f3r\u00e1n a iomp\u00f3rt\u00e1il chun na t\u00edre seo, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad.<\/p>

Bh\u00ed foireann bhre\u00e1 oll\u00fana againn sa Chol\u00e1iste Diagachta sin, agus t\u00e1 cuimhne ghl\u00e9, ghlinn, agam f\u00f3s ar chuile dhuine acu. B\u2019fhir l\u00e9annta, eolgaiseacha, oilte, cr\u00e1ifeacha, iad, agus n\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, go raibh orthu roinnt mhaith staid\u00e9ir a dh\u00e9anamh ina n-\u00e1bhair, sa chaoi go mbeadh ar a gcumas ceisteanna crua na mac l\u00e9inn a fhreagairt, \u00f3 l\u00f3 go l\u00f3, n\u00f3 n\u00edorbh aon d\u00f3ich\u00edn iad na mic l\u00e9inn ch\u00e9anna sin, chomh fada is a bhain se le l\u00e9ann agus staid\u00e9ar, le taighde agus le fiosr\u00fa, sa tsl\u00ed, go mb\u00edodh ar na holl\u00fana bheith ar a n-aire, chuile n\u00f3im\u00e9ad, n\u00f3 bh\u00edodh cead ag na mic l\u00e9inn ceisteanna a scaoileadh chucu, am ar bith. Is cuimhin liom fear amh\u00e1in de na hOll\u00fana sin go dt\u00ed an l\u00f3 at\u00e1 inniu ann, toisc an n\u00f3s a bh\u00ed aige, cupla n\u00f3im\u00e9ad a chaitheamh, roimh chuile l\u00e9acht d\u00e1 chuid, ag l\u00e9amh roinnt v\u00e9arsa\u00ed as \u201cCurly Wee agus Gussie Goose\u201d greannv\u00e9arsa\u00ed a bh\u00edodh le l\u00e9amh san Irish Independent, chuile l\u00e1, an t-am sin. A Mham, bail \u00f3 Dhia uirthi, a bhail\u00edodh iad agus a chuireadh chuige tr\u00edd an bpost iad, go rialta. N\u00ed raibh fhios agam riamh c\u00e9n f\u00e1th ar chleacht s\u00e9 an n\u00f3s sin. B\u2019fh\u00e9idir gur theastaigh uaidh atmosf\u00e9ar \u00e9atrom a chruth\u00fa d\u00e1 chuid oibre fh\u00e9in, n\u00f3 b\u2019fh\u00e9idir ar\u00eds, gurbh amhlaidh a theastaigh uaidh, a aigne fh\u00e9in a shuaimhni\u00fa, agus a chi\u00faini\u00fa, don ghn\u00f3 a bh\u00ed le d\u00e9anamh aige. Ach cib\u00e9 ar bith c\u00fais a bh\u00ed leis, caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il, gur bhaineamarna, mic l\u00e9inn, l\u00e1n-taitneamh as na v\u00e9arsa\u00ed c\u00e9anna sin a l\u00e9adh an Maigh Eoch cine\u00e1lta sinn d\u00fainn, thart ar thr\u00ed sc\u00f3r bliain \u00f3 shoin anois. Sea, bh\u00ed a bhealach oibre fh\u00e9in forbartha ag chuile Ollamh acu, agus caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il, go raibh meas againne ar chuile dhuine acu, sea, agus \u00e9 creidthe againn freisin, go raibh an meas c\u00e9anna sin tuillte, agus tuillte go maith acu uainn. Bh\u00ed f\u00e9ith an ghrinn ina mbun\u00fas, b\u00edodh go raibh corrdhuine acu a bh\u00ed r\u00f3-dh\u00e1ir\u00edreach, ar bhealach eic\u00ednt. N\u00e1 ceap anois, nach mb\u00edodh ar si\u00fal againn, ach sport agus spraoi, n\u00f3 a mhalairt a bh\u00ed f\u00edor, i nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, agus d\u00e1 nd\u00e9anf\u00e1 rud ar bith as an mbealach, b\u00ed chinte, go nglaofa\u00ed os comhair dhuine eic\u00ednt, ar bhain do choirse lena ghortsan, th\u00fa, agus bheadh ort ansin do bheart a mh\u00edni\u00fa, agus t\u00fa fh\u00e9in a chosaint sa ch\u00fairt sin.<\/p>

Tr\u00e1th raibh m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in ag freastal ar an gCol\u00e1iste Diagachta sin, Dhroim an tS\u00edn, thosaigh an m\u00fachadh ag cur as dom, n\u00edos m\u00f3 n\u00e1 mar ba ghn\u00e1th, agus ba mhinic m\u00e9 f\u00e1gtha sa leaba, ar maidin, tr\u00e1th a mb\u00edodh an chuid eile den teach ag paidreoireacht leo san Aireagal. Ba \u00e9 deireadh an sc\u00e9il sin \u00e9, n\u00f3 gur cuireadh isteach in Ospid\u00e9al an Mhater, i mB\u00e9al Feirste m\u00e9, \u00e1it ar chuir lia faoi scian m\u00e9, gur fh\u00e1g s\u00e9 gan \u201cSeptum\u201d, agus gan Ch\u00e9isl\u00edn\u00ed m\u00e9. Thaitin an t-am a chaith m\u00e9 san ospid\u00e9al sin go m\u00f3r liom, agus chuir m\u00e9 aithne ar othair, ar dhocht\u00fair\u00ed, agus ar bhanaltra\u00ed, le linn mo thr\u00e9imhse ansin. Fanann cuimhne na laethe sin go glas f\u00f3s i gcistin m\u2019aigne, agus is bre\u00e1 liom f\u00f3s, dul siar ar na heachtra\u00ed a bhain dom san ospid\u00e9al c\u00e9anna sin. Ach b\u2019fh\u00e9idir gur ch\u00f3ir dom na c\u00farsa\u00ed sin a fh\u00e1g\u00e1il don ch\u00e9ad chaibidil eile<\/p>

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S\u00edolta an Amhrais ag Fr\u00e9amh\u00fa<\/p>

Caibidil 32 <\/span><\/strong><\/p>

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Tar \u00e9is dom mo sheal a chaitheamh in Ospid\u00e9al an Mhater, i mB\u00e9al Feirste, tugadh cead mo chois dom ar\u00eds. Ar ball, d\u2019fhill m\u00e9 ar an gCol\u00e1iste, agus is cuimhin liom f\u00f3s, n\u00e1r thug \u00fadar\u00e1is an Chol\u00e1iste cabhair ar bith dom mo bhealach a dh\u00e9anamh abhaile \u00f3 chathair Bh\u00e9al Feirste go Col\u00e1iste Dhroim an tS\u00edn, i gContae an D\u00fain, agus t\u00e1\u2019s ag an l\u00e1 anois, n\u00e1r r\u00f3-shl\u00e1inti\u00fail an \u00e1it \u00ed, Tuaisceart \u00c9ireann, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, d\u2019\u00e1bhar sagairt ar bith bheith ag guairdeall timpeall, gan fios a bhealaigh, n\u00f3 tada d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id ar eolas go maith aige, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed na \u201cB Specials\u201d ar an bhf\u00f3d f\u00f3s, ag an am, agus is cuimhin liom, faoi mar a d\u2019inis m\u00e9 dhaoibh thuas, go raibh an dorchadas tite, nuair a thuirling m\u00e9 den bhus, p\u00edosa den bh\u00f3thar \u00f3n gCol\u00e1iste, bh\u00ed seanrothar f\u00e1gtha ansin, ag stad an bhus, faoi mo choinne. Chuir m\u00e9 mo mh\u00e1la beag taistil ar iompar\u00e1n an rothair sin, agus bhuail m\u00e9 b\u00f3thar. Ach, faoi mar a d\u2019inis m\u00e9 dhaoibh cheana, d\u2019\u00e9irigh liom na cosa a thabhairt liom an o\u00edche sin, ach go h\u00e1irithe. <\/p>

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N\u00edl fhios agam f\u00f3s, c\u00e9ard a tharl\u00f3dh d\u00e1 n-\u00e9ireodh leis na p\u00f3il\u00edn\u00ed speisialta, c\u00e9anna sin, teacht suas liom an o\u00edche sin, ach t\u00e1 m\u00e9 cinnte, n\u00e1rbh \u00e9 a bh\u00ed uathu, f\u00e1ilte abhaile a chur romhamsa ar ais go Dromantine! Th\u00e1inig m\u00e9 chugam fh\u00e9in, de r\u00e9ir a ch\u00e9ile, ach ag an am gc\u00e9anna, is f\u00e9idir leat a bheith cinnte, nach ndeachaigh \u00fadar\u00e1is na Scoile sin thar f\u00f3ir, lena gcine\u00e1ltas, n\u00f3 lena gc\u00faram! <\/p>

Sea, agus b\u00edodh gur thaitin chuile ch\u00farsa a bh\u00ed idir cham\u00e1in againn sa Chol\u00e1iste liom, ag an am gc\u00e9anna, de r\u00e9ir a ch\u00e9ile, bh\u00ed strus agus teannas an tsaoil a bh\u00ed \u00e1 chaitheamh againn, ag f\u00e1il an l\u00e1imh in uachtar orm, maraon le c\u00farsa\u00ed pearsanta eile, agus mhothaigh m\u00e9, nach raibh m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in chomh sona s\u00e1sta is a bh\u00ednn, i rith na mblianta roimhe sin, agus m\u00e9 ag ullmh\u00fa don tsagartacht. Bh\u00ed s\u00edolta an amhrais ag cur fr\u00e9amhacha uathu, os \u00edseal, \u00e1it eic\u00ednt sa chro\u00ed istigh ionnam. Lean m\u00e9 orm ag staid\u00e9ar, agus ag d\u00e9anamh chuile sh\u00f3rt a iarradh orm, ach ar bhealach eic\u00ednt, bh\u00ed an d\u00e9 ag dul i l\u00e9ig im\u2019 ghairmse chun na beatha cr\u00e1bhaidh. Bronnadh na Mionoird orm, agus bh\u00ed m\u00e9 ag ullmh\u00fa le hOrd an Fhodheag\u00e1naigh a ghlacadh, agus gan romham ansin ach bliain amh\u00e1in eile go nd\u00e9anfa\u00ed m\u00e9 a oirni\u00fa im shagart. <\/p>

Ach mar ad\u00fairt m\u00e9, bh\u00ed na s\u00edolta \u00fad a luaigh m\u00e9, anois beag, ag tos\u00fa ag f\u00e1s is ag dul i m\u00e9ad, agus nuair a chuir m\u00e9 leosan, amhrais eile a bh\u00edodh am chr\u00e1, cupla bliain roimhe sin, tuigeadh dom, nach raibh an dara rogha agam, ach an sc\u00e9al a phl\u00e9 lem anamchara. Rinneamar chuile sh\u00f3rt a scr\u00fad\u00fa, is a chur tr\u00ed ch\u00e9ile, agus ba \u00e9 deireadh an sc\u00e9il \u00e9, n\u00f3 gur tuigeadh dom, go raibh an t-am tagtha le sl\u00e1n a fh\u00e1g\u00e1il ag na comhleacaithe, ar dhein m\u00e9 saighdi\u00faireacht leo, thar na blianta fada, agus sleamhn\u00fa liom, go deas, bog, r\u00e9idh, thar nais, le bheith im ghn\u00e1th-thuata ar\u00eds. B\u2019in mar a rinne m\u00e9. Caithfear a r\u00e1, nach raibh s\u00e9 \u00e9asca, n\u00f3 bog, an ch\u00e9im sin a th\u00f3g\u00e1il, n\u00f3 ba chos\u00fail le teip n\u00e1ireach \u00e9, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, \u00e9ir\u00ed as na sagairt, le bheith id shagart millte, faoi mar adeirt\u00ed ag an am, ach caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il anseo gurbh \u00e9 an rud ba mh\u00f3 a chabhraigh liomsa an ch\u00e9im sin a th\u00f3g\u00e1il, n\u00f3 chomh cabhraitheach, c\u00fantach, tuisceanach, is a bh\u00ed mo mhuintir fh\u00e9in sa bhaile, sea, agus ba ch\u00f3ir dom muintir mo bhaile uilig, a chur isteach in \u00e9indigh leosan, sa mh\u00e9id sin. <\/p>

Ach, sin uilig r\u00e1ite agam, n\u00ed raibh \u00e9al\u00f3 ar bith \u00f3 mh\u00e9ad na c\u00e9ime sin, a bh\u00ed t\u00f3gtha agam. Bh\u00ed orm tos\u00fa ar\u00eds, \u00f3 bhonn. Bh\u00ed orm dul i mbun an tsaoil neamheaglaisigh ar\u00eds, saol nach raibh cleachtadh ar bith faighte agamsa air. N\u00ed raibh cleachtadh ar bith faighte agamsa ar shaol an tuata, ar dhamhsa\u00ed, ar ch\u00fairt\u00e9ireacht, n\u00f3 ar ch\u00e9ad rud eile nach iad, ach n\u00ed raibh an dara rogha agam, ach mo dh\u00edcheall a dh\u00e9anamh, agus saol nua a chruth\u00fa dom fh\u00e9in, agus ar\u00eds, caithfidh m\u00e9 a r\u00e1, go mbeadh sin do-dh\u00e9anta, geall leis, mura mbeadh an chabhair agus an c\u00fanamh a fuair m\u00e9 \u00f3 mo mhuintir fh\u00e9in, agus \u00f3 na comharsana uilig, a bh\u00ed thart orm, ag an am, ach beidh tuilleadh le r\u00e1 agam faoin saol nua sin, amach anseo.<\/p>

Ach sul m\u00e1 fh\u00e1gaim mo chur s\u00edos ar mo laethe i nDroim an tS\u00edn, b\u2019fh\u00e9idir gur ch\u00f3ir tagairt a dh\u00e9anamh do n\u00f3s ait a bh\u00ed againn sa Chliarsoil ch\u00e9anna sin. Luaigh m\u00e9 cheana, an tsuim uilig sin a chuireadh muid sa Ghaeilge f\u00e9in, bhuel, n\u00edor l\u00fa n\u00e1 sin an tsuim a chuirimis i ngn\u00e9ithe eile den chult\u00far Gaelach. D\u2019imr\u00edmis na cluich\u00ed Gaelacha, le fonn, agus chuirimis suim freisin, sa cheol, agus sna damhsa\u00ed Gaelacha. <\/p>

Conas a l\u00e9irigh muid an tsuim sin, an ea? <\/p>

Bhuel, sa Chol\u00e1iste Diagachta sin, go h\u00e1irithe i gcro\u00ed an Gheimhridh, nuair a bh\u00edodh an aimsir d\u00e1r bpr\u00e9achadh leis an bhfuacht, agus t\u00e1\u2019s ag an R\u00ed fh\u00e9in go mb\u00edodh s\u00e9 feanntach fuar sa d\u00faiche sin, faoi sc\u00e1th Shl\u00e9ibhte Mhughdhorna. Bhuel, in \u00e1it baili\u00fa timpeall tine, fi\u00fa d\u00e1 mbeadh a leith\u00e9id de bheith\u00edoch ar f\u00e1il, is amhlaidh a bhail\u00edodh muid sa Halla S\u00fagartha, agus chuirt\u00ed c\u00e9il\u00ed ar si\u00fal d\u00fainn, agus n\u00edl dabht ar domhan, ach go mba bhre\u00e1 an tsl\u00ed \u00ed sin, le c\u00fal a chur ar an bhfuacht, n\u00f3 ba ghearr ag gabh\u00e1il do na rinc\u00ed Gaelacha muid, go mb\u00edmis bre\u00e1, te, ar\u00eds, agus bh\u00edomar ag foghlaim na ndamhsa\u00ed Gaelacha, ag an am gc\u00e9anna. N\u00e1r chliste an cleas \u00e9, ar bhealach, leis an scil sin a mh\u00faineadh do dhream nach bhfaigheadh aon tsl\u00ed eile, leis an scil ch\u00e9anna sin a fhoghlaim. <\/p>

C\u00e9n \u00fas\u00e1id a bhaineadh siad as an scil sin, ar ball? Ad\u00e9arfadh duine b\u2019fh\u00e9idir.<\/p>

Bhuel, nach minic ar na misin a mh\u00faineadh sagairt na damhsa\u00ed c\u00e9anna sin do na leana\u00ed gorma \u00fad, a raibh an oiread sin sp\u00e9ise iontu anseo in \u00c9irinn ag an am, agus i nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, n\u00e1r bhre\u00e1, sl\u00e1inti\u00fail, na damhsa\u00ed iad, do chine a bh\u00ed chomh tugtha sin do rince, agus do rithim, do cheol agus do chuideachta. D\u00e1r nd\u00f3igh, n\u00ed h\u00e9 mo thuairim, go ligf\u00ed d\u2019\u00e1bhair sagairt an lae inniu, c\u00e9ilithe d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id a chleachtadh anois.<\/p>

Tuige? An ea?<\/p>

Bhuel, is d\u00f3cha go nd\u00e9arfa\u00ed, nach raibh c\u00e9apair d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id oiri\u00fanach d\u2019\u00e1bhair sagairt, agus go mbeadh baol ann, go nd\u00faiseodh rinc\u00ed d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id smaoine gn\u00e9asacha iontu, agus i nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, n\u00e1rbh fhearr i bhfad d\u00f3ibh, bheith ag gabh\u00e1il d\u00e1 staid\u00e9ir, n\u00f3 d\u00e1 bpaidreacha, n\u00e1 bheith ag v\u00e1ls\u00e1il timpeall d\u00f3ibh fh\u00e9in? Sea, agus b\u2019fh\u00e9idir go mbeadh sciorta den cheart acu freisin! Ach, ag an am gc\u00e9anna, ba bheag smaointe d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id a bh\u00edodh ag cur as d\u00fainne, na ho\u00edcheanta fuara, feanntacha, sin, i gCliarscoil Dhroim an tS\u00edn, agus muidinne ag rince linn ar sain \u00e1r nd\u00edchill, ag iarraidh c\u00fal a chur ar fhuacht agus ar fheanntacht an Gheimhridh Ultaigh. <\/p>

Ach ag caint ar na leana\u00ed gorma \u00fad, faoi mar a dhein m\u00e9, anois beag, n\u00e1r mh\u00f3r go deo an sp\u00e9is a bh\u00ed ag \u00e1r muintir sna leana\u00ed c\u00e9anna sin, i ndachaid\u00ed, agus i gcaogaid\u00ed na haoise seo caite. Bh\u00edodh tic\u00e9id \u00e1 nd\u00edol, agus damhsa\u00ed \u00e1 n-eagr\u00fa, chuile bhabhta, le cabhair a chur ar f\u00e1il do na leana\u00ed gorma c\u00e9anna sin, agus bh\u00edodh baili\u00fach\u00e1in ar si\u00fal, go rialta, ag dalta\u00ed scoile na t\u00edre seo, le pingneacha a bhaili\u00fa do na leana\u00ed gorma c\u00e9anna sin. Sea, mh\u2019anam, thugamar gr\u00e1 \u00e1r gcro\u00ed do na cr\u00e9at\u00fair ch\u00e9anna sin, ach breathnaigh faoi mar at\u00e1 an sc\u00e9al anois. Bhuel, d\u2019fh\u00e1s na leana\u00ed gorma sin suas, agus anois, t\u00e1 a gclann si\u00fad, no clann a gclainne, ag iarraidh teacht isteach chugainn anseo in \u00c9irinn na bhf\u00e1ilt\u00ed, le c\u00fanamh agus coimirce a lorg orainn, agus t\u00e1 m\u00e9 ag ceapadh, nach bhfuil an gr\u00e1 c\u00e9anna againn d\u00f3ibhsean anois, is a bh\u00ed ag an ngl\u00fan a bh\u00ed suas ansin, d\u00e1 dtuismitheoir\u00ed. Ach, nach \u2018in an saol agat? T\u00e1 s\u00e9 \u00e9asca go maith, meas a bheith agat ar an nduine at\u00e1 i bhfad uait, ach nuair a th\u00e9ann a bh\u00f3 isteach i do gharra\u00ed, bhuel, sin sc\u00e9al eile ar fad. Ach n\u00ed chuige sin at\u00e1 m\u00e9, ach chuige seo…..<\/p>

D\u2019fh\u00e1g m\u00e9 Droim an tS\u00edn, agus thug m\u00e9 m\u2019aghaidh ar an saol m\u00f3r, mallaithe, a bh\u00ed taobh amuigh de na falla\u00ed cr\u00e1ifeacha \u00fad, a chosain m\u00e9 \u00f3 chuile olc spiorad\u00e1lta, suas go dt\u00ed an pointe sin, agus m\u00e9, ag an am sin, im fhear \u00f3g, thart ar ch\u00faig bliana fichead d\u2019aois. B\u00ed liom sa ch\u00e9ad chaibidil eile, nuair a dh\u00e9anfaidh m\u00e9 iarracht, ar chur s\u00edos a dh\u00e9anamh ar an chaoi ar athraigh an saol ar fad dom, agus m\u00e9 ag iarraidh dul i ngleic leis an saol nua, a bh\u00ed le caitheamh agam, uaidh sin amach.<\/p>

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An Rubicon trasnaithe <\/span><\/strong><\/p>

Caibidil 33<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

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Sa chaibidil deiridh, labhair m\u00e9 faoin chaoi ar shhocraigh m\u00e9 \u00e9ir\u00ed as an tsagartacht, agus filleadh ar\u00eds ar shaol an tuata. Cheapf\u00e1 nach mbeadh s\u00e9 r\u00f3-dheacair a leith\u00e9id a dh\u00e9anamh, agus d\u00e1r nd\u00f3igh, n\u00ed bheadh m\u00f3r\u00e1n deacrachta ag baint le cinneadh d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id, sa l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu ann, ach saol eile ar fad a bh\u00ed i dtreis anseo, sa bhliain 1950. Ag an am sin, bh\u00ed gradam faoi leith ag gabh\u00e1il leis an tsagartacht, agus n\u00ed hamh\u00e1in go dtugta\u00ed urraim agus on\u00f3ir don duine fh\u00e9in, ach bh\u00ed an oiread c\u00e9anna urrama agus on\u00f3ra ag dul d\u00e1 mhuintir, agus d\u00e1 phobal, fi\u00fa. N\u00edor dhuine pr\u00edobh\u00e1ideach a thuilleadh \u00e9 an t-\u00e1bhar sagairt, ba chuid d\u00edlis feasta \u00e9 d\u00e1 phobal, agus nuair a d\u2019\u00e9ireodh a leith\u00e9id de dhuine as an tsagartacht, chuir s\u00e9 sin isteach ar an bpobal uilig, gan tr\u00e1cht in aon chor ar a mhuintir, n\u00f3 ar a ghaolta fh\u00e9in. Leor a r\u00e1, mar sin, nach raibh s\u00e9 chomh h\u00e9asca sin ar fad, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, filleadh ar do dh\u00fachas id shagairt\u00edn, n\u00f3 i do shagart millte. Ba chine\u00e1l masla \u00e9, n\u00f3 chonacthas do dhaoine gur di\u00falta\u00edodh duit, cuma m\u00e1 shocraigh duine fh\u00e9in ar \u00e9ir\u00ed as, d\u00e1 dheoin fh\u00e9in, n\u00e1rbh \u00e9 an d\u00e1 mhar a ch\u00e9ile \u00e9? D\u2019fh\u00e1g s\u00e9 na sagairt!<\/p>

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B\u2019in iad na smaointe a bh\u00ed do mo chr\u00e1, is do mo ch\u00e9asach, ar feadh scathaimh mhaith sul ar fh\u00e1g m\u00e9 an Chliarscoil, ach ar deireadh, rinne m\u00e9 suas m\u2019aigne, tar \u00e9is dom chuile sh\u00f3rt a chur sa mhe\u00e1, agus \u00f3n bpointe sin amach, n\u00edor lig m\u00e9 do na c\u00farsa\u00ed sin cur isteach go r\u00f3-mh\u00f3r orm. Tuigeadh dom, nach raibh an dara rogha agam, ach \u00e9ir\u00ed as. N\u00edlim \u00e1 r\u00e1 anois, go raibh s\u00e9 \u00e9asca, uaidh sin amach, n\u00f3 ba chuid dem\u2019 shaol \u00e9 an traen\u00e1il sin don tsagartacht, agus caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il freisin, gurbh \u00ed an traen\u00e1il ch\u00e9anna sin a mh\u00fanlaigh m\u00e9, agus a shocraigh prionsabail, agus b\u00e9asa beatha, sa chro\u00ed istigh ionnam. <\/p>

Ar deireadh thiar, th\u00e1inig an l\u00e1 m\u00f3r. Bh\u00ed m\u00e9 liom fh\u00e9in, i ndeireadh na d\u00e1la. N\u00ed raibh \u00e9inne ansin le teacht i gcabhair orm, leis an ualach buartha sin a roinnt liom. T\u00f3gadh i ngluaiste\u00e1n chun st\u00e1isi\u00fan na traenach ag I\u00far Chinn Tr\u00e1 m\u00e9. F\u00e1gadh ansin m\u00e9. Bh\u00ed l\u00e9im dhroichead na n-alt caite agam. Agus leis an sc\u00e9al sin a dh\u00e9anamh n\u00edos measa f\u00f3s, bh\u00ed de n\u00f3s ag an gComhluadar s\u2019againne, an SMA, ar dhein m\u00e9 tagairt go minic cheana d\u00f3, bh\u00ed de n\u00f3s acusan, droim l\u00e1imhe a thabhairt leis an t\u00e9 a d\u2019fh\u00e1gfadh an Comhluadar sin. Moladh d\u00f3ibh, ina mbunreacht, gan aon bhaint a bheith acu feasta, leis an t\u00e9 a d\u2019im\u00edodh uathu. Moladh d\u00f3ibh, gan aon ph\u00e1irt a bheith acu feasta leis an t\u00e9 a bhainfeadh a l\u00e1imh den ch\u00e9achta. Caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il anois, gur chuir an n\u00f3s sin isteach go m\u00f3r orm, agus caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il freisin, gur tuigeadh dom, chuile l\u00e1 riamh, go mba fhrithChr\u00edosta\u00ed, amach is amuigh, an n\u00f3s \u00e9. Ach b\u2019in an n\u00f3s, agus geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, n\u00e1r bhris mo chomhleacaithe fh\u00e9in an n\u00f3s c\u00e9anna sin, ach chomh beag le h\u00e9inne eile. Sea, mh\u2019anam, agus anuas go dt\u00ed an l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu fh\u00e9in ann, n\u00ed raibh aon teangmh\u00e1il, gurbh fhi\u00fa tr\u00e1cht air, idir m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in agus mo chomhleachaithe, d\u00e1 bhf\u00e9adfainn sin a thabhairt orthu, b\u00edodh go raibh tarraingt ar naoi mbliana caite ag cuid againn i bhfochair a ch\u00e9ile, tr\u00ed shonas, is tr\u00ed dhonas, tr\u00ed bhuairt, is tr\u00ed l\u00fach\u00e1ir, tr\u00ed shoineann, is tr\u00ed dhoineann, ach nach \u2018in an saol agat a mhiceo!! I nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, n\u00ed raibh \u00e1 dh\u00e9anamh acu, ach faoi mar ad\u00faradh leo, agus nach cuimhin libh sc\u00e9al an N\u00f3ibh\u00edsigh a chuir na planda\u00ed bun os cionn! Nach bhfuil do sh\u00e1ith ansin agat! <\/p>

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N\u00e1r bhr\u00f3nach, uaigneach, gruama, an turas abhaile dhom \u00e9, \u00f3 Chliarscoil Dhroim an tS\u00edn, go baile na Droime in Iorras? Geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, gur chaitheas laethe n\u00edos sona, s\u00e1sta, l\u00fach\u00e1ir\u00ed, n\u00e1 an l\u00e1 c\u00e9anna \u00fad, is m\u00e9 ag taisteal siar abhaile go hIorras. Conas a d\u2019\u00e9ireodh liom thiar? An bhfearfa\u00ed f\u00e1ilte romham? C\u00e9ard faoi na comharsanna? Cad a dh\u00e9anfainn in aon chor anois, n\u00f3 anuas go dt\u00ed an pointe sin, n\u00ed raibh ach r\u00f3d amh\u00e1in romham, d\u00e1r liomsa, ach anois, bh\u00ed an bealach sin crosta ormsa feasta, ach bheadh am agam, ar ball, leis an bhfadhb sin a scaoileadh. Nach rabhas \u00f3g, l\u00e1idir, misni\u00fail, ag an am, agus m\u00e9 r\u00e9idh deighle\u00e1il le c\u00e1s ar bith, d\u00e1 dheacra \u00e9.<\/p>

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Tr\u00ed Bhaile \u00c1tha Cliath sea chuas, agus caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il dhuit anseo, go mb\u00edodh \u00e1thas orm, chuile bhabhta, nuair a thuirling\u00ednn de thraein an Tuaiscirt, ag St\u00e1isi\u00fan Shr\u00e1id Amien. N\u00edor thaise don bhabhta sin \u00e9. Sea, bh\u00edos ar ais i dt\u00edr na muintire, b\u00edodh go raibh p\u00edosa le dul agam f\u00f3s, s\u00e1ra n-aireoinn cr\u00e9 Iorrais faoi mo sp\u00e1ga ar\u00eds. In Earrach na bliana 1950, a tharla na heachtra\u00ed sin, ach filleann siad orm anois, chomh gl\u00e9, glas, glinn, is d\u00e1 mba inn\u00e9 a tharla siad, a ch\u00e9aduair!<\/p>

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Chaith m\u00e9 o\u00edche i mBaile \u00c1tha Cliath, agus an mhaidin d\u00e1r gcionn, bh\u00ed m\u00e9 r\u00e9idh chun b\u00f3thair ar\u00eds le giolc an ghealbhain, agus tar \u00e9is l\u00e1 a chaitheamh ag taisteal, shroich m\u00e9 B\u00e9al an \u00c1tha, cois Muaidhe, an o\u00edche sin, agus chuir m\u00e9 f\u00fam ansin, sa N\u00e9ifin, an o\u00edche sin, agus an mhaidin d\u00e1r gcionn, fuair m\u00e9 s\u00edob amach go B\u00e9al an Mhuirthead ar veain an Phosta. N\u00ed raibh s\u00e9 r\u00f3-dheacair agam ansin mo bhealach a dh\u00e9anamh abhaile \u00f3 Bh\u00e9al an Mhuirthead, agus gan aon r\u00f3-mhoill, bh\u00ed m\u00e9 ar ais sa bhaile, agus murar cuireadh f\u00e1ilte U\u00ed Cheallaigh romhamsa, an mhaidin sin, bhuel, n\u00ed l\u00e1 f\u00f3s \u00e9! Bh\u00ed mo Dhaid is mo Mham ina gc\u00e9ad cuid thart orm, agus chuile iarracht \u00e1 dh\u00e9anamh acu, a chur ina lu\u00ed ormsa, go raibh na m\u00fartha f\u00e1ilte \u00e1 gcur acu romham abhaile. Chuir an fh\u00e1ilte sin faoi gheasa m\u00e9, agus \u00f3n n\u00f3im\u00e9ad sin amach, n\u00ed raibh amhras orm riamh faoi dh\u00e1ir\u00edreacht na f\u00e1ilte c\u00e9anna sin. N\u00edlim ag ma\u00edomh anois go raibh s\u00e9 \u00e9asca agamsa, teacht isteach ar\u00eds ar rithim agus ar cheol an t\u00ed s\u2019againne, i mbaile na Droime, n\u00f3 bh\u00edos r\u00f3-fhada ar dheoraiocht, chuige sin. Bh\u00edos r\u00f3-fhada scartha \u00f3m mhuintir, agus n\u00f3sanna agus b\u00e9asa strains\u00e9artha pioctha suas agam. Bh\u00ed chuile sh\u00f3rt as comp\u00e1s, mar ad\u00e9arf\u00e1. An seomra seo r\u00f3-bheag, na falla\u00ed r\u00f3-\u00edseal, agus na hurl\u00e1ir r\u00f3-gharbh. Bh\u00ed m\u00e9 millte, tr\u00edd is tr\u00edd, ag an timpeallacht inar chaith m\u00e9, tarraingt ar dheich mbliana. N\u00edor th\u00e1inig an cine\u00e1l saoil sin, a chleacht m\u00e9 i rith na mblianta fada sin, leis an gcine\u00e1l saoil a bh\u00ed \u00e1 chaitheamh ag mo mhuintir fh\u00e9in. Bh\u00ed m\u00e9 im \u00e9an cuide\u00e1in i measc mo mhuintire fh\u00e9in, sea, agus th\u00f3gfadh s\u00e9 roinnt mhaith ama leis an sc\u00e9al sin a chur ina cheart ar\u00eds, s\u00e9 sin, d\u00e1 mbeadh a leith\u00e9id ind\u00e9anta, in aon chor. Bh\u00edos-sa tagtha ar shaol an chomhthion\u00f3il, mar ad\u00e9arf\u00e1. Ach, n\u00edorbh iad na deacrachta\u00ed sin na clocha ba mh\u00f3 ar \u00e1r bpaidr\u00edn, an mhaidin \u00e1irithe sin, in Earrach na bliana 1950, i l\u00e1r na haoise seo caite. Rinneamar \u00e1r gcomhr\u00e1 go b\u00e9asach, cairdi\u00fail, gr\u00e1mhar, ach m\u00e1 dhein fh\u00e9in, bh\u00ed fhios againn uilig, go raibh an dochar d\u00e9anta, agus nach mbeadh c\u00farsa\u00ed riamh go deo ar\u00eds, faoi mar a bh\u00ed, sular fh\u00e1g m\u00e9 an baile, le dul sna sagairt, a ch\u00e9aduair. Bhris an scaradh sin sreang an imleac\u00e1in, agus d\u2019fh\u00e1g an Eaglais lorg a l\u00e1imhe orm, lorg nach bhf\u00e9adfa\u00ed a cheal\u00fa, cho\u00edche. Th\u00f3g s\u00e9 blianta orm glacadh go huile is go hioml\u00e1n le f\u00edrinne an r\u00e1itis sin, ach, bhain na c\u00farsa\u00ed sin uilig leis an todhcha\u00ed, agus n\u00ed raibh muid fi\u00fa ag smaoineamh ar a leith\u00e9id, an tr\u00e1th sin.<\/p>

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Bhain deacrachta\u00ed lem\u2019 ionad feasta sa chlann, chomh fada is a bhain s\u00e9 liomsa, ach go h\u00e1irithe. Th\u00e1inig m\u00e9 abhaile chucu im dhuine uasal, m\u00e9 gl\u00e9asta suas im chulaith Domhnaigh, fhad is a bh\u00ed chuile dhuine eile sa teach gl\u00e9asta ina n-\u00e9ada\u00ed oibre. N\u00ed fh\u00e9adfainn fanacht cois tine, an l\u00e1 ar fad, im shu\u00ed ar chathaoir, im dhuine uasail\u00edn. Bh\u00ed obair le d\u00e9anamh. Bh\u00ed s\u00edolta le cur, m\u00f3in le baint, aoileach le scaradh, agus diaidh ar ndiaidh, rinne m\u00e9 iarracht teacht isteach ar na graith\u00ed c\u00e9anna sin. S\u00edlim go bhfaca na m\u00fainteoir\u00ed, i Scoil na Cille M\u00f3ire Iorrais, an c\u00e1s ina raibh m\u00e9, agus th\u00e1inig siadsan i gcabhair orm. Tharla ag an am \u00e1irithe sin, go raibh m\u00fainteoir sealadach ag teast\u00e1il uathu, agus d\u2019iarr siad ormsa an post sin a l\u00edonadh, ar feadh scathaimh. B\u00ed cinnte go raibh m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in l\u00e1n-ts\u00e1sta tabhairt faoin bhfiontar sin. Bhailigh m\u00e9 mo chip is mo mheanaithe, agus bh\u00edos ag doras na scoile go bre\u00e1 luath, an mhaidin d\u00e1r gcionn. <\/p>

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Athr\u00fa Saoil <\/span><\/strong><\/p>

Caibidil 34<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

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Chuir m\u00fainteoir\u00ed Scoil N\u00e1isi\u00fanta na Cille M\u00f3ire, Iorrais, obair shealadach ar f\u00e1il dom, agus n\u00ed call a r\u00e1, gur ghlac m\u00e9 leis an bpost sin, le fonn is le flosc, agus ba thr\u00edd an bpost c\u00e9anna sin, a fr\u00e9amha\u00edodh gr\u00e1 don mh\u00fainteoreacht sa chro\u00ed istigh ionnam, ach le filleadh ar an sc\u00e9al a bh\u00ed idir cham\u00e1in agam…<\/p>

B\u00edodh nach raibh an mh\u00fainteoireacht chomh h\u00e9asca is a cheap m\u00e9, ag an am gc\u00e9anna, thaitin s\u00e9 go m\u00f3r liom, ar bhealach eic\u00ednt. Bheadh s\u00e9 deacair na gas\u00fair sa scoil sin a sh\u00e1r\u00fa. N\u00e1r chuid dem phobal fh\u00e9in iad, agus tar \u00e9is dom scathamh a chaitheamh im mh\u00fainteoir sealadach, th\u00e1inig me ar an tuairim, go n-oirfeadh ceird na m\u00fainteoireachta go seoigh liom. Chuaigh m\u00e9 i gcomhairle le mo sheanmh\u00fainteoir, an M\u00e1istir \u00d3 Cr\u00f3in\u00edn, agus ba \u00e9 a mhol seisean dom, n\u00f3 cur isteach ar ch\u00farsa don \u201cH Dip in Ed\u201d i gCol\u00e1iste na hOllscoile, Gaillimh, don bhliain scoile d\u00e1r gcionn. Rinne m\u00e9 rud air, agus glacadh liom, agus socra\u00edodh go raghainn isteach ansin, faoi Dheireadh F\u00f3mhair na bliana sin, 1950.<\/p>

Sea, bh\u00ed an fhadhb scaoilte agam, b\u00edodh gur de thimpiste fh\u00e9in \u00e9. Raghainn le Me\u00e1n- m\u00fainteoireacht. Mhol mo sheanmh\u00e1istir dom freisin, cuairt a thabhairt ar roinnt Me\u00e1nscoileanna, f\u00e9achaint an mbeadh aon fhol\u00fantas acu, sa chaoi go bhf\u00e9adfainn dul ag m\u00faineadh chucu, an Me\u00e1n F\u00f3mhair sin, agus go raibh seans ann, go ligf\u00ed dom freastal ar ch\u00farsa an \u201cH Dip.\u201d i rith na bliana sin. Rinne m\u00e9 amhlaidh, ach, i nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, ba shaothar in aisce dom \u00e9, n\u00f3 c\u00e9 gur gealladh dom, i gcupla scoil, go gcuirf\u00ed fios orm, gan aon r\u00f3-mhoill, le dul i mbun oibre d\u00f3ibh, t\u00e1 m\u00e9 ag fanacht f\u00f3s ar litir uathusan, ag moladh dom teacht chucu. \u00d3 Bhuel! nach \u2018in an saol agat! An t\u00e9 t\u00e1 thuas \u00f3ltar deoch air, ach an t\u00e9 t\u00e1 th\u00edos, buailtear cos air! B\u2019in mar a mhothaigh mise, ar aon n\u00f3s, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad. <\/p>

Ach, n\u00edorbh fh\u00e1l go haer \u00e9, n\u00f3 teacht an Mhe\u00e1n Fh\u00f3mhair, bhailigh m\u00e9 mo chip is mo mheanaithe ar\u00eds, agus thug m\u2019aghaidh ar Ghaillimh na gCuan. Fuair m\u00e9 l\u00f3ist\u00edn dom fh\u00e9in i dteach a\u00edochta, amuigh ar imeall na cathrach, i nGarraithe an L\u00e9ana Bhu\u00ed, le muintir Mhic Aonghusa, agus caithfidh m\u00e9 a r\u00e1, nach bhf\u00e9adfainn \u00e1it n\u00edos fearr, n\u00edos oiri\u00fana\u00ed, n\u00f3 n\u00edos cairdi\u00fala a fh\u00e1il, \u00e1it ar bith, i gcathair mh\u00f3r na Gaillimhe, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, n\u00e1 an teach c\u00e9anna sin, agus n\u00edor d\u00faradh cat dubh, n\u00f3 cat b\u00e1n liom, i rith na bliana ar fad a chaith m\u00e9 ina gcosamar, sea, agus roinneadar go fial, flaithi\u00fail, fairsing, agus go cairdi\u00fail, liom, fad a bh\u00ed m\u00e9 ina measc. Bh\u00ed bunt\u00e1iste eile ag baint leis an dteach l\u00f3ist\u00edn c\u00e9anna sin, s\u00e9 sin, go raibh s\u00e9 an-ghar don Ollscoil, agus tharla go raibh rothar agam, n\u00ed th\u00f3gadh s\u00e9 aon achar orm dul isteach chun na hOllscoile, n\u00f3 teacht abhaile as ar\u00eds, ach chomh beag.<\/p>

D\u2019airigh m\u00e9, go raibh m\u00e9 i measc cairde, san Ollscoil ch\u00e9anna sin, n\u00f3 nach raibh seal de bhlianta caite agam ag freastal uirthi, tr\u00e1th raibh m\u00e9 im N\u00f3ibh\u00edseach, i gCloughballymore House, tamall roimhe sin?<\/p>

N\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, go raibh Garraithe an L\u00e9ana Bhu\u00ed c\u00f3ngaraach go maith do Bh\u00f3thar na Tr\u00e1, agus chomh maith le sin, n\u00ed raibh Halla m\u00f3r Rince, \u201cSeapoint\u201d, thar fad urchar m\u00e9ar\u00f3ige uainn, agus geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, gur mhinic \u00e1r dtriall ar an ionad aerach, \u00e1lainn, c\u00e9anna sin. Anois, bh\u00ed fear \u00f3g eile ar l\u00f3ist\u00edn le muintir Mhic Aonghusa, in \u00e9ineacht liomsa, Albanach fir ba ea \u00e9, agus Jimmy ab ainm d\u00f3. D\u2019\u00e9ir\u00edomar cairdi\u00fail le ch\u00e9ile, agus th\u00e9adh an bheirt againn chuig na damhsa\u00ed sin, a luaigh m\u00e9 thuas, agus ba bhre\u00e1 an comhluadar ar \u00f3c\u00e1id\u00ed d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id \u00e9. Bh\u00ed Halla Rince eile sa d\u00faiche sin freisin, ach n\u00ed bh\u00edodh s\u00e9 oscailte leath na gcuarta, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, \u201cThe Hangar\u201d, a thugta\u00ed ar an Halla m\u00f3r sin, agus bh\u00edodh a ainm i mb\u00e9al an phobail, i nGaillimh, l\u00e1 d\u00e1 raibh, ach is d\u00f3cha go raibh a sheal tugtha, faoin am ar th\u00e1inig mise ar an bhf\u00f3d. N\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, ach oiread, go raibh chuile dheis ar f\u00e1il, fan Bh\u00f3thar na Tr\u00e1, don t\u00e9 a mbeadh fonn sn\u00e1mha air, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed ansin, tr\u00e1nna fairsinge, b\u00e1na, agus chomh maith le sin, bh\u00ed c\u00e9ibh, agus cl\u00e1r tumtha, ansin, don t\u00e9 a chuirfeadh sp\u00e9is ina leith\u00e9id. <\/p>

Nuair a th\u00e1inig an l\u00e1 sprioc\u00e1ilte, bh\u00ed m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in th\u00edos sa Chol\u00e1iste, agus m\u00e9 r\u00e9idh lem\u2019 thraen\u00e1il mar mh\u00fainteoir a thos\u00fa. Chuireamar aithne ar \u00e1r nOllamh, an tOllamh P\u00e1draig \u00d3 Lorc\u00e1in. N\u00ed fh\u00e9adfainn dul thar f\u00f3ir ag moladh an fhir sin, n\u00f3 b\u2019fh\u00edor dhuine uasal \u00e9, a thiomhnaigh a laethe agus a shaol don l\u00e9ann, agus don taighde, agus fear n\u00e1r dhein aon d\u00e1 leith d\u00e1 dh\u00edcheall, sa chabhair, n\u00f3 sa ch\u00fanamh, a dh\u00e1il s\u00e9 orainne, go fial, flaithi\u00fail, fairsing. Ba dhuine c\u00fathaileach \u00e9 freisin, agus fear n\u00e1r chuala m\u00e9 riamh ag baint sclaimhe as mac l\u00e9inn ar bith, b\u00edodh gur mhinic a tugadh chuile ch\u00fais d\u00f3 a leith\u00e9id a dh\u00e9anamh! Sea, mh\u2019anam, n\u00ed fh\u00e9adfainn locht a fh\u00e1il ar Pheat Larkin, agus tuigeadh dom i gc\u00f3na\u00ed, gur dhein s\u00e9 a dh\u00edcheall, chuile l\u00e1 riamh, b\u00f3thar an l\u00e9inn a r\u00e9iteach d\u00fainn uilig. Bh\u00ed Peat suas-chun-d\u00e1ta ina thaighde, agus ina chur chuige, agus d\u00e9arfainn gur m\u00f3r at\u00e1 an t\u00edr s\u2019againne faoina chomaoin aige, as ar dhein s\u00e9 le caighde\u00e1n na m\u00fainteoireachta a choth\u00fa agus a fheabhs\u00fa, tr\u00e1th raibh seisean ina Ollamh le hOideachas, i gCol\u00e1iste na hOllscoile, Gaillimh. <\/p>

Bh\u00ed gn\u00e9 eile den saol m\u00f3r, a bh\u00ed thart orm feasta, n\u00e1r dhein m\u00e9 tagairt ar bith d\u00f3, go nuige seo, sa chaibidil seo.<\/p>

Agus c\u00e9ard \u00e9 fh\u00e9in? Ad\u00e9arf\u00e1sa, b\u2019fh\u00e9idir.<\/p>

Buel, bh\u00ed m\u00e9 thart ar ch\u00faig bliana is fiche, faoin am sin, agus m\u2019fhocal is mo l\u00e1mh dhuit, n\u00e1r thaobhaigh m\u00e9 le cail\u00edn, n\u00f3 le bean ar bith, anuas go dt\u00ed an pointe sin den shaol. Bhuel, an mbeife\u00e1 ag s\u00fail lena athrach uaim? Bh\u00ed baol ann anois, go bhfanfainn glan amach uathu, an chuid eile dem shaol, agus mar sin, bh\u00ed orm su\u00ed s\u00edos agus mo mharanna a dh\u00e9anamh, faoi na c\u00farsa\u00ed sin, f\u00e9achaint c\u00e9ard ba cheart, agus c\u00e9ard ba ch\u00f3ir dom a dh\u00e9anamh, feasta. <\/p>

B\u2019fh\u00e9idir, gur ch\u00f3ir dom an chuid sin dem sc\u00e9al a fh\u00e1g\u00e1il go dt\u00ed an ch\u00e9ad chaibidil eile, nuair a bheidh m\u00e9 ag cur s\u00edos ar an chaoi ar thosaigh m\u00e9 orm fh\u00e9in a chur in oiri\u00faint do shaol an tuata, in \u00c9irinn na gcaogaid\u00ed. <\/p>

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In Ollscoil na Gaillimhe<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

Caibidil 35<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

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Gheall m\u00e9 dhaoibh go bhfillfinn ar an sc\u00e9al seo ar\u00eds, gan aon r\u00f3-mhoill. Ach, mar adeireadh an tseandream fad\u00f3, an rud a th\u00e9ann i bhfad, t\u00e9ann s\u00e9 i bhfuaire, agus ba \u00e9 an d\u00e1la c\u00e9anna agamsa \u00e9. Thosaigh m\u00e9 \u00e1 chur ar an m\u00e9ar fhada, agus caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il freisin, nach raibh aon r\u00f3-fhonn orm tos\u00fa ar\u00eds ag scr\u00edobh faoi thr\u00e1th dem\u2019 shaol, a d\u2019iompair siar m\u00e9 go dt\u00ed na laethe casta, c\u00e9asta, buartha, sin, nuair a thr\u00e9ig m\u00e9 an Chliarscoil, ar ch\u00faiseanna \u00e1irithe, agus nuair a chuir m\u00e9 romham ar\u00eds, mo bhealach a dh\u00e9anamh tr\u00ed shaol guaireach, cr\u00e1ite, a bh\u00ed tr\u00e9igthe agam leis na blianta, agus saol ar cuireadh fainic na bhfainic ormsa faoi, le linn na mblianta fada a chaith m\u00e9 ag ullmh\u00fa don tsagartacht. Bh\u00ed sin thart anois, agus bheadh ormsa feasta, r\u00e9iteach eic\u00ednt a dh\u00e9anamh le saol corrach, coireach, cam, an fichi\u00fa haois.<\/p>

Labhair m\u00e9 faoi dhul go hOllscoil na Gaillimhe, i bhF\u00f3mhar na bliana 1950, an Bhliain Bheannaithe. D\u2019inis m\u00e9 dhaoibh freisin, go raibh m\u00e9 ag cur f\u00fam amuigh i nGarraithe an L\u00e9ana Bhu\u00ed, ar imeall na cathrach, agus mh\u00ednigh m\u00e9 freisin, faoi na rinc\u00ed a nd\u00e9anadh m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in is mo chomr\u00e1da\u00ed, Jimmy Albanach, freastal orthu, i Seapoint agus sa tseanHangar<\/strong> freisin, corruair. Anois, s\u00edlim nach raibh m\u00f3r\u00e1n taith\u00ed ar an saol m\u00f3r, millteach, faighte ag Jimmy s\u2019againne, ach an oiread liom fh\u00e9in, agus do bhar\u00fail, nach dt\u00e9adh muid beirt chuig scoil rince, cupla uair sa tseachtain, n\u00f3 cuimhnigh, nach raibh taith\u00ed d\u00e1 laghad, ag ceachtar againn, ar dhamhsa\u00ed, n\u00f3 rinc\u00ed, agus b\u00edodh n\u00e1r theastaigh uainn an sc\u00e9al sin a chraobhscaoileadh i measc \u00e1r naimhde, n\u00f3 fi\u00fa imeasc \u00e1r gcairde fhein, ag an am gc\u00e9anna, nuair is crua don chailleach caithfidh s\u00ed rith! Agus ba \u00e9 an d\u00e1la c\u00e9anna againne \u00e9, n\u00f3 theastaigh uainn beirt, tos\u00fa ar ghn\u00e1thshaol a chaitheamh feasta, agus ar an \u00e1bhar sin, n\u00ed raibh an dara rogha againn, d\u00e1r linne, ach rince a fhoghlaim, agus sin ar an d\u00e1 luathas, n\u00f3 bheadh sin i bhfad n\u00edos fearr n\u00e1 bheith i muin\u00edn rince na bpr\u00e9ach\u00e1n, faoi mar a bh\u00edomar beirt, ag an am. D\u2019\u00e9irigh linn go r\u00e9as\u00fanta maith, sa bhfiontar sin, agus ba ghearr go mb\u00edodh muid amuigh ar an url\u00e1r, agus muid ag rince linn, faoi mar a bheadh Dia \u00e1 r\u00e1 linn. Bh\u00ed an ceart ag \u00e1r seanchara, M\u00e1rtan an Tairbh, nuair a d\u00fairt s\u00e9 linn dul amach ar an url\u00e1r, faoi mar ba linne an t-url\u00e1r c\u00e9anna sin! Sea, mh\u2019anam, ba ghearr go raibh toit \u00e1 baint as url\u00e1r \u201cSeapoint\u201d againn beirt, m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in is mo sheanchara, Jimmy, n\u00ed lena ch\u00e9ile, d\u00e1r nd\u00f3igh, ach le cail\u00edn\u00ed \u00e1ille na d\u00faiche.<\/p>

Ba mh\u00f3r go deo an difir idir shaol an mhac l\u00e9inn Ollscoile an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, i l\u00e1r na haoise seo caite, agus saol an mhac l\u00e9inn Ollscoile, sa l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu ann. \u00d3 tharla go mba \u00ed sin an Bhliain Bheannaithe, cuireadh misean ar si\u00fal do mhic l\u00e9inn Chol\u00e1iste na hOllscoile, Gaillimh, agus m\u2019fhocal is mo l\u00e1mh dhuit, go mb\u00edodh an s\u00e9ip\u00e9al ag cur thar maoil do chuile l\u00e9acht, agus don Aifreann freisin, chuile mhaidin. S\u00edlim gur mhair an misean c\u00e9anna sin ar feadh seachtaine. Ach fan ort neomat ansin, nach bhfuilim, anois d\u00edreach, tar \u00e9is teacht ar phicti\u00far beag, a bronnadh orm ag an misean c\u00e9anna sin, agus do bhar\u00fail? nach bhfuil s\u00e9 agam f\u00f3s, n\u00f3 choinnigh m\u00e9 im Bh\u00edobla \u00e9, rud a choinnigh deas, glan, n\u00e9ata, \u00e9, thar bhreis is leathch\u00e9ad bliain. B\u2019fh\u00e9idir gur mhaith leat a fh\u00e1il amach, c\u00e9ard t\u00e1 scr\u00edofa ar an bpicti\u00far beag beannaithe c\u00e9anna sin? Bhuel, seo chugat \u00e9…..<\/p>

Souvenir of My Retreat at University College, Galway<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

Holy Year<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

22 \u2013 29 October 1950<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

in honour of The Solemn Proclamation<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

by His Holiness Pope Pius XII<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

of the Dogma of the Glorious Assumption<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

of The Blessed Virgin Mary.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

Sea, breathnaigh ar sin anois, agus ba \u00e9 an tAthair Paul Waldron, Maynooth Mission to China<\/strong> a bh\u00ed i mbun an Ch\u00farsa Spiorad\u00e1lta ch\u00e9anna sin. N\u2019fheadar an mbeadh a leith\u00e9id ar si\u00fal in \u00e1r nOllscoileanna, sa l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu ann? Sea, m\u00f3r idir inn\u00e9 agus inniu! <\/p>

Agus \u00f3 tharla gur ag tagairt do ch\u00farsa\u00ed spiorad\u00e1lta at\u00e1 m\u00e9, bh\u00edodh rud eile ar si\u00fal againne mic l\u00e9inn freisin, rud nach dtarl\u00f3dh sa l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu ann, t\u00e1 m\u00e9 c\u00f3ir a bheith cinnte! Tharla go ndeachaigh s\u00e9 amach ormsa, gur cuireadh l\u00e9ann an tsagairt orm, agus tuigeadh d\u00e1 bharr sin, go mbeadh ar mo chumas ceisteanna mor\u00e1lta a scaoileadh dom\u2019 chomhleacaithe. D\u00e1 bharr sin, thagadh mic l\u00e9inn chugamsa, go rialta, ag iarraidh orm treoir eic\u00ednt a dh\u00e9anamh d\u00f3ibh. Ba iad na fadhbanna ba mhinic\u00ed a bh\u00edodh \u00e1 mear\u00fa n\u00f3 fadhbanna gn\u00e9is. Deirid\u00eds gur dheineadar seo, n\u00f3 si\u00fad, agus iad amuigh ag suir\u00ed, n\u00f3 ag pleic\u00edocht d\u00f3ibh, agus theast\u00f3dh uathu a fh\u00e1il amach, ar pheaca marfach \u00e9 a leith\u00e9id a dh\u00e9anamh, agus ar ch\u00f3ir d\u00f3ibh \u00e9 a lua ina bhfaoistin? Bh\u00ed c\u00edocras an domhain orthu eolas d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id a fh\u00e1il, agus ag breathn\u00fa siar ar na c\u00farsa\u00ed sin anois, is d\u00f3cha gurbh \u00e9 ba ch\u00fais leis uilig, n\u00f3 n\u00e1r mh\u00ednigh \u00e9inne sc\u00e9al na mbeach is na n-\u00e9an riamh d\u00f3ibh, agus b\u2019in iad ansin, iad f\u00e1sta suas, iad ag dul amach le cail\u00edn\u00ed, agus gan rialacha an bh\u00f3thair foghlamhta f\u00f3s acu, mar ad\u00e9arf\u00e1. Rinne m\u00e9 mo dh\u00edcheall iad a chur ar an eolas, chomh fada is a d\u2019fh\u00e9adfainn, n\u00f3 tuigeadh dom, nach raghaid\u00eds chuig anamchara n\u00f3 comhairleoir ar bith eile, mura n-\u00e9ireodh liomsa a dtart a mh\u00fachadh!<\/p>

Tr\u00edd an obair sin go l\u00e9ir, bh\u00ed m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in ag foghlaim uathusan freisin, agus diaidh ar ndiaidh, bh\u00ed m\u00e9 ag cur eolas ar ch\u00farsa\u00ed an tsaoil daonna seo, agus d\u00e1 bharr sin, ba ghearr gur thosaigh m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in ag tionlacan cail\u00edn\u00ed abhaile \u00f3 na damhsa\u00ed. N\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, gur bheag dochar a bh\u00ed sa tionlacan c\u00e9anna sin. Is d\u00f3cha nach raibh ann ach bheith i gcomhluadar ban, bheith ag comhr\u00e1 leo, ag iarraidh iad a thuiscint, ag baint taitnimh as a n-\u00e1illeacht, agus ansin, p\u00f3ig\u00edn neamhurch\u00f3ideach ag geata theach an chail\u00edn, mar luach saothair, n\u00f3 mar mhisni\u00fa, corruair, b\u2019fh\u00e9idir. Sea, caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il anois gur bhain m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in agus Jimmy taitneamh n\u00e1r bheag as \u00e1r n-eachtra\u00ed sna Halla\u00ed Damhsa, i rith na bliana Ollscoile c\u00e9anna sin, 1950 \u2013 \u201951. Agus chomh maith le sin, d\u2019\u00e9irigh liom fh\u00e9in breacaithne \u00e9adomhain a chur ar an gcorrdheoch freisin. Ba chuid dem\u2019 oili\u00faint ar ch\u00farsa\u00ed an tsaoil mh\u00f3ir \u00e9, agus geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, n\u00e1r fh\u00e1s aon r\u00f3-charadas idir m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in agus na deochanna meisci\u00fala c\u00e9anna sin, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, n\u00f3 riamh \u00f3 shoin, n\u00f3 tharla nach raibh m\u00e9 tugtha d\u00f3ibh, n\u00f3 aon r\u00f3-fhonn orm \u00e9ir\u00ed m\u00f3r leo! Sea, n\u00e1r inis m\u00e9 dhaoibh faoin mbuid\u00e9al f\u00edona \u00fad a d\u2019\u00f3lamar ar \u00e1r mbealach go C\u00f3bh Chorca\u00ed fad\u00f3, agus faoin gceacht a d\u2019fhoghlaim\u00edomar an l\u00e1 sin?<\/p>

N\u00e1 ceap anois gur chaith m\u00e9 an t-am uilig ag dul chuig na damhsa\u00ed agus ag \u00f3l, n\u00f3 n\u00ed mar sin a bh\u00ed. Bh\u00ed m\u00e9 ansin le \u201cH. Dip in Ed.\u201d a bhaint amach, ag deireadh na bliana sin, agus caithfidh m\u00e9 a r\u00e1, gur luigh m\u00e9 isteach ar an ngn\u00f3 sin, le fonn, agus le flosc, agus nuair a th\u00e1inig deireadh na bliana sin, bh\u00ed m\u00e9 bre\u00e1 ullamh chuige.<\/p>

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Ag Saothr\u00fa<\/span> na bPingneacha Breise<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

Caibidil 36<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

Ba bhre\u00e1, taitneamhach an bhliain \u00fad, a chaith m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in is mo sheanchara Albanach, Jimmy, in \u00e1r mic l\u00e9inn in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, \u00f3 Dheireadh F\u00f3mhair na bliana 1950, go dt\u00ed Meitheamh na bliana d\u00e1r gcionn, agus b\u00edodh n\u00e1r den d\u00e1mh c\u00e9anna sinn, ba dhl\u00fathchairde sinn, d\u00e1 ainneoin sin. Ceann de na ruda\u00ed ba m\u00f3 a chuireadh isteach ar mhic l\u00e9inn Ollscoile, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, n\u00f3 ganntanas airgid. Bh\u00edodh mic l\u00e9inn \u00e1irithe ag s\u00fadaireacht leo \u00f3 th\u00fas go deireadh na bliana. C\u00farsa\u00ed \u00f3il, n\u00f3 c\u00farsa\u00ed cearrbhachais, ba ch\u00fais le sin, bun\u00fas an ama, ach i gc\u00e1s roinnt \u00e1irithe eile daltla\u00ed, ba \u00e9 ba ch\u00fais leis na ts\u00fadaireacht ch\u00e9anna sin n\u00f3 go raibh orthu teacht i dt\u00edr ar an mbeag\u00e1n. N\u00edlim ag ma\u00edomh anseo go mb\u00edodh spar\u00e1n teann agam fh\u00e9in, i gc\u00f3na\u00ed, i rith na bliana c\u00e9anna sin, ach i gcompar\u00e1id le h\u00f3g\u00e1naigh eile, bh\u00ed d\u00f3thain mh\u00f3r agamsa, chuile l\u00e1 den bhliain sin. <\/p>

C\u00e1 bhfuair m\u00e9 an t-airgead sin uilig, n\u00f3 n\u00ed raibh m\u00f3r\u00e1n f\u00e1ltais, n\u00f3 gustail, ag mo mhuintir, sa bhaile, i mbaile na Druime in Iorras?<\/p>

Bhuel, ba \u00e9 ba ch\u00fais leis an bhfl\u00fairse sin uilig n\u00f3 go mb\u00edodh deiseanna agamsa le hairgead a shaothr\u00fa, agus n\u00edor scaoil m\u00e9 na deiseanna c\u00e9anna sin tharam, geallaimse dhuit \u00e9! Ach rug m\u00e9 orthu go daingean docht, agus b\u2019in a d\u2019fh\u00e1g go mb\u00edodh na pingneacha agamsa, nuair a bh\u00edodh mic l\u00e9inn eile ar an ngannchuid, agus iad ag iarraidh iasacht a fh\u00e1il \u00f3 mo leith\u00e9idse!<\/p>

Ach, conas a tharla go mb\u00edodh na deiseanna sin agamsa, an ea?<\/p>

Bhuel, bh\u00ed Scoil Dianstaid\u00e9ir \u00e1 reacht\u00e1il ag Mr Grealy sa chathair ag an am, scoil ina nd\u00e9anta\u00ed dalta\u00ed a ullmh\u00fa do Scr\u00faduithe Teistim\u00e9ireachta, tr\u00ed dhianstaid\u00e9ar a chur ar f\u00e1il d\u00f3ibh, le c\u00farsa\u00ed \u00e1irithe a phulcadh isteach iontu, roimh na scr\u00faduithe. Bhuel, tharla go raibh m\u00fainteoir Laidine ag teast\u00e1il \u00f3n nduine uasal c\u00e9anna sin, agus chuir s\u00e9 f\u00f3gra sna p\u00e1ip\u00e9ir, ag iarraidh ar mh\u00fainteoir\u00ed cur isteach ar an bpost sin, ag ma\u00edomh go raibh oiread \u00e1irithe uaireannta an chloig sa tseachtain i gceist, agus b\u2019fh\u00e9idir go n-oirfeadh s\u00e9 do mhac l\u00e9inn Ollscoile. Bhuel, chuir m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in isteach ar an bpost sin, agus iarradh orm teacht isteach go Col\u00e1iste U\u00ed Ghriallaigh, le go gcuirf\u00ed faoi agallamh m\u00e9. Rinne m\u00e9 sin, agus \u00f3 tharla go raibh bliain san Ollscoil caite agam i mbun na Laidine, agus cumas Laidine agam taobh amuigh de sin ar fad, d\u00fairt Mr Grealy go raibh s\u00e9 l\u00e1n-ts\u00e1sta an post a thabhairt dom. Chraitheamar l\u00e1mh air, agus b\u2019in sin. Bh\u00ed post agam. Bheadh teacht isteach rialta agam feasta, agus bh\u00ed m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in l\u00e1n-ts\u00e1sta leis an dtaobh sin dem\u2019 mhargadh.<\/p>

Conas a d\u2019\u00e9irigh liom leis na \u201cGrinds\u201d sin, an ea?<\/p>

D\u2019\u00e9irigh go maith liom, tr\u00edd is tr\u00edd, agus n\u00ed hamh\u00e1in go mb\u00edodh ranganna den chine\u00e1l sin \u00e1 dtabhairt agam sa Laidin, ach bh\u00ed Mr Grealy s\u00e1sta obair eile a thabhairt dom, \u00f3 am go ch\u00e9ile, sa tsl\u00ed go mb\u00edodh mo dh\u00f3thain oibre le f\u00e1il agam i gCol\u00e1iste \u00fad U\u00ed Ghriallaigh, i nGaillimh, i rith na bliana \u00e1irithe sin 1950 \u2013 \u201951. D\u2019\u00e9irigh go maith liom i gc\u00e1s dalta\u00ed \u00e1irithe, ach bh\u00ed dalta amh\u00e1in agam, agus a leith\u00e9id de chr\u00e1 cro\u00ed n\u00edor fhulaing m\u00e9 riamh roimhe, n\u00f3 \u00f3 shoin i leith, ach oiread, agus m\u00e9 ag iarraidh d\u00edochlaonta\u00ed agus r\u00e9imnithe Laidine a mh\u00faineadh don dalta c\u00e9anna sin! N\u00ed raibh sp\u00e9is d\u00e1 laghad aigesean sa Laidin, ach is amhlaidh a thugadh a athair a ghluaiste\u00e1n fh\u00e9in d\u00f3, chuile l\u00e1, le freastal ar na ranganna sin, le go n-\u00e9ireodh leis pas d\u2019fh\u00e1il sa Mhaithre\u00e1nach. Rinne m\u00e9 chuile iarracht \u00e9 a spreagadh le roinnt \u00e1irithe Laidine a fhoghlaim, ach d\u00fairt s\u00e9 liom, go neamhbhalbh, gur chuma sa diabhal leis m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in is mo chuid Laidine, agus n\u00e1r theastaigh uaidh ach leithsc\u00e9al a bheith aige teacht \u00f3 Chaisle\u00e1n an Bharraigh go Gaillimh, chuile l\u00e1, le bualadh lena leann\u00e1n! Bhuel, nach f\u00e9idir le duine ar bith capall a thabhairt chun an uisce, ach n\u00ed fh\u00e9adfadh fir uilig an r\u00ed iachall a chur air an t-uisce sin a \u00f3l!<\/p>

Tharla an bhliain \u00e1irithe sin freisin, gur tharla fol\u00fantas sealadach i gCol\u00e1iste na bProinsiasc\u00e1nach, sa Chloc\u00e1n, agus th\u00e1inig lucht na scoile sin chun cainte le Pat Larkin, \u00e1r nOllamhna, agus d\u2019fhiafraigh siad de, an mbeadh aon mhac l\u00e9inn aige, an bhliain sin, a mholfadh s\u00e9 don phost \u00e1irithe sin, ar feadh m\u00edosa, n\u00f3 mar sin. Bhuail an Lorc\u00e1nach bleid orm fh\u00e9in, agus mh\u00ednigh an sc\u00e9al dom, \u00f3 th\u00fas deireadh, agus d\u00fairt, go mbeadh seisean s\u00e1sta m\u00e9 a ligint go dt\u00ed an Cloch\u00e1n, ar feadh m\u00edosa, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed s\u00e9 s\u00e1sta go mbainfinnse tairbhe as an gcleachtadh, agus go mbeadh ar mo chumas staid\u00e9ar a dh\u00e9anamh ar cib\u00e9 l\u00e9achta\u00ed a chaillfinn, i rith na m\u00edosa sin, ach na n\u00f3ta\u00ed a fh\u00e1il \u00f3 mhac l\u00e9inn eic\u00ednt im\u2019 rang. <\/p>

Bh\u00ed go maith, is n\u00ed raibh go holc, mar adeireadh lucht sc\u00e9ala\u00edochta fad\u00f3. Bhailigh m\u00e9 mo chip is mo mhe\u00e1naithe, agus bhuail m\u00e9 an b\u00f3thar go dt\u00ed an Cloch\u00e1n. Ar veain an Phosta a fuair m\u00e9 s\u00edob, le moiche na maidine, \u00f3 Chathair na dTreabh go dt\u00ed baile m\u00f3r an Chloch\u00e1in. Thug m\u00e9 aghaidh ar an dTeach \u00d3sta, in a raibh seomra curtha in \u00e1irithe dhom ar feadh na m\u00edosa, agus ansin, casadh orm an fear a bheadh ag feidhmi\u00fa mar ardmh\u00e1istir, le linn dom bheith im mh\u00fainteoir ansin. Nach orm a bh\u00ed an t-\u00e1dh gur chaith m\u00e9 seal ag m\u00faineadh i Scoil N\u00e1isi\u00fanta na Cille M\u00f3ire, in Iorras, roimhe sin, n\u00f3 i rith an ama sin, d\u2019fhoghlaim m\u00e9 roinnt mhaith faoi cheird na m\u00fainteoireachta. Chaith m\u00e9 an chuid eile den l\u00e1 sin dom ullmh\u00fa fh\u00e9in don obair a bh\u00ed romham amach, an mhaidin d\u00e1r gcionn, bh\u00ed m\u00e9 i l\u00e1thair sa scoil sin go bre\u00e1 luath agus m\u00e9 r\u00e9idh le dul i mbun oibre, ar bhuille a naoi.<\/p>

Conas a d\u2019\u00e9irigh liom, i rith na m\u00edosa sin, an ea? \u00eds d\u00f3cha gur f\u00e9idir liom a r\u00e1 anois, gur \u00e9irigh liom go seoigh sa phost sin. T\u00fas Mh\u00ed na Nollag a bh\u00ed ann, agus ba ghearr go raibh muid ag ullmh\u00fa do scr\u00faduithe na Nollag. Rinne m\u00e9 mo dh\u00edcheall m\u00f3r dul i gcionn ar na dalta\u00ed a bh\u00ed faoi mo ch\u00faram, agus m\u00e9 \u00e1 n-ullmh\u00fa don scrud\u00fa c\u00e9anna sin. Bh\u00ed orm roinnt mhaith \u00e1bhar a mh\u00faineadh sa scoil sin, n\u00f3, chomh fada is a th\u00e9ann mo chuimhne anois, n\u00ed raibh i mbun oibre sa scoil sin, ag an am, ach tri\u00far againn, Br\u00e1thair den Ord Proinsiasc\u00e1nach, tuatach eile, agus m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in, rud a d\u2019fh\u00e1g nach raibh m\u00f3r\u00e1n am saor ag \u00e9inne againn, ach muid ag treabhadh linn, ar \u00e1r m\u00edle dh\u00edcheall \u00f3 th\u00fas deireadh chuile l\u00e1. N\u00ed call a r\u00e1, nach raibh aon chleachtadh agam fh\u00e9in ar obair den ts\u00f3rt sin i Me\u00e1nscoil, agus s\u00ed an chuimhne a \u00e9ir\u00edonn chugam anois, as loch na gcuimhn\u00ed, n\u00f3 go mb\u00ednn tuirseach, traochta, ag deireadh gach lae, agus sin \u00f3 cheann ceann na seachtaine. N\u00ed raibh aon chleachtadh agam, ach oiread, ar scr\u00faduithe a ullmh\u00fa, a ch\u00f3ipe\u00e1il, n\u00f3 a cheart\u00fa, ach mar adeireadh an tseandream, cleachtadh a thugann m\u00e1istreacht, agus ag deireadh mo thr\u00e9imhse sa Chloch\u00e1n, bh\u00ed an-chleachtadh faighte agam ar bhunt\u00e1ist\u00ed agus ar mh\u00ed-bhunt\u00e1ist\u00ed na m\u00fainteoireachta mar shl\u00ed bheatha. <\/p>

An ch\u00e9ad l\u00e1 ar ais san Ollscoil dom, d\u2019iarr an tOllamh orm cuntas ar m\u2019imeachta\u00ed, mar mh\u00fainteoir sealadach sa Chloch\u00e1n a thabhairt don rang. Ag breathn\u00fa siar anois ar na c\u00farsa\u00ed sin, t\u00e1 m\u00e9 cinnte, gur chabhraigh an cleachtadh c\u00e9anna sin go m\u00f3r liom, agus m\u00e9 ag ullmh\u00fa don \u201cH Dip. in Ed\u201d, n\u00f3 n\u00ed d\u00f3igh liom, go raibh aon bhealach n\u00edos fearr leis an gceird a fhoghlaim, n\u00e1 seal a chaitheamh \u00e1 cleachtadh, agus chomh maith le sin, d\u2019fh\u00e1g s\u00e9 pingneacha im spar\u00e1n, earra\u00ed nach raibh s\u00e9 \u00e9asca teacht orthu ag an am!<\/p>

T\u00e1 m\u00e9 bu\u00edoch f\u00f3s don Ollamh Pat Larkin, as an deis sin a thabhairt dom. Sea, ba dhuine faoi leith \u00e9 Pat s\u2019againne, gan aon ag\u00f3.<\/p>

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F\u00eds ar Fionra\u00ed<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

Caibidil 37.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

D\u00e9arfainn go raibh bun\u00fas mo ranga ansin san Ollscoil in \u00e9ad liom, ag an am, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed deis agamsa pingneacha a shaothr\u00fa, tr\u00e1th raibh m\u00e9 ag cleachtadh mo cheirde, amuigh ansin sa Chloch\u00e1n. Ach m\u00e1 bh\u00ed fh\u00e9in, n\u00ed raibh dabht ar bith ormsa, ach gur oibrigh m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in go dian, d\u00edcheallach, leis na pingneacha c\u00e9anna sin a shaothr\u00fa, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed orm ullmh\u00fach\u00e1n a dh\u00e9anamh chuile o\u00edche, don obair a bheadh idir cham\u00e1in agam sna ranganna an l\u00e1 d\u00e1r gcionn, chomh maith le sin, bh\u00edodh ualach asail de chleachta\u00ed le ceart\u00fa agam freisin, chuile o\u00edche, agus nuair a chuireann t\u00fa le sin, go raibh orm bun\u00fas an ama a chaitheamh ag caint, n\u00f3 ag scr\u00edobh ar an gcl\u00e1r dubh, leis an gcailc deannach\u00fail, diabhalta sin, a bh\u00edodh mar mhaide croise ag m\u00fainteoir\u00ed an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, go mb\u00edodh s\u00e9 \u00e9asca go maith dul chun cainte liomsa am codlata! M\u00f3r idir inn\u00e9 is inniu, n\u00f3 an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, n\u00ed bh\u00edodh d\u2019\u00e1iseanna ag m\u00fainteoir\u00ed, ar an m\u00f3rg\u00f3ir, ach an chaint is an chailc, n\u00f3 mar adeirid\u00eds i mB\u00e9arla\u2026.The challk and talk method of teaching\u2026.<\/p>

Ach c\u00e9 go mb\u00ednn tuirseach go maith tar \u00e9is na hoibre, ag an am gc\u00e9anna, n\u00ed bh\u00ednn go huile is go hioml\u00e1n, gan chaitheamh aimsire. Minic a th\u00e9inn fh\u00e9in is beirt n\u00f3 tri\u00far eile amach i measc na gcnoc, ag si\u00fal\u00f3id, ag deireadh na seachtaine. Sea, agus deireadh seachtaine eile, th\u00e9inn amach, ag fiach an mhada rua, le muintir a bhaile, n\u00f3 bh\u00edd\u00eds an-tugtha don sp\u00f3rt sin sa Chloch\u00e1n, ag an am. N\u00e1 ceap anois, go mb\u00ednn im dhuine uasail\u00edn, agus m\u00e9 ag marca\u00edocht liom thar chla\u00edocha, thar dh\u00edoga, agus thar bhalla\u00ed, \u00f3 cheann ceann na d\u00faiche, agus chuile \u201cTally Ho!\u201d asam. Lean ort ag briongl\u00f3idigh, a mhac! N\u00ed raibh capall, n\u00f3 fi\u00fa asal fh\u00e9in, faoi dhuine ar bith den lucht seilge s\u2019againne. N\u00ed bh\u00edodh mh\u2019anam! Cosmhuintir a bh\u00ed ionainne, agus chuile dhuine againn ag fiach de shi\u00fal cos. Minic a cheap m\u00e9, go mb\u00edodh n\u00edos m\u00f3 sp\u00f3irt ag an mada rua fh\u00e9in, n\u00e1 mar a bh\u00edodh againne, n\u00f3 mhealladh s\u00e9 sinn, tr\u00edd an gcuid ba ghairbhe, agus ab achranna\u00ed den d\u00fathaigh, agus ar deireadh thiar, i gc\u00f3na\u00ed gc\u00f3na\u00ed, d\u2019\u00e9ir\u00edodh leis dul i bpoll, nuair a bh\u00edodh a dh\u00f3thain spraoi bainte aige asainne. B\u00edodh sin mar at\u00e1, \u00e1fach, caithfidh m\u00e9 a r\u00e1, go mbainimis-ne sp\u00f3rt agus spraoi, sea agus cuideachta freisin, as na c\u00e9apair ch\u00e9anna sin,<\/p>

Ba amuigh sa Chloch\u00e1n freisin, a thosaigh m\u00e9 ag dul chuig damhsa\u00ed, a ch\u00e9aduair. Cuimhnigh anois, go raibh m\u00e9 ag tarraingt ar ch\u00faig bliana fichead, ag an am, agus tuigeadh dom, go raibh a l\u00e1n le foghlaim agam, faoi ch\u00farsa\u00ed an tsaoil, f\u00f3s, ach m\u00e1 sea, tuigeadh dom freisin, go raibh s\u00e9 chomh maith agam t\u00fas a chur leis an bhfoghlaim ch\u00e9anna sin l\u00e1ithreach, n\u00f3 n\u00ed in \u00f3ige a bheinn ag dul, feasta! Thosaigh m\u00e9 ag cur sp\u00e9ise sa ghn\u00e9as eile, n\u00f3 sa chine\u00e1l eile, mar adeireadh M\u00e1rtan a\u2019 Tairbh, fad\u00f3, sea, agus ba ghearr go raibh m\u00e9 ag iarraidh chur i gc\u00e9ill, go raibh blianta fada caite ar an mb\u00f3thar sin agam! Tuigeadh dom i dtosach, nach dtiocfainn isteach go deo ar an eala\u00edon ch\u00e9anna sin, ach i nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, n\u00ed raibh i gceist ach bheith deas, s\u00e9imh, n\u00e1d\u00fartha, le daoine, agus ba ghearr go raibh ar mo chumas dul chuig damhsa\u00ed, chomh maith leis an bhfear eile, sea, agus meascadh le cail\u00edn\u00ed, chomh maith le duine. Is maith is cuimhin liom f\u00f3s, o\u00edche a chaitheamar, m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in is mo chara, ag damhsa, amuigh i mbaile beag tuaithe, cois Caolaire, i l\u00e1r Chonamara, agus ba \u00e9 an rud ba mh\u00f3 a chuaigh i gcionn ormsa an o\u00edche ch\u00e9anna sin n\u00f3 go raibh sagart an phobail ar an bhf\u00f3d, agus chuile uair a d\u2019fheiceadh s\u00e9 daimhseoir\u00ed ag dul r\u00f3-ch\u00f3ngarach d\u00e1 ch\u00e9ile, th\u00e9adh s\u00e9 ar a dt\u00f3ir, agus chuireadh d\u2019iachall orthu druidim siar \u00f3na ch\u00e9ile! Sea, agus n\u00edos ionta\u00ed f\u00f3s, dh\u00e9anta\u00ed rud air, freisin! Sea, mh\u2019anam, m\u00f3r idir inn\u00e9 agus inniu!<\/p>

N\u00ed bheadh g\u00e1 agamsa feasta leis na ceachtanna modh\u00falachta sin, ar chaith m\u00e9 thart ar naoi mbliana \u00e1 bhfoghlaim. \u201cCoinnigh do l\u00e1mha agat fh\u00e9in!\u201d \u201cN\u00e1 breathnaigh san aghaidh ar chail\u00edn ar bith!\u201d \u201cN\u00e1 b\u00ed riamh id aonair i gcomhluadar mn\u00e1!\u201d \u201cCoinnigh smacht dian ar na s\u00faile!\u201d Sea, a st\u00f3r! agus na sc\u00f3rtha fainic\u00ed eile, sea agus fainic\u00ed na bhfainic\u00ed sin uilig freisin, a cuireadh orainne, \u00e1bhair sagairt, ar eagla go meallfadh bean eic\u00ednt, \u00f3 chas\u00e1n c\u00e9asta, casta, na f\u00edr\u00e9antachta sinn.<\/p>

Sea, b\u00edodh go raibh m\u00e9 chomh graitheach le beach, amuigh ansin sa Chloch\u00e1n, ag an am gc\u00e9anna, caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il anois, gur fhoghlaim m\u00e9 a l\u00e1n, agus m\u00e9 ag saothr\u00fa liom go dian, amuigh sa d\u00faiche \u00e1lainn, scoite, fhi\u00e1in do-bhuailte sin. Nuair a d\u2019fhill m\u00e9 ar an Ollscoil, ar ball, mhothaigh m\u00e9 go raibh s\u00e9 i bhfad \u00c9ireann n\u00edos \u00e9asca lu\u00ed isteach ar shaol na hOllscoile, agus ar shaol s\u00f3isialta an mhic l\u00e9inn, freisin. Fanann cuimhn\u00ed an Chloch\u00e1in go glas, gl\u00e9, glinn, liom, go dt\u00ed an l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu fh\u00e9in ann, b\u00edodh go bhfuil breis is leathch\u00e9ad bliain imithe isteach tr\u00ed sh\u00fail dhroichead an ama, san idirlinn. B\u00edm ag r\u00e1 liom fh\u00e9in, go gcaithfidh m\u00e9 athchuairt a thabhairt ar an mbaile \u00e1lainn sin, bliain de na blianta seo, ach go dt\u00ed seo, n\u00edor chuir m\u00e9 le mo mhian. An bhliain seo, b\u2019fh\u00e9idir! <\/p>

Ar ais ar\u00eds san Ollscoil, bh\u00ed an t-am ag sleamhn\u00fa leis le luas lasrach, agus carn oibre ar mo phl\u00e1ta agamsa. Luigh m\u00e9 isteach ar a raibh le d\u00e9anamh, n\u00f3 n\u00ed chuireadh staid\u00e9ar aon r\u00f3-str\u00f3 ormsa riamh, agus ba \u00e9 deireadh an sc\u00e9il \u00e9, nuair a th\u00e1inig deireadh na bliana, agus na scr\u00faduithe, n\u00e1r bhain siad stangadh ar bith asamsa, agus d\u2019\u00e9irigh liom On\u00f3racha a shaothr\u00fa \u00f3m Ollamh fial, flaithi\u00fail, \u00f3 Pheat l\u00e1ch Larkin. <\/p>

Bh\u00ed m\u00e9 s\u00e1sta go maith liom fh\u00e9in, n\u00f3 taobh istigh d\u2019achar r\u00e9as\u00fanta gearr, bh\u00ed m\u00e9 tar \u00e9is saol na Cliarscoile a thr\u00e9igint, agus lu\u00ed isteach ar shaol an tuataigh a chleachtadh, fad is a bh\u00ed m\u00e9 dom ullmh\u00fa fh\u00e9in le bheith im mh\u00fainteoir. Bh\u00ed sin curtha i gcr\u00edch agam faoi Shamhradh na bliana 1951. Sea, agus nach raibh m\u00e9 ag \u00e9ir\u00ed cleachtach freisin ar an saol m\u00f3r amuigh, an saol mallaithe sin, ar dhein mise mo dh\u00edcheall ar feadh naoi mbliana, n\u00f3 mar sin, \u00e9al\u00f3 go br\u00e1ch uaidh! Sea, mh\u2019anam! n\u00ed mar a sh\u00edltear a bh\u00edtear, go minic, ach mar a chinnt\u00edtear! Bh\u00ed mo ch\u00e1il\u00edocht mar mhe\u00e1nmh\u00fainteoir bainte amach agam, agus n\u00ed raibh le d\u00e9anamh ansin, ach post oiri\u00fanach a fh\u00e1il dom fh\u00e9in, le dul i gcionn an tsaoil mhoir. <\/p>

Sea, agus b\u00edodh n\u00e1r \u00e9irigh liom cur le mo mhian agus mo shaol a chaitheamh mar mhisin\u00e9ir chun na hAifrice, ag an am gc\u00e9anna, bh\u00ed m\u00e9 r\u00e9idh, ullamh, anois, le hiomaire eile a r\u00f3mhar dom fh\u00e9in. Agus c\u00e9 aige a bhfuil a fhios n\u00e1rbh \u00e9 sin d\u00e1n a bh\u00ed leagtha amach ag Dia fh\u00e9in dhom, \u00f3 th\u00fas? <\/p>

Ar aon chuma, d\u00e9arfainn go mbeadh s\u00e9 deacair, \u00e1it n\u00edos feili\u00fana\u00ed a fh\u00e1il, le l\u00edne a tharraingt sa ghaineamh, agus a r\u00e1, go raibh cr\u00edoch curtha agam le r\u00e9 amh\u00e1in dem shaol, agus go raibh m\u00e9 ullamh agus c\u00e1ilithe le tabhairt faoi r\u00e9 nua, agus aghaidh \u00e1 thabhairt agam ar an r\u00f3d a sh\u00edn romham amach, isteach i r\u00edocht na bhf\u00e9idireachta\u00ed.<\/p>

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Caibidil 38<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

Deus Providebit<\/span><\/h2>

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Ar deireadh thiar, bh\u00ed m\u00e9 ar ais ar\u00eds i mbaile na Druime, in Iorras Domhnann, Contae Mhaigh Eo, tar \u00e9is dom bliain mh\u00f3r, fhada, a chaitheamh amuigh ansin sa tsaol m\u00f3r, sea, agus bh\u00ed C\u00e1il\u00edocht M\u00fainteoireachta, \u00f3 Roinn an Oideachais, in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, i gc\u00fal mo ghlaice anois agam, agus m\u00e9 l\u00e1n-ullamh le dul i mbun an tsaoil, le greim mo bh\u00e9il a shaothr\u00fa dom fh\u00e9in, feasta. N\u00ed haon ionadh, go raibh fait\u00edos orm dul i ngleic leis an saol m\u00f3r c\u00e9anna sin, n\u00f3 n\u00e1r cuireadh fainic na bhfainic orainne, sa Chliarscoil, faoin saol diabhalta, mioscaiseach, mealltach, damnaitheach, c\u00e9anna sin, ach, i nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, n\u00ed raibh an dara su\u00ed sa bhuaile agamsa. N\u00ed raibh m\u00f3r\u00e1n f\u00e1ltais, n\u00f3 saibhreas, n\u00f3 tada d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id, taobh thiar de Bhair\u00e9adaigh na Druime, agus d\u00e1 bhr\u00ed sin, bheadh ormsa d\u00e9anamh as dom fh\u00e9in, agus pingneacha a shaothr\u00fa, le teacht i dt\u00edr, i ndomhan nach raibh aon chleachtadh r\u00f3-mh\u00f3r agamsa air. Ach, mar ba ghn\u00e1ch, thug an tOllamh, Peat Larkin, comhairle barainneach mo leasa dom, ar an \u00f3c\u00e1id. \u201cDeus providebit\u201d ar seisean. B\u00edodh muin\u00edn agat as Dia, agus n\u00ed bheidh cailleadh ar bith ort! Ghlac m\u00e9 lena chomhairle, agus n\u00ed raibh a chath\u00fa sin orm riamh \u00f3 shoin. Ach ba sc\u00e9al eile ar fad \u00e9 an Samhradh fada, f\u00e1nach sin, sa bhliain 1951. <\/p>

Thosaigh m\u00e9 orm ag l\u00e9amh na bhf\u00f3gra\u00ed sna p\u00e1ip\u00e9ir nuachta, chuile l\u00e1. Agus caithfear a r\u00e1, go mb\u00edodh roinnt mhaith fol\u00fantais do mhe\u00e1nmh\u00fainteoir\u00ed \u00e1 bhf\u00f3gairt, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, ach n\u00edor phostanna domsa a bh\u00ed \u00e1 bhf\u00f3gairt, n\u00f3 n\u00ed oiri\u00fanfadh a mbun\u00fas m\u00f3r domsa, dubh, b\u00e1n, n\u00f3 riabhach. Chuir m\u00e9 roinnt mhaith iarratais isteach chuig scoileanna \u00e1irithe, ach b\u2019in a bh\u00ed agam d\u00e1 bharr, n\u00f3 t\u00e1 m\u00e9 ag fanacht le freagra \u00f3 na scoileanna c\u00e9anna sin, anuas go dt\u00ed an l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu fh\u00e9in ann, agus t\u00e1 m\u00e9 ag ceapadh, go dtiocfadh l\u00e1 Philib a\u2019 Chleite fh\u00e9in, sul a bhfaighinn freagra \u00f3 na scoileanna c\u00e9anna sin! D\u2019fh\u00f3gair scoil \u00e1irithe i gContae Mhaigh Eo fol\u00fantas do mh\u00fainteoir Gaeilge, agus tuigeadh dom, go mbeinn s\u00e1sta tabhairt faoina leith\u00e9id de phost, go h\u00e1irithe \u00f3 tharla, go raibh an fol\u00fantas c\u00e9anna sin chomh c\u00f3ngarach dom bhaile dh\u00fachais. Fuair m\u00e9 freagra uathusan. Glaodh chun agallaimh m\u00e9. Cuireadh agallamh orm, agus tugadh le fios dom, go raibh an post faighte agam, agus go nd\u00e9anfa\u00ed \u00e9 sin a dheimhni\u00fa, i litir tr\u00edd an bpost, i gcionn cupla l\u00e1. Ach mo mhairg, ba \u00e9 an seansc\u00e9al c\u00e9anna ar\u00eds \u00e9. N\u00edor chuala m\u00e9 tada uathusan f\u00f3s! <\/p>

Chl\u00e1raigh m\u00e9 le Comhlacht speisialta, a raibh s\u00e9 d\u2019aidhm acu, postanna a fh\u00e1il d\u00f3ibh si\u00fad a chl\u00e1r\u00f3dh leo. Rinne siad a nd\u00edcheall, ach ar\u00eds ba \u00e9 an sc\u00e9al c\u00e9anna \u00e9, agus n\u00ed raibh ar a gcumas post a chur ar f\u00e1il domsa. Anois, ba ch\u00f3ir a lua anseo, n\u00e1r saor in aisce a dh\u00e9anaid\u00eds si\u00fad beart d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed de n\u00f3s oibre acu, 5% den tuarastal bliant\u00fail, a bhaint d\u00edot, d\u00e1 n-\u00e9ireodh leo, post a fh\u00e1il duit! Ar aon n\u00f3s, rinne m\u00e9 m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in a dh\u00ed-chl\u00e1r\u00fa, chomh luath is a tuigeadh dom, nach n-\u00e9ireodh leo faic oiri\u00fanach a fh\u00e1il dom, agus thug m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in faoi ngn\u00f3 sin ar\u00eds. D\u00fairt duine eic\u00ednt liom, s\u00edlim gurbh \u00e9 mo sheanmh\u00e1istir, An M\u00e1istir \u00d3 Cr\u00f3in\u00edn, \u00e9, agus d\u00fairt seisean liom, gur ch\u00f3ir dom CV a sheoladh chuig Col\u00e1iste Mhuireadhaigh, i mB\u00e9al an \u00c1tha, n\u00f3 bheadh seans ann, go mbeadh fol\u00fantas acusan. Rinne m\u00e9 rud air, ach ag an am gc\u00e9anna, lean m\u00e9 orm ag cur isteach ar phostanna, faoi mar a dheint\u00ed iad a fh\u00f3gairt sna p\u00e1ip\u00e9ir. Chonaic m\u00e9 go rabhthas ag lorg m\u00fainteoir\u00ed thall i Sasain, agus chuir m\u00e9 isteach ar chupla post thall. Bhuel! N\u00ed chreidfe\u00e1 \u00e9, ach d\u2019\u00e9irigh liom an d\u00e1 phost sin a fh\u00e1il. Anois, b\u00edodh go raibh m\u00e9 trom tuirseach de bheith ag cur isteach ar phostanna, ag an am gc\u00e9anna, bh\u00ed orm anois a shocr\u00fa ar phost a dhi\u00falt\u00fa! Ar deireadh thiar, shocraigh m\u00e9 ar phost acusan a ghlacadh. Scr\u00edobh m\u00e9 litir, ag glacadh leis an bpost sin, ach \u00f3 tharla go raibh s\u00e9 d\u00e9anach go maith sa tr\u00e1thn\u00f3na, ag an am, n\u00edor chuir m\u00e9 an litir sin sa phost, an l\u00e1 sin. <\/p>

An mhaidin d\u00e1r gcionn, sula raibh deis agam mo litir a chur tr\u00edd an bpost, fuair m\u00e9 litir \u00f3 Bh\u00e9al an \u00c1tha, ag r\u00e1, go mbeadh fol\u00fantas acusan do mh\u00fainteoir Frainc\u00edse, don bhliain reatha sin, agus lena chois sin, d\u00faradh sa litir, gur mhaith le hUachtar\u00e1n an Chol\u00e1iste sin bualadh liom, an l\u00e1 d\u00e1r gcionn. Choinnigh m\u00e9 an litir, go bhfeicfinn c\u00e9ard a bheadh le r\u00e1 ag an \u201cDoc. Loftus\u201d, faoi mar a thugta\u00ed, coitianta, ar Uachtar\u00e1n Chol\u00e1iste Mhuireadhaigh, ag an am, nuair a bhuailfeadh s\u00e9 liom, an l\u00e1 d\u00e1r gcionn.<\/p>

Bh\u00ed go maith, is n\u00ed raibh go holc, mar adeireadh lucht sc\u00e9ala\u00edochta fad\u00f3. Th\u00e1inig an \u201cDoc\u201d agus casadh ar a ch\u00e9ile sinn. Chuaigh an \u201cDoc\u201d c\u00e9anna sin i gcionn go m\u00f3r orm, n\u00f3 b\u2019fhear grinn, g\u00e9arch\u00faiseach, l\u00e9annta, ild\u00e1nach \u00e9, an Doc c\u00e9anna sin. N\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, go mba shagart \u00e9 an Docht\u00fair \u00d3 Lachtn\u00e1in, a bhain C\u00e9im Docht\u00faireachta sa Dhiagacht amach d\u00f3 fh\u00e9in, amuigh sa R\u00f3imh, mar ar cuireadh l\u00e9ann an tsagairt air, roinnt blianta roimhe sin. Caithfidh go raibh seisean s\u00e1sta liomsa freisin, n\u00f3 ba \u00e9 deireadh an sc\u00e9il sin \u00e9, gur thairg s\u00e9 post mar mh\u00fainteoir Gaeilge dom i gCol\u00e1iste Mhuireadhaigh, l\u00e1ithreach bonn. <\/p>

N\u00ed g\u00e1 dom a r\u00e1 leat anois, go mbfhearr liomsa go m\u00f3r fada, post a ghlacadh i dt\u00edr seo na h\u00c9ireann, n\u00e1 mo dh\u00fathracht a chaitheamh i mbun mo cheirde, thall i gCr\u00edocha Gall. N\u00edor th\u00f3g s\u00e9 i bhfad ormsa mo fhreagra a thabhairt don Doc! Chraitheamar l\u00e1mh air. Bh\u00ed an margadh d\u00e9anta. Shocra\u00edomar c\u00farsa\u00ed p\u00e1 ar ball, agus geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, a chara na gcarad, n\u00e1r r\u00f3-dheacair an gn\u00f3 \u00e9, an socr\u00fa c\u00e9anna sin a dh\u00e9anamh. Ba \u00e9 an margadh a rinneamar n\u00f3 go nd\u00e9anfadh an Col\u00e1iste seomra a chur ar f\u00e1il dom, istigh sa Chol\u00e1iste fh\u00e9in, agus go mbeadh mo bh\u00e9il\u00ed uilig le f\u00e1il agam ansin, ag bord na sagart istigh, agus chomh maith le sin, thabharfa\u00ed \u00a3160 sa bhliain, mar thuarastal bliant\u00fail dom. Daichead punt um Shamhain, daichead eile um Nollaig, an tr\u00ed\u00fa daichead um Ch\u00e1isc, agus an fu\u00edollach, faoi dheireadh na scoilbhliana. N\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, nach mb\u00edodh faic na ngr\u00e1sta le f\u00e1il againn \u00f3n St\u00e1t, don ch\u00e9ad bhliain sin, n\u00f3 ba bhliain phrofa \u00ed, chomh fada is a bhain s\u00e9 leosan \u00e9.<\/p>

Chuir m\u00e9 litir chuig an d\u00e1 Scoil \u00fad i Sasana, ag gabh\u00e1il bu\u00edochais leo as na postanna a thairiscint dom, ach, tharla go raibh m\u00e9 tar \u00e9is glacadh le post m\u00fainteoireachta anseo in \u00c9irinn, agus nach mbeadh ar mo chumas freastal orthusan faoi Mhe\u00e1n F\u00f3mhair na bliana sin. Bhuel, tuigeadh dom go raibh sin ar a laghad tuillte acu.<\/p>

N\u00ed raibh f\u00e1gtha agam ach coic\u00edos roimh th\u00fas na scoilbhliana nua, agus bhain m\u00e9 leas as an am sin, le roinnt ullmh\u00fach\u00e1in a dh\u00e9anamh don ghn\u00f3 a bheadh le d\u00e9anamh agam feasta, n\u00f3 tuigeadh dom, d\u00e1 n-\u00e9ireodh liom an ch\u00e9ad bhliain sin a chur isteach, go s\u00e1s\u00fail, go leanfainn liom i mbun na Gaeilge feasta, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed mo chro\u00ed s\u00e1ite sa teanga ch\u00e9anna sin, \u00f3 laethe m\u2019\u00f3ige anall, agus seo anois an deis agam, mo chion fh\u00e9in a dh\u00e9anamh, ar son na c\u00faise, mar adeireadh daoine an t-am sin.<\/p>

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Caibidil 39<\/span><\/p>

Post, i ndeireadh na d\u00e1la<\/span><\/p>

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Ar deireadh thiar thall, bh\u00ed post m\u00fainteoireachta faighte agam, agus sin chomh c\u00f3ngarach don bhaile is a d\u2019fh\u00e9adfadh s\u00e9 a bheith, n\u00f3 n\u00ed raibh B\u00e9al an \u00c1tha chomh fada sin ar fad \u00f3 Iorras na nIontas. Bh\u00ed s\u00e9 sa chontae c\u00e9anna, agus bheinn ag freastal ar \u00f3ige mo mhuintire fh\u00e9in, sea, agus bheadh \u00a3160 punt in aghaidh na bliana mar thuarastal agam!! Ag breathn\u00fa siar air anois, feictear dhom nach raibh ann ach d\u00fashaothr\u00fa lom \u00e1 imirt orainn ag an St\u00e1t, n\u00f3 fuair siad obair bliana, saor in aisce uainn, agus fi\u00fa an Eaglais fh\u00e9in, n\u00ed raibh aon ghaisce \u00e1 dh\u00e9anamh acusan d\u00fainn, ach oiread. Ach b\u2019in mar a bh\u00ed ch\u00farsa\u00ed, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, agus gan an dara rogha againne ach glacadh leis, n\u00f3 di\u00falt\u00fa d\u00f3, agus b\u2019ionann sin d\u00fainne agus rogha an d\u00e1 dh\u00edogha a thairscint d\u00fainn, ach amh\u00e1in gur mheasa rogha amh\u00e1in acu sin n\u00e1 an rogha eile, b\u00edodh nach raibh rogha ar bith acu thar mholadh beirte!<\/p>

Ar aon chuma, rinne m\u00e9 m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in a ullmh\u00fa don phost sin, chomh maith is a d\u2019fh\u00e9adfainn, agus nuair a th\u00e1inig an l\u00e1 sprioc\u00e1ilte, thaistil m\u00e9 ar an mbus, \u00f3 bhaile na Druime go B\u00e9al an \u00c1tha. <\/p>

Agus nach raibh gluaiste\u00e1n ar bith agat an tr\u00e1th \u00fad?<\/p>

B\u00ed ag caint ar ghluaiste\u00e1n! n\u00ed raibh fi\u00fa rothar n\u00f3 asal fh\u00e9in agam le cur faoi mo th\u00f3in Gaelach ag an am, le m\u00e9 a iompar an d\u00e1 sc\u00f3r m\u00edle sin. Ach, n\u00ed haon mhaith bheith ag caoineadh is an anachain d\u00e9anta. Ghlac m\u00e9 le mo dh\u00e1n, agus luigh m\u00e9 isteach ar an obair a bh\u00ed le d\u00e9anamh agam, le flosc is le fuadar. Ghlac m\u00e9 seilbh ar mo sheomra, thuas staighre, i gCol\u00e1iste Mhuireadhaigh, istigh ansin i measc na sagart, agus shocraigh m\u00e9 mo chip is mo mheanaithe, istigh sa seomra sin. N\u00edor sheomra r\u00f3-mh\u00f3r \u00e9, ach oiread, ach ag an am gc\u00e9anna, bh\u00ed s\u00e9 m\u00f3r a dh\u00f3thain domsa. Bh\u00ed ann, leaba, leabhrag\u00e1n, c\u00f3fra \u00e9adaigh, tinte\u00e1n, agus b\u00e1is\u00edn n\u00edoch\u00e1in. Agus b\u00edodh go raibh m\u00e9 cuachta istigh ansin imeasc na sagart im sheoimr\u00edn beag, n\u00edor chuir sin isteach puinn ormsa, n\u00f3 chomh fada is a bhain s\u00e9 liomsa, ba ph\u00e1l\u00e1s r\u00edoga \u00e9, a thug neamhsple\u00e1chas agus scoiteacht \u00f3n saol m\u00f3r amuigh dom, agus cuimhnigh freisin, go raibh bun\u00fas mo shaoil, mar dhuine f\u00e1sta, caite agamsa i measc sagart, agus ar an \u00e1bhar sin, ba n\u00e1d\u00fartha an leagan amach \u00e9.<\/p>

I dt\u00fas Mhe\u00e1n F\u00f3mhair na bliana sin, 1951, mar sin, chuaigh m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in i mbun mo cheirde mar mhe\u00e1nmh\u00fainteoir. An tr\u00e1th \u00fad, n\u00ed raibh an oiread sin scol\u00e1ir\u00ed ar fad i gCol\u00e1iste Mhuireadhaigh. D\u00e9arfainn nach raibh sa scoil ar fad, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, ach thart ar ch\u00e9ad dalta is caoga, sa chaoi go raibh chuile dhuine acusan agamsa mar scol\u00e1ire im ranganna. Nach m\u00f3r idir inn\u00e9 agus inniu, n\u00f3 d\u00e9arfainn go bhfuil breis is a cheithre oiread sin de dhalta\u00ed acu sa scoil ch\u00e9anna, sa l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu ann. N\u00ed raibh ach beirt tuatach ar fhoireann na scoile an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, n\u00f3 ba shagairt ar fad an chuid eile d\u00edobh. Caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il anseo, go raibh m\u00e9 thar a bheith s\u00e1sta lem\u2019 chuidse dem\u2019 mhargadh, sa phost c\u00e9anna sin, agus bheadh s\u00e9 deacair Ardmh\u00e1istir n\u00edos carthanna\u00ed, n\u00edos Cr\u00edosta\u00ed, n\u00f3 n\u00edos tuisceana\u00ed, a fh\u00e1il, \u00f3 cheann ceann na t\u00edre, n\u00e1 an Doc Loftus. Ba dhuine uasal den scoth \u00e9, agus fear ar cuireadh l\u00e9ann an tsagairt air sa R\u00f3imh fh\u00e9in, agus n\u00e1 t\u00f3gtar orm \u00e9, m\u00e1 deirim go raibh a chuma sin air! Chuir m\u00e9 aithne ar mo chomh\u00fainteoir\u00ed gan m\u00f3r\u00e1n achair, n\u00f3 n\u00ed raibh an oiread sin d\u00edobh sin ann, ag an am sin. D\u00e9arfainn nach raibh thar dheichni\u00far d\u00ednn ar fad, i mbun oibre sa Chol\u00e1iste sin, ag an am. Is glas a fhanann a gcuimhne si\u00fad i gcistin m\u2019aigne, anuas go dt\u00ed an l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu fh\u00e9in ann. Ba bhre\u00e1 ar fad na comhleacaithe iad, agus gan ina measc ach daoine a raghadh p\u00edosa maith den bh\u00f3thar leat, le cabhair agus c\u00fanamh a chur ar f\u00e1il dhuit. B\u2019in iad na daoine a mh\u00fanlaigh m\u00e9 mar mh\u00fainteoir, agus m\u00e1 d\u2019\u00e9irigh liom aon ghaisce a dh\u00e9anamh le linn mo thr\u00e9imhse i mbun na ceirde sin, bheadh a bhu\u00edochas sin ag dul d\u00f3ibhsean, cuid mhaith. Ba ghearr freisin, gur chuir m\u00e9 aithne ar na dalta\u00ed a bh\u00ed ag freastal ar an gCol\u00e1iste, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, agus ar\u00eds, ba dhuine faoi leith \u00e9 chuile dhuine acu sin, agus cos\u00fail leis na m\u00fainteoir\u00ed a mh\u00fain an oiread sin domsa, caithfear a r\u00e1 freisin, gur \u00e9irigh leis na dalta\u00ed sin a rian fh\u00e9in a fh\u00e1g\u00e1il orm. <\/p>

Is cuimhin liom go maith, go mb\u00edodh an tslat a h\u00fas\u00e1id coitianta ag an am, agus i dtosach b\u00e1ire, tuigeadh dom fh\u00e9in gur cheart dom a bheith i l\u00e1r an aonaigh, leis an gcine\u00e1l sin smachta, chomh maith le duine. Tharla l\u00e1 amh\u00e1in, \u00e1fach, gur thug m\u00e9 lead\u00f3g do ghas\u00far acu, agus tharraing s\u00ed fuil, n\u00f3 b\u2019in mar a tuigeadh domsa, ar aon n\u00f3s. Ba leor sin dom. Bh\u00ed mo cheacht foghlamta agam, agus uaidh sin amach, b\u2019\u00e9igean dom modhanna eile m\u00fainte a tharraingt orm fh\u00e9in, le dul i gcionn ar mo chuid scol\u00e1ir\u00ed. <\/p>

Is maith \u00ed an \u00f3ige, mar ad\u00fairt an bhean fad\u00f3, agus \u00ed tar \u00e9is l\u00e9im thar sruth\u00e1n a ghearradh! Ba \u00e9 an sc\u00e9al c\u00e9anna agamsa \u00e9, n\u00f3 n\u00edl dabht ar domhan ann, ach go raibh ormsa bheith ag scl\u00e1bha\u00edocht liom, ar mo mh\u00edle dh\u00edcheall, le mo chuid oibre i gCol\u00e1iste Mhuireadhaigh a dh\u00e9anamh. Bh\u00ed ullmh\u00fach\u00e1in le d\u00e9anamh chuile thr\u00e1thn\u00f3na, agus bh\u00ed cleachta\u00ed ina m\u00fartha le ceart\u00fa, agus chomh maith le sin uilig, bh\u00ed an mh\u00fainteoireacht fh\u00e9in le d\u00e9anamh. N\u00edor bheag sin mar ualach ar dhroim ar bith, agus c\u00e1 bhfaighfe\u00e1 dream chomh d\u00edograiseach le mic l\u00e9inn le cruacheisteanna a chur ar mh\u00fainteoir, go h\u00e1irithe m\u00e1 cheapann siad, go bhfuil seans ar domhan ann, go bhf\u00e9adfa\u00ed an m\u00fainteoir c\u00e9anna sin a chur i s\u00e1inn le palt\u00f3g de cheist a bhualadh air, d\u00edreach idir an d\u00e1 sh\u00fail? Cuir le sin uilig, nach raibh ionamsa ach print\u00edseach, agus n\u00e1r mhaith liom ceist a chur ar mo chomhleacaithe, ar eagla go l\u00e9ireoinn d\u00f3ibhsean nach raibh m\u00e9 in ann don ghn\u00f3 a bh\u00ed idir l\u00e1mha agam! Thuig cuid \u00e1irithe de na comhleacaithe c\u00e9anna an ts\u00e1inn ina raibh m\u00e9, agus th\u00e1inig siadsan chugamsa lena gc\u00fanamh a chur ar f\u00e1il dom. Ar aon n\u00f3s, taobh istigh de th\u00e9arma amh\u00e1in, bh\u00ed an chuid ba mh\u00f3 dhe chleasa mo cheirde foglamhtha agam, agus m\u00e9 ag treabhadh liom i dtreo na foirfeachta.<\/p>

Bh\u00ed rud eile i gceist sa sc\u00e9al seo freisin, agus b\u2019in nach raibh an oireadh sin difr\u00edochta idir aois na ndalta\u00ed ba shine a bh\u00ed faoi mo ch\u00faram, agus m\u2019aois fh\u00e9in, agus d\u00e1 bharr sin, bh\u00ed ar mo chumas, s\u00edlim, dul i gcionn orthu, i bhfad n\u00edos \u00e9asca, n\u00f3 fuineadh agus f\u00e1isceadh sinn araon, as an saol agus as an bpobal c\u00e9anna, b\u00edodh gur chaith m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in roinnt mhaith blianta scoite amach \u00f3 shaol na cosmhuintire, ag an am gc\u00e9anna, bh\u00ed m\u00e9 i dteangmh\u00e1il leis an saol sin, tr\u00ed litreacha, tr\u00ed chomhr\u00e1, agus tr\u00ed laethe saoire. Bh\u00ed meas agam ar na dalta\u00ed sin, agus go bhfios domsa, bh\u00ed meas acusan ormsa freisin, sea, agus maireann an meas sin anuas go dt\u00ed an l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu fh\u00e9in ann. Agus nach mb\u00ednn amuigh ar Ph\u00e1irc an Bh\u00e1ire ag imirt peile leo, go mion minic, agus sa tsl\u00ed sin, chuireamar aithne ar a ch\u00e9ile, ar go leor beala\u00ed! Fonn d\u00edoltais ar an gcorrdhuine acusan, agus fonn cosanta corruair ormsa, n\u00f3 bh\u00edodh s\u00fail in airde agam i gc\u00f3na\u00ed le hionsa\u00ed d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id a chosaint.<\/p>

N\u00ed g\u00e1 a r\u00e1 go mb\u00ednn corrtha, tn\u00e1ite, suncaithe, s\u00e1raithe, ag deireadh gach seachtaine, agus b\u00edodh a fhios agat, go mb\u00edodh s\u00e9 l\u00e1 oibre againn, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, i ngach uile sheachtain sa bhliain scoile! <\/p>

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Caibidil 40<\/p>

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I mBun an tSaoil<\/p>

Bh\u00ed deireadh go deo leis na seanlaethe, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed saol nua tosaithe agam anois. N\u00ed raibh g\u00e1 ar bith feasta bheith dom ullmh\u00fa fh\u00e9in don saol a bheadh romham ar na Misin san Aifric, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed a mhalairt de r\u00f3d roghnaithe agam le taisteal anois. Faoi mar a chuir an File \u00e9, fad\u00f3, <\/p>

\u201cM\u00faineadh scoile ab obair dom laethe,<\/p>

Is t\u00e1\u2019s ag an saol gurbh fholamh an cheird \u00ed.\u201d<\/p>

Sea, mh\u2019anam, agus bhaineadh s\u00ed sclaimh mhaith as m\u2019o\u00edcheanta freisin, n\u00f3 bh\u00edodh an t-uaf\u00e1s obair cheart\u00fach\u00e1in agus ullmh\u00fach\u00e1in le d\u00e9anamh agam, an tr\u00e1th sin, ach sin r\u00e1ite, bh\u00edodh taitneamh le baint as an scl\u00e1bha\u00edocht sin uilig freisin, n\u00f3, i nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, is deacair sl\u00ed bheatha n\u00edos taitneamha\u00ed n\u00e1 an mh\u00fainteoireacht a fh\u00e1il, n\u00f3 nuair a \u00e9ir\u00edonn le do dhalta\u00ed, \u00e9ir\u00edonn leatsa freisin, tr\u00edothusan.<\/p>

Scoil ch\u00f3naithe ba ea Col\u00e1iste Mhuireadhaigh, agus ba scol\u00e1ir\u00ed c\u00f3naithe bun\u00fas na ndalta\u00ed a bh\u00edodh againn sa Chol\u00e1iste c\u00e9anna sin, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad. N\u00ed bh\u00edodh saoire dheireadh seachtaine acu, n\u00f3 aon tsaoire l\u00e1r-t\u00e9arma, ach oiread. Th\u00e9adh na dalta\u00ed isteach ansin i dt\u00fas Mhe\u00e1n F\u00f3mhair, agus n\u00ed raghaid\u00eds abhaile ar\u00eds go dt\u00ed an Nollaig. N\u00e1r chrua an c\u00e1s \u00e9 ag dalta ch\u00e9ad bliana, agus gan \u00e9 ach thart ar dh\u00e1 bhliain d\u00e9ag d\u2019aois, ag an am? N\u00edl dabht ar domhan, ach go mba chrua an saol \u00e9 ag gas\u00far ar bith, agus n\u00edl dabht ar domhan, ach oiread, ach gur luigh an d\u00e1n sin go trom ar bhun\u00fas na scol\u00e1ir\u00ed c\u00f3naithe a bh\u00edodh ag freastal ar na Col\u00e1ist\u00ed C\u00f3naithe, ag an am sin, ach caithfear a chur san \u00e1ireamh, agus an sc\u00e9al seo idir cham\u00e1in ag duine, go raibh an saol m\u00f3r fh\u00e9in, a bh\u00ed thart orainn, dian go maith ar \u00f3g agus ar aosta, an t-am sin. B\u00edodh sin f\u00edor br\u00e9agach, ba bheag an s\u00f3l\u00e1s \u00e9 sin don ghas\u00far \u00f3g, agus \u00e9 cumhach, deorach, i ndiaidh a mhuintire. Caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il, go mb\u00edodh trua agam do na gas\u00fair ch\u00e9anna sin, ach, ag an am gc\u00e9anna, le himeacht aimsire, d\u2019im\u00edodh an cumha deorach c\u00e9anna sin, agus shnadhmadh na gas\u00fair sin caradas lena gcomhaoisigh, agus d\u00e1r nd\u00f3igh, bh\u00edodh deis ag na tuismitheoir\u00ed teacht ar chuairt chucu, anois agus ar\u00eds, lena gcro\u00ed a th\u00f3g\u00e1il, agus le hualach asail de dheasa deasa a iompar isteach chucu! Sea, bh\u00edodh cluich\u00ed agus caitheamh aimsire acu, bh\u00edodh ceachtanna agus staid\u00e9ar, bh\u00edodh b\u00e9il\u00ed agus am saor acu, le toit agus taitneamh a bhaint as an saol, agus nuair a chuirfe\u00e1 na tionchair sin uilig le ch\u00e9ile, is iontach mar a d\u2019\u00e9ir\u00edodh leo carachtar agus pearsantacht na ndalta\u00ed a fhorbairt agus a sciomradh, a shnasadh agus a dhealbh\u00fa, sa tsl\u00ed, tar \u00e9is d\u00f3ibh a dt\u00e9arma a chur isteach ag freastal ar an gCol\u00e1iste, go mbeife\u00e1 br\u00f3d\u00fail as chuile mhac an pheata acu, geall leis. <\/p>

Labhair m\u00e9 faoi na cluich\u00ed, agus gan dabht ar domhan, ba chuid t\u00e1bhachtach de shaol an scol\u00e1ire iad na cluich\u00ed c\u00e9anna sin, agus lena scileanna sna cluich\u00ed sin a chruth\u00fa, bh\u00edodh cluich\u00ed com\u00f3rtais acu le Col\u00e1ist\u00ed eile. Uaireanta thagadh siadsan chugainne, lena bhfoireann agus lena lucht lean\u00fana, idir mh\u00fainteoir\u00ed agus dalta\u00ed, agus geallaimse dhuit \u00e9 go mb\u00edodh sp\u00f3rt agus spraoi againn ag na cluich\u00ed c\u00e9anna sin, ach m\u00e1 bh\u00ed fh\u00e9in, n\u00edor dhada \u00e9 sin i gcom\u00f3rtas leis an bhf\u00e9asta a bh\u00edodh againn i ndiaidh an chluiche ch\u00e9anna sin. Bh\u00edodh nua gach bidh agus sean gacha d\u00ed ar bord againn, gan gorta gan dochma, sea, agus m\u00fachadh \u00e1r dtart go fial is go flaithi\u00fail d\u00fainn, freisin. Ba \u00e9 an n\u00f3s a bh\u00ed ag Col\u00e1iste Mhuireadhaigh, ag an am sin, n\u00f3 gan aon ph\u00e1irt a ghlacadh sna Com\u00f3rtais\u00ed Oifigi\u00fala, n\u00f3 d\u00e1r leo, mhar\u00f3dh com\u00f3rtas d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id spiorad an sp\u00f3irt i gcro\u00ed na ndalta\u00ed, agus tuigeadh d\u2019\u00dadar\u00e1is an Chol\u00e1iste, go mba olc an margadh \u00e9 sin ag aonach ar bith. Agus mar fhon\u00f3ta, b\u2019fh\u00e9idir go bhf\u00e9adfadh duine a r\u00e1 go raibh tionchar ag an dearcadh c\u00e9anna sin ar dhearcadh Mhaigh Eo ar Chom\u00f3rtais\u00ed Peile, anuas go dt\u00ed an l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu fh\u00e9in ann. Tuigeadh d\u00f3ibhsean, gurbh \u00e9 an ghn\u00e9 is t\u00e1bhachta\u00ed den imirt, n\u00f3 taitneamh a bhaint as, agus m\u00e1 bhuann t\u00fa, bhuel sin rud sa bhreis, ach is \u00e9 an chuid is t\u00e1bhachta\u00ed n\u00f3 srian a ligint le do scileanna imeartha, agus led\u2019 shamhla\u00edocht, i spiorad an chluiche fh\u00e9in. Agus c\u00e9 d\u00e9arfadh nach raibh cuid mhaith den cheart acu?<\/p>

Ag deireadh mo ch\u00e9ad bhliana sa Chol\u00e1iste, chuir m\u00e9 isteach ar Fheitheoireacht a dh\u00e9anamh ar na Scr\u00faduithe Teistim\u00e9ireachta. Fuair m\u00e9 an post sin, agus cuireadh i mbun oibre m\u00e9 i Scoileanna U\u00ed Chonaill i mBaile \u00c1tha Cliath. Anois, b\u00edodh go ndeachaigh m\u00e9 tr\u00ed Bhaile \u00c1tha Cliath cupla babhta roimhe sin, b\u2019in an ch\u00e9ad uair agam cur f\u00fam tamall sa chathair sin. Fuair m\u00e9 loistin i ngar don Scoil, agus bh\u00ed m\u00e9 ar an bhf\u00f3d go bre\u00e1 luath, chuile mhaidin, le dul i mbun mo dhualgais mar Fheitheoir. Ba ghearr gur thug m\u00e9 faoi deara an difr\u00edocht ollmh\u00f3r a bh\u00ed idir an Scoil seo, agus an cine\u00e1l me\u00e1nscoile, a raibh cleachtadh agamsa uirthi. Tuigeadh dom, n\u00e1r r\u00f3-sp\u00e9is le h\u00fadar\u00e1is na Scoile m\u00e9, dubh, b\u00e1n, n\u00f3 riabhach, agus n\u00edor mhothaigh m\u00e9 go raibh aon r\u00f3-dhifir idir na h\u00fadar\u00e1is sin, agus na dalta\u00ed a bh\u00ed faoina gc\u00faram acu. Tuigeadh dom freisin, go raibh an rogha ceart d\u00e9anta agam, nuair n\u00e1r th\u00f3g m\u00e9 post m\u00fainteoireachta sa chathair, go dt\u00ed go mbeadh tuilleadh taith\u00ed agam ar cheird na m\u00fainteoireachta! <\/p>

M\u00f3r idir inn\u00e9 agus inniu! Tharla o\u00edche amh\u00e1in, tr\u00e1th raibh m\u00e9 ag feitheoireacht i Scoileanna U\u00ed Chonaill, san Ardchathair, go ndeachaigh m\u00e9 amach, i gcomhluadar duine eic\u00ednt, go himeall thuaidh na cathrach. Ar bhus isea chuaigh m\u00e9, ach bh\u00ed ceata\u00ed sa sc\u00e9al, n\u00f3 nuair a thosaigh m\u00e9 ar mo thuras arais go l\u00e1r na cathrach, thug m\u00e9 faoi deara, go raibh na busanna deireannacha bailithe leo! Bhuel, n\u00ed raibh an dara rogha agam, n\u00f3 \u00f3 tharla n\u00e1r smaoinigh m\u00e9 fi\u00fa ar thacsa\u00ed, bh\u00ed orm dul abhaile de shi\u00fal na gcos. D\u2019\u00e9irigh go bre\u00e1 liom, ar feadh scathaimh, ach ar deireadh thiar, chuaigh m\u00e9 am\u00fa! <\/p>

Bh\u00ed m\u00e9 caillte istigh i ngr\u00e9as\u00e1n casta, achrannach, na sr\u00e1ideanna, i ngr\u00e9as\u00e1n a bh\u00ed thart orm anois, faoi mar a bheadh t\u00e9adracha iomad\u00fala dhabh\u00e1in alla. Ar ball beag, chonaic m\u00e9 scata fear ina seasamh, ag comhr\u00e1, ar thaobh sr\u00e1ide. D\u00e9arfainn go raibh thart ar sheachtar acu ann. Rinne m\u00e9 orthu, gan fait\u00edos, n\u00f3 eagla orm, agus mh\u00ednigh m\u00e9 mo ch\u00e1s d\u00f3ibh. D\u2019\u00e9ist siad liom, agus nuair a bh\u00ed m\u00e9 cr\u00edochnaithe, rinneadar chuile iarracht m\u00e9 a chur ar an eolas, agus chuile sh\u00f3rt a mh\u00edni\u00fa dom, sa chaoi go raibh ar mo chumas a dtreoracha a lean\u00faint, agus C\u00fainne na gC\u00faig Lampa\u00ed a bhaint amach, gan dua. N\u00edor str\u00f3 ar bith orm an teach l\u00f3ist\u00edn a bhaint amach ansin. Ach, nuair a smaoin\u00edm anois ar an o\u00edche sin, agus nuair a dh\u00e9anaim c\u00farsa\u00ed an tr\u00e1th \u00fad a chur i gcom\u00f3rtas le saol an lae inniu, is ansin a fheictear dom, gur m\u00f3r go deo idir inn\u00e9 agus inniu. D\u00e1 nd\u00e9anfainn inniu, faoi mar a dhein m\u00e9 an t-am sin, an gceapf\u00e1 go dtiocfainn abhaile sl\u00e1n? N\u00ed d\u00f3igh liom go nd\u00e9anfainn.<\/p>

Sea, agus rud eile a thug m\u00e9 faoi deara, n\u00f3 an oireadh sin daoine a th\u00e9adh ar Aifreann, chuile mhaidin, sa Ardchathair, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad. Ba bheag nach mb\u00edodh na s\u00e9ip\u00e9il ag cur thar maoil, ag Aifrinnt\u00ed na maidine. Caithfidh m\u00e9 a r\u00e1 leat, gur thaitin na Ble\u00e1cliathaigh go m\u00f3r liom, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, n\u00f3 d\u00e1r liomsa, ba dhream soineanta, l\u00e1ch, cabhraitheach, iad, agus dream a bh\u00ed foighdeach, agus iad ag iarraidh m\u00e9ar an eolais a dh\u00e9anamh do lucht na tuaithe, tr\u00e1th gcaillfid\u00eds a sl\u00ed sa Chathair, agus b\u2019in rud a tharla\u00edodh, minic go leor, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad. Sea, mh\u2019anam, m\u00f3r idir inn\u00e9 agus inniu.<\/p>

Ba ch\u00f3ir dom a lua freisin, go ndeachaigh m\u00e9 go mullach Bhinn \u00c9adair i rith na tr\u00e9imhse sin freisin. Ar an dTram, is ea chuaigh m\u00e9 go dt\u00ed an Bhinn, agus caithfidh m\u00e9 a r\u00e1 leat, gur bhain m\u00e9 taitneamh agus tairbhe as an l\u00e1 bre\u00e1, gr\u00e9ine, a chaith m\u00e9 amuigh ansin, n\u00f3 chaith m\u00e9 seal freisin ag b\u00e1d\u00f3ireacht, th\u00edos ag an gC\u00e9. Ba l\u00e1 dem\u2019 shaol \u00e9, gan aon ag\u00f3. <\/p>

Agus murab ionann agus an gn\u00e1th Bhle\u00e1Cliathach, d\u2019\u00e9irigh liom barr Chol\u00fan Nelson a bhaint amach freisin. L\u00e1 bre\u00e1, brothallach, greine, a bh\u00ed ann agus b\u00edodh go raibh s\u00e9 tuirsi\u00fail go maith na c\u00e9imeanna iomad\u00fala sin a dhreapadh, ag an am gc\u00e9anna, b\u2019fhi\u00fa an tairbhe an triobl\u00f3id, n\u00f3 nuair a shroich m\u00e9 an barr, bhuel, ba bheag n\u00e1r bhain an radharc an an\u00e1il d\u00edom, n\u00f3 leata os mo chomhair amach ansin, bh\u00ed Cathair ollmh\u00f3r \u00c1tha Cliath, agus bh\u00ed radharc le f\u00e1il agam freisin, ar na cuanta sa timpeall, maraon le habhainn na Life, agus \u00ed ag sn\u00edomh a bealaigh tr\u00ed nead siong\u00e1n na cathrach, ar a bealach chun na farraige s\u00edos. Sea, fanann cuimhne an lae sin liom, anuas go dt\u00ed an l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu fh\u00e9in ann. Sin iad na cuimhn\u00ed a ritheann liom anois, agus m\u00e9 ag smaoineamh siar ar na blianta \u00fad, a chaith m\u00e9 mar mh\u00fainteoir i gCol\u00e1iste Mhuireadhaigh, i mB\u00e9al \u00e1lainn an \u00c1tha, i gCaogaid\u00ed na haoise seo caite.<\/p>

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Caibidil 41<\/h4>

Saol M\u00fainteora<\/span><\/h2>

Ba ch\u00f3ir dom caibidil a scr\u00edobh anseo faoin gcine\u00e1l saoil a bh\u00ed agam, agus m\u00e9 im\u2019 mh\u00fainteoir Gaeilge, i gCol\u00e1iste Mhuireadhaigh, i mB\u00e9al an \u00c1tha, i gcaogaid\u00ed na haoise seo caite. Nuair a thosaigh m\u00e9 ag m\u00faineadh sa Chol\u00e1iste sin, a ch\u00e9aduair, bh\u00ednn chomh gafa sin leis an obair, gur bheag am saor a bh\u00edodh agam i ndeireadh an lae thiar, ach m\u00e9 s\u00e1ite go dt\u00ed na cluasa im chuid oibre, \u00f3 mhaidin go ho\u00edche. Rinne m\u00e9 iarrachta\u00ed \u00e1irithe le dul i gcionn ar na dalta\u00ed a bh\u00ed faoi mo ch\u00faram agam, ag an am. <\/p>

Rinne m\u00e9 iarracht ar Irisleabhar, de chine\u00e1l eic\u00ednt, a chur ar bun in\u00e1r measc, agus d\u2019fh\u00e1g sin go raibh ormsa altanna, d\u00e1nta, agus p\u00edosa\u00ed scr\u00edbhneoireachta, a mhealladh \u00f3 dhalta\u00ed, a raibh an iomarca le d\u00e9anamh acu, cheana f\u00e9in. Tar \u00e9is roinnt mhaith \u00fatam\u00e1la, d\u2019\u00e9irigh linn eagr\u00e1n amh\u00e1in den Iris ch\u00e9anna sin a chur i gcl\u00f3, agus a chur ar d\u00edol i measc lucht na scoile, agus fi\u00fa amuigh i gcupla siopa sa mbaile m\u00f3r! Ba mh\u00f3r an saothar \u00e9, i nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, ach bh\u00ed an oiread sin scl\u00e1bha\u00edochta ag baint leis an iarracht sin, agus gan ch\u00fanamh le f\u00e1il \u00f3 che\u00e1rd ar bith, n\u00e1r th\u00e1inig an dara heagr\u00e1n ar an saol riamh ina dhiaidh sin. \u201cAn S\u00edol\u201d, a bhaist m\u00e9 ar an Iris ch\u00e9anna sin, agus creid \u00e9, n\u00f3 n\u00e1 creid \u00e9, th\u00e1inig m\u00e9 ar ch\u00f3ip de, cupla bliain \u00f3 shoin, agus d\u00e9arfainn n\u00e1rbh aon chailli\u00faint r\u00f3-mh\u00f3r \u00e9 don Saol Gaelach an Iris ch\u00e9anna sin a ligint i l\u00e9ig! Ag breathn\u00fa siar anois ar na c\u00farsa\u00ed sin, d\u00e9arfainn gur ar an bPiarsach a bh\u00ed m\u00e9 ag smaoineamh agus an tionscadal c\u00e9anna sin idir cham\u00e1in agam, n\u00f3 b\u2019in an cine\u00e1l ruda a dh\u00e9anadh seisean, ach n\u00edorbh aon Piarsach mise, geallaimse dhuit \u00e9.<\/p>

Rinne m\u00e9 iarracht freisin dr\u00e1ma a chur ar an ard\u00e1n, agus phioc m\u00e9 amach m\u2019fhoireann aisteoir\u00ed don ndr\u00e1ma c\u00e9anna sin, agus chaitheamar cupla r\u00e1ithe ina bhun, ach fait\u00edos orm, n\u00e1r l\u00e9ir\u00edodh riamh \u00e9, toisc, is d\u00f3cha, nach raibh na scileanna riachtanacha agam fh\u00e9in, ag an am, agus n\u00ed raibh \u00e9inne eile ansin, a bh\u00ed s\u00e1sta dul i bp\u00e1irt liom, sa bhfiontar sin. Ar\u00eds, is d\u00f3cha gurbh \u00e9 an Piarsach ba ch\u00fais dom tabhairt faoin r\u00f3d \u00e1irithe sin! <\/p>

Thugamar faoi thionscadal eile, chomh maith, agus is f\u00e9idir liom a mha\u00edomh, gurbh fhearr go m\u00f3r a d\u2019\u00e9irigh linn sa ch\u00e1s sin. C\u00farsa\u00ed diosp\u00f3ireachta at\u00e1 i gceist agam anseo. Is d\u00f3cha go raibh cleachtadh eic\u00ednt agam fh\u00e9in ar ch\u00farsa\u00ed diosp\u00f3ireachta, n\u00f3 bh\u00edodh roinnt mhaith den chine\u00e1l sin oibre ar si\u00fal againn sna Cliarscoileanna, ar dhein m\u00e9 freastal orthu, agus b\u00edodh gur i nGaeilge a ritheadh roinnt \u00e1irithe d\u00edobh, is \u00e9 mo thuairim, n\u00e1r den d\u00edogha iad, ach oiread. B\u2019fh\u00e9idir nach raibh cuid acu thar mholadh beirte, ach ag an am gc\u00e9anna, thug siad deis do na dalta\u00ed, iarracht a dh\u00e9anamh seasamh suas, agus a smaointe a chur abhaile ar lucht \u00e9isteachta, agus n\u00ed beag n\u00f3 suarach an bua \u00e9 sin, i gc\u00e1s dalta a bh\u00ed c\u00fathalach, n\u00f3 neirbh\u00edseach, \u00f3 n\u00e1d\u00fair. <\/p>

Bh\u00ed Club Dr\u00e1ma\u00edochta den scoth i mbun oibre i mB\u00e9al an \u00c1tha, an t-am sin, agus \u00f3 tharla go raibh Gerry Molloy, dearth\u00e1ir an Dr\u00e1mad\u00f3ra ch\u00e1ili\u00fail, M.J. Molloy, ina mh\u00fainteoir i gCol\u00e1iste Mhuireadhaigh, ag an am, n\u00edor r\u00f3-fhada go raibh m\u00e9 meallta leis aige, le p\u00e1irteanna a ghlacadh sna dr\u00e1ma\u00ed a bh\u00edodh \u00e1 l\u00e9iri\u00fa aigeasan. N\u00edor cheap m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in go raibh aon ghaisce ionnam mar aisteoir, ach dhealr\u00f3dh s\u00e9, go raibh Gerry s\u00e1sta lem iarrachta\u00ed ar an ard\u00e1n, agus thugadh s\u00e9 p\u00e1irt dom go rialta, sna dr\u00e1ma\u00ed a roghna\u00edodh s\u00e9 le cur i l\u00e1thair an phobail, dr\u00e1ma\u00ed ar n\u00f3s, The Paddy Pedlar, The King of Fridays Men, The Playboy of the Western World, agus The Wood of the Whispering. Dr\u00e1ma\u00ed a scr\u00edobh a dhearth\u00e1ir ba ea cuid acu. Bh\u00ed p\u00e1irt agam sa Pedlar agus sa Playboy freisin, agus d\u2019\u00e9irigh thar barr len\u00e1r Playboy, sa chaoi gur sciob s\u00e9 an chraobh leis i gCom\u00f3rtais\u00ed Dr\u00e1ma\u00edochta, sa timpeallacht, agus sciob s\u00e9 an chraobh leis freisin, sa Chom\u00f3rtas N\u00e1isi\u00fanta Dr\u00e1ma\u00edochta, i mBaile \u00c1tha Luain. Agus nach raibh socruithe \u00e1 nd\u00e9anamh leis an Playboy c\u00e9anna sin a chur ar an ard\u00e1n i Londain Shasana, agus nach rabhthas ag caint faoina th\u00f3g\u00e1il chun na St\u00e1t Aontaithe, go fi\u00fa n\u00e1r luadh Caesar\u2019s Palace mar sprioc linn freisin. Caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il go raibh cuid againn ag smaoineamh ar bheith in\u00e1r r\u00e9alta scann\u00e1n thall i Hollywood, ach ba \u00e9 cr\u00edoch na mbeart \u00e9 nach ndeachamar \u00e1it ar bith thar lear leis an ndr\u00e1ma c\u00e9anna sin, agus nach \u2019in an saol agat, a mhac! Ar aon n\u00f3s, b\u2019\u00e9igean dom bheith s\u00e1sta lem\u2019 phost mar mh\u00fainteoir i mB\u00e9al an \u00c1tha, agus a bheith bu\u00edoch beannachtach go raibh post d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id agam, mar, n\u00e1rbh ioma\u00ed duine dem chomhaois, a bh\u00ed d\u00edreach chomh c\u00e1ilithe liom fh\u00e9in, agus a raibh air an b\u00e1d b\u00e1n a thabhairt air fh\u00e9in, sin n\u00f3 fanacht anseo in \u00c9irinn iathghlas, oile\u00e1nach, agus \u00e9 ag brath ar p\u00e9 c\u00fanamh a thoileodh an St\u00e1t s\u2019againne a th\u00e1l air. B\u2019in an cine\u00e1l saoil a bh\u00ed i dtreis in \u00c9irinn, ag an am. N\u00ed raibh tr\u00e1cht fi\u00fa, ar Th\u00edogar Ceilteach, ag an am, n\u00f3 is d\u00f3cha go bhfaigheadh a leith\u00e9id de bheith\u00edoch b\u00e1s den ghorta dearg abhus againne an tr\u00e1th \u00fad.<\/p>

Mar a mh\u00ednigh m\u00e9 cheana, n\u00ed raibh carr n\u00f3 tada d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id agam, an t-am sin, n\u00f3 s\u00fail agam fi\u00fa, lena leith\u00e9id, mar sin, ba de shi\u00fal na gcos a raghainn \u00f3 \u00e1it go h\u00e1it, agus d\u00e1 dteast\u00f3dh uaim dul ar aistear ar bith, taobh amuigh de raon na gcos, bhuel, bheadh orm dul ar an mbus, n\u00f3 ar an dtraein. Sea, m\u00f3r idir inn\u00e9 agus inniu, gan aon ag\u00f3! <\/p>

D\u2019\u00e9irigh go r\u00e9as\u00fanta maith liom i mbun mo cheirde, agus bh\u00ednn s\u00e1ite in aon chine\u00e1l oibre a bhain le gluaiseacht na teanga. Bh\u00ed m\u00e9 im bhall de Chonradh na Gaeilge, agus bh\u00ed ag \u00e9ir\u00ed go maith liom san eagra\u00edocht sin, freisin. D\u2019\u00e9irigh leis an gCraobh s\u2019againne r\u00fan a chur ar chl\u00e1r na hArdfheise, a tion\u00f3ladh i gCill \u00c1irne, sna caogaid\u00ed. Ba \u00e9 a bh\u00ed i gceist sa r\u00fan c\u00e9anna sin, n\u00f3 go nd\u00e9anfa\u00ed chuile iarracht, an Ghaeilge a dhaingni\u00fa, agus a chur \u00e1 labhairt ar\u00eds, tr\u00ed dh\u00faich\u00ed \u00e1irithe a phiocadh amach leis an bpolasa\u00ed sin a chur i bhfeidhm iontu i dtosach, agus ansin, agus de r\u00e9ir a ch\u00e9ile, go nd\u00e9anfa\u00ed teorainneacha na nd\u00faich\u00ed sin a leathn\u00fa amach, go dt\u00ed, sa deireadh, nach mbeadh sa t\u00edr ar fad ach cr\u00edoch ina mbeadh an Ghaeilge faoi r\u00e9im ar\u00eds inti. Sea, agus ritheadh an r\u00fan sin freisin, ach n\u00ed d\u00f3igh liom, go raibh aon toradh ar an r\u00fan c\u00e9anna sin, thar lucht na hArdfheise a chur ag caint faoi! <\/p>

Tar \u00e9is cupla bliain \u00e1fach, thosaigh m\u00e9 ag \u00e9ir\u00ed amach, agus ag iarraidh p\u00e1irt a ghlacadh i saol s\u00f3isialta an bhaile mh\u00f3ir. Chuir m\u00e9 aithne ar dhaoine, agus thosaigh m\u00e9 ag dul chuig cluich\u00ed, chuig damhsa\u00ed agus chuig aon \u00e9ir\u00ed amach a chuirt\u00ed ar si\u00fal sa timpeallacht, ag an am. Agus ansin, tar \u00e9is dom c\u00faig bliana, n\u00f3 mar sin, a chaitheamh i mB\u00e9al an \u00c1tha, p\u00f3sadh m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in agus P\u00e1draig\u00edn Nic Fhinn, in Ardeaglais Mhuireadhaigh i mB\u00e9al an \u00c1tha. Agus ar\u00eds, nach m\u00f3r idir inn\u00e9 agus inniu? n\u00f3 bh\u00edomar f\u00f3s gan ghluaiste\u00e1n, gan ch\u00f3ras iompair d\u00e1r gcuid fh\u00e9in. Ach, b\u2019in mar a bh\u00ed, an t-am sin.<\/p>

Tharla ag an am sin, go raibh m\u00e9 ag smaoineamh ar thabhairt faoin Ardchathair, agus tharla go raibh duine de na Br\u00e1ithre le Muire ar m\u2019aithne ag m\u00faineadh ina scoil i mB\u00e9al an \u00c1tha, ag an am, agus mhol seisean dom cur isteach ar phost ina scoil si\u00fad, i nDroichead na Dothra, i mBaile \u00c1tha Cliath. Rinne m\u00e9 rud air, agus ba \u00e9 deireadh na mbeart \u00e9, n\u00f3 go bhfuair m\u00e9 post i gCol\u00e1iste Mhuire Cois Abhann, ansin, agus ar\u00eds b\u2019\u00e9igean dom mo chip is mo mheanaithe a bhaili\u00fa chugam, agus m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in, is mo bhean, agus mo mhac, Miche\u00e1l, a bhaili\u00fa liom chun na cathrach, ach b\u2019fh\u00e9idir gur ch\u00f3ir dom an chuid eile den sc\u00e9al sin a fh\u00e1g\u00e1il go dt\u00ed an ch\u00e9ad chaibidil eile, nuair a chuirfidh m\u00e9 s\u00edos ar an bpost nua, agus ar an scoil nua, agus ar an gcor a chuir sin uilig im chinni\u00faint.<\/p>

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Caibidil 42<\/p>

Blianta an Ghanntanais ?<\/span><\/h1>

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Is coscrach go deo an rud \u00e9 aistri\u00fa \u00f3 theach amh\u00e1in go teach eile, agus \u00f3 phost amh\u00e1in go post eile, n\u00f3 don mbeart sin, b\u00edonn tr\u00e9imhse fhada plean\u00e1la, agus tr\u00e9imhse fhada ullmh\u00fach\u00e1in i gceist, sul m\u00e1 chuireann t\u00fa fi\u00fa cos thar tairseach, agus i rith an ama sin uilig, b\u00edonn scaoth dabhtanna do do ch\u00e9asadh, agus do do chr\u00e1, agus iad ag iarraidh cur ina lu\u00ed ort go raibh bot\u00fan do-leigheasta \u00e1 dh\u00e9anamh agat, agus nach n-\u00e9ireodh leat sa phost nua, n\u00f3 sa timpeallacht nua a bh\u00ed roghnaithe agat. Bhuel, chuamarna tr\u00edd an gcr\u00e1 agus tr\u00edd an gc\u00e9asach sin uilig, agus ba \u00e9 an l\u00e1 ba mheasa ar fad n\u00f3 an l\u00e1 ar chasamar an eochair sa seanteach den uair dheiridh, agus go ndeachamar ar bord na traenach go Baile \u00c1tha Cliath, le r\u00e9 nua d\u00e1r saol a thosn\u00fa ansin. <\/p>

Bh\u00ed an t-\u00e1dh orainn go raibh muintir mo ch\u00e9ile s\u00e1sta d\u00edon a chur os \u00e1r gcionn, fhad is a bh\u00edomarna ag iarraidh teach d\u00e1r gcuid fh\u00e9in a roghn\u00fa agus a cheannacht. \u00d3! a Thiarcais! d\u00e1 gceapfainn go mbeadh an obair seo go l\u00e9ir le d\u00e9anamh againn san Ardchathair, chuile sheans go bhfanfainn mar a rabhamar th\u00edos ansin cois na Muaidhe, i mB\u00e9al an \u00c1tha, ach bh\u00ed s\u00e9 r\u00f3-dh\u00e9anach ansin, mar bh\u00ed an crann curtha, agus n\u00ed raibh le d\u00e9anamh againn feasta, ach ceir\u00edn den d\u00edchuimhne a chuimilt leis an eachtra ar fad, agus an b\u00f3thar r\u00f3mhainn a bhualadh, go dian, d\u00e1sachtach.<\/p>

N\u00ed raibh aon tuairim againn roimh r\u00e9, c\u00e9 chomh daor is a bh\u00ed tithe san Ardchathair, agus c\u00e9 chomh deacair is a bh\u00ed s\u00e9 teach a fh\u00e1il in aon \u00e1it c\u00f3ngarach don Scoil s\u2019againne, i nDroichead na Dothra, n\u00f3 t\u00e1\u2019s ag madra\u00ed an bhaile fh\u00e9in, go gcosna\u00edonn teach sna b\u00f3la\u00ed sin pingin mhaith, ach t\u00e1 fait\u00edos orm go rabhamarna dall ar fad ar na c\u00farsa\u00ed sin, ag an am. Ar deireadh thiar thall \u00e1fach, nuair a bh\u00ed an chathair uilig si\u00falta againn ar th\u00f3ir t\u00ed, d\u2019\u00e9irigh linn ceann a fh\u00e1il amuigh i gCluain Tairbh, ar imeall na farraige. <\/p>

Bh\u00ed rud eile i gceist freisin i roghn\u00fa t\u00ed d\u00fainn, agus sin go gcaithfeadh s\u00e9 a bheith gar go maith do stad bus, n\u00f3 n\u00ed raibh gluaiste\u00e1n, n\u00f3 tada d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id, le cur faoi mo th\u00f3in agam f\u00f3s. Cheanna\u00edomar an teach sin, agus shocra\u00edomar \u00e1r dtrosc\u00e1n ann, b\u00edodh go raibh sin \u00e9asca go leor sin a dh\u00e9anamh, n\u00f3 ba bheag den earra ch\u00e9anna sin a bh\u00ed againn, ag an am, ach cib\u00e9 sc\u00e9al \u00e9, bh\u00ed \u00e1r n-\u00e1it fh\u00e9in againn anois, \u00e1r seoladh fh\u00e9in, agus uimhir ghuth\u00e1in mar sm\u00e9ar mhullaigh ar an ioml\u00e1n, agus tuigeadh d\u00fainn go raibh muid ar mhuin na muice, agus saol an mhada bh\u00e1in os \u00e1r gcomhair amach sna laethe a bh\u00ed r\u00f3mhainn amach. Tuigeadh d\u00fainn freisin, go raibh teach againn anois don chuid eile d\u00e1r saoil. Ach sin sc\u00e9al eile ar fad, agus d\u00e1r nd\u00f3igh, n\u00ed mar a sh\u00edltear a bh\u00edtear, ach mar a chinnt\u00edtear, ach fillfimid ar an sc\u00e9al c\u00e9anna sin ar\u00eds, amach anseo.<\/p>

Teacht t\u00fas Mhe\u00e1n F\u00f3mhair, bh\u00ed chuile sh\u00f3rt in ord is in eagar, agus b\u00edodh go raibh amhras eic\u00ednt orainn f\u00f3s faoin gc\u00e9im ollmh\u00f3r a bh\u00ed t\u00f3gtha againn fan oilithreacht na beatha, ag an am gc\u00e9anna bh\u00edomar s\u00e1sta glacadh leis an gcinneadh a bh\u00ed d\u00e9anta againn, agus tabhairt faoin saol m\u00f3r, nua, corraitheach, a bh\u00ed thart orainn. Nuair a oscla\u00edodh Col\u00e1iste Mhuire Cois Abhann, mar a baisteadh ar Marian College, i nDroichead na Dothra, bh\u00ed orm aghaidh a thabhairt ar an Scoil sin go bre\u00e1 luath ar maidin. <\/p>

Fuair m\u00e9 an bus th\u00edos ag bun Ascaill Bhearnon, ar bhruach na mara. Isteach liom ansin go dt\u00ed St\u00e1isi\u00fan na Traenach ag Sr\u00e1id Amiens, agus uaidh sin ar an traein to dt\u00ed St\u00e1isi\u00fan Dhroichead na Dothra, agus bh\u00ed an St\u00e1isi\u00fan sin i ngiorracht urchar m\u00e9ar\u00f3ige don Chol\u00e1iste. N\u00ed raibh ach ceata\u00ed amh\u00e1in sa sc\u00e9al, agus b\u2019in go mbeadh orm bheith amuigh le giolc an ghealbhain, chuile mhaidin, n\u00f3 n\u00edor theastaigh uaim bheith d\u00e9anach, mar cuireadh i dtuiscint dom go raibh Cluain Tarbh p\u00edosa fada \u00f3n gCol\u00e1iste, agus gurbh fhearr le h\u00fadar\u00e1is na Scoile sin, d\u00e1 n-\u00e9ireodh liom teach a fh\u00e1il n\u00edos c\u00f3ngara\u00ed don Chol\u00e1iste, sea, agus bh\u00ed sin go maith, ach n\u00ed raibh an oireadh sin airgead agamsa le go bhf\u00e9adfainn teach d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id a cheannach, ach is d\u00f3cha go raibh s\u00e9 deacair sin a chur abhaile ar Ord Rialta, nach raibh aon tuiscint r\u00f3-chruinn acu ar chumas ceannaithe t\u00ed an t\u00e9 at\u00e1 ar bheag\u00e1n fh\u00e1ltais, agus geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, nach raibh siadsan ag baint na s\u00e1l d\u00e1 ch\u00e9ile, ag iarraidh teacht i gcabhair orm, bealach ar bith! Ach n\u00ed haon mhaith bheith ag caoineadh agus an anachain d\u00e9anta. Bh\u00ed orm cur suas leis an gcrann a thit orm. N\u00ed g\u00e1 a r\u00e1, go raibh deacrachta\u00ed taistil le s\u00e1r\u00fa agam le freastal ceart a dh\u00e9anamh ar an bpost nua a bh\u00ed t\u00f3gtha agam, san Ardchathair. Sea, agus n\u00ed raibh ansin ach a leath, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed orm anois dul i dtaith\u00ed ar ghas\u00fair na cathrach m\u00f3ire, gas\u00fair nach raibh an dearcadh c\u00e9anna acu ar an saol is a bh\u00ed agamsa, n\u00f3 ag na dalta\u00ed a raibh cleachtadh agamsa orthu, \u00f3 chuaigh m\u00e9 i gcionn cheird na m\u00fainteoireachta, a ch\u00e9aduair. Ach, tr\u00edd is tr\u00edd, d\u2019\u00e9irigh liom na deacrachta\u00ed sin uilig a sh\u00e1r\u00fa, agus s\u00edlim gur \u00e9irigh liom sl\u00e1im\u00edn den Ghaeilge a mh\u00faineadh do dhuine anseo is ansi\u00fad, agus chomh maith le sin, d\u2019\u00e9irigh liom gr\u00e1 eic\u00ednt don Ghaelachas a thabhairt don chorrdhuine eile. <\/p>

D\u2019fhan m\u00e9 i mbun mo dhualgais ansin i nDroichead na Dothra ar feadh seacht mbliana, n\u00f3 mar sin, n\u2019fheadar m\u00e9 anois, ar bhlianta an ghanntain n\u00f3 ar bhlianta na fl\u00fairse a bh\u00ed sna blianta c\u00e9anna sin, ach n\u00ed d\u00f3igh liom gur chruinnigh m\u00e9 aon st\u00f3r le linn an ama ch\u00e9anna sin, agus b\u2019fh\u00e9idir gur leor sin mar fhreagra ar mo cheist! <\/p>

Tar \u00e9is dom cupla bliain a chaitheamh ag taisteal chun oibre le C\u00f3ras Iompair \u00c9ireann, agus m\u00e9 tuirseach traochta ar shroichint m\u2019ionad oibre dom, chuile mhaidin, shocra\u00edomar go raibh an t-am tagtha le gluaistean, de chine\u00e1l eic\u00ednt, a chur faoi mo th\u00f3in ghaelach, agus tar \u00e9is roinnt mhaith cuardaigh, d\u2019\u00e9irigh linn seanghluaiste\u00e1n Ford a cheannach, \u00f3 Oifigeach Airm, a raibh an t\u00edr uilig taistealta sa seanghluaiste\u00e1n c\u00e9anna sin aige, sa chaoi gur bheag cro\u00ed n\u00f3 misneach a bh\u00ed fanta sa seanchr\u00e9at\u00far c\u00e9anna sin, ach, arsa mise liom fh\u00e9in, faoi mar ad\u00fairt Sean Ph\u00e1draic \u00d3 Conaire tr\u00e1th, d\u00e9anfaidh s\u00e9 c\u00fais, iompr\u00f3idh s\u00e9 m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in, is mo ch\u00f3ta m\u00f3r, is chuile sh\u00f3rt a bh\u00edonn le hiompar ag m\u00fainteoir ar a thuras chun na scoile. <\/p>

D\u2019\u00e9irigh leis an ngluaiste\u00e1n, ar ball, c\u00fais a dh\u00e9anamh domsa, ach n\u00ed hionann sin is a r\u00e1, gur \u00e9irigh leis saol sona, s\u00e1sta, a chur ar f\u00e1il dom ar deireadh thiar, n\u00f3 n\u00edor dhein, ach is amhlaidh a d\u2019\u00e9irigh leis liosta c\u00farama\u00ed nua a thabhairt dom, in \u00e1it na seanch\u00farama\u00ed a bh\u00ed dom chr\u00e1, is dom ch\u00e9asadh, roimhe sin. Ach nach \u2018in an saol agat a mhac! B\u00edonn a ualach c\u00farama\u00ed le hiompar ag chuile dhuine beo, agus cuma c\u00e9n iarracht a dh\u00e9anann s\u00e9 f\u00e1il r\u00e9idh leo, beag an baol go n-\u00e9ireoidh leis! Ag an am gc\u00e9anna, is d\u00f3cha gur \u00e9irigh leis an ngluaiste\u00e1n c\u00e9anna sin saol n\u00edos comp\u00f3rda\u00ed a chur ar f\u00e1il, n\u00ed hamh\u00e1in dom fh\u00e9in, ach don chlann ar fad, agus faoin am sin, bh\u00ed c\u00faigear ar fad againn ann, m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in is mo bhean, maraon le beirt mhac agus in\u00edon amh\u00e1in, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed ar \u00e1r gcumas anois, dul ar sheilg, am ar bith a thogr\u00f3imis, go h\u00e1irithe, i rith na laethe saoire, agus ba mh\u00f3r an chabhair \u00e9 freisin, le dul isteach sa chathair, n\u00f3 le dul ag siopad\u00f3ireacht, n\u00f3 chuig an Aifreann fi\u00fa. Sea, nuair a d\u2019\u00e9irigh m\u00e9 cleachtach air, ba mh\u00f3r an gar \u00e9 do dhuine ar bith, agus \u00e9 ag cur faoi i gcathair. I nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, t\u00e1 s\u00e9 thar a bheith deacair teacht i dt\u00edr i gcathair d\u00e1 cheal, sa l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu ann, c\u00e9 go raibh s\u00e9 ind\u00e9anta, nuair a thugamarna an chathair orainn fh\u00e9in, i gcaogaid\u00ed na haoise seo caite.<\/p>

Ach, i ndeireadh na d\u00e1la, caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il, nach m\u00f3 n\u00e1 s\u00e1sta a bh\u00edomar le saol na cathrach, n\u00f3 d\u00e1 nd\u00e9arfainn \u00e9, lem phost i nDroichead na Dothra, agus tar \u00e9is d\u00fainn thart ar sheacht mbliana a chaitheamh ansin, agus gan c\u00farsa\u00ed taistil, n\u00f3 coin\u00edollacha oibre, mar a d\u2019iarrfadh mo bh\u00e9al fh\u00e9in iad a bheith, thosaigh m\u00e9 ag breathn\u00fa thar chla\u00ed amach, f\u00e9achaint an mbeadh fosa\u00edocht n\u00edos fearr le f\u00e1il, in ionad eic\u00ednt eile. Bh\u00ed an t-\u00e1dh orm, n\u00f3 thart ar an am sin, chonaic m\u00e9 go raibh fol\u00fantas do mh\u00fainteoir Gaeilge i gCol\u00e1iste Chiar\u00e1in, i gCill Chainnigh. Bhuel! le sc\u00e9al gairid a dh\u00e9anamh de, chuir m\u00e9 isteach ar an bpost sin, agus tar \u00e9is chuile sh\u00f3rt a choimhl\u00edonadh, faoi mar a iarradh orm, d\u2019\u00e9irigh liom an post a fh\u00e1il, agus socra\u00edodh go raghainn i mbun mo chuid oibre sa Chol\u00e1iste c\u00e1ili\u00fail, cumasach, sin, i Samhain na bliana 1966. Bh\u00ed go maith is ni raibh go holc. Rinne m\u00e9 a raibh le d\u00e9anamh, agus ar an l\u00e1 sprioc\u00e1ilte, chuaigh m\u00e9 i mbun oibre, i Halla\u00ed \u00e1rsa na scoile sin, ach, fan ort n\u00f3im\u00e9ad, n\u00f3 t\u00e1 ruda\u00ed eile le r\u00e1 agam, faoin tr\u00e9imhse a chaith m\u00e9 i gCol\u00e1iste Marian, i nDroichead na Dothra.<\/p>

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Caibidil 43<\/span><\/p>

Athr\u00fa Saoil<\/span><\/p>

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Mar a mh\u00ednigh m\u00e9 cheana dhuit, chuaigh m\u00e9 i mbun oibre i gCol\u00e1iste Mhuire Cois Abhann (Marian College), t\u00fas Mhe\u00e1n F\u00f3mhair na bliana 1958, tar \u00e9is d\u00fainn cr\u00e1 cro\u00ed agus c\u00e9asadh a fhulaingt, agus muid ar th\u00f3ir t\u00ed san Ardchathair, i rith an tSamhraidh ch\u00e9anna sin. Ba bheag \u00e9 m\u2019eolas-sa ar ch\u00farsa\u00ed tith\u00edochta, n\u00f3 limist\u00e9ir, in \u00c1th Cliath ag an am, agus bheinn ag s\u00fail go gcabhr\u00f3dh lucht na Scoile liom as bhfiontar sin. Tharla, gur theastaigh m\u00fainteoir uathusan, agus d\u00e1 th\u00faisce a nd\u00e9anfa\u00ed an fhadhb sin a r\u00e9iteach, n<\/span>\u00e1rbh amhlaidh ab fhearr d\u00f3ibhsean freisin \u00e9? Bh\u00ed breall orm \u00e1fach, agus bh\u00ed orm m\u00edonna fada a chaitheamh ar bhusanna, agus ag cois\u00edocht, ar fud na cathrach, s\u00e1ra bhfuair m\u00e9 teach, ar deireadh thiar thall, amuigh i gCluain Tarbh, aistear fada go leor \u00f3n \u00e1it a mbeinn i mbun oibre inti, \u00f3 l\u00e1 go l\u00e1, feasta. Nuair a thug m\u00e9 an dea-sc\u00e9al sin d\u2019\u00fadar\u00e1is na Scoile, ba \u00e9 freagra a fuair m\u00e9 n\u00f3 \u201cBhuel, n\u00edl muid ag pocl\u00e9imhnigh le h\u00e1thas d\u00e1 bharr, ach d\u00e9anfaidh s\u00e9 c\u00fais.\u201d \u201cAn bhail ch\u00e9anna oraibhse\u201d arsa m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in faoi <\/span>m\u2019fhiacail, agus tonn aif\u00e9ala ag scuabadh tharam faoi gur fh\u00e1g m\u00e9 Col\u00e1iste Mhuireadhaigh a ch\u00e9aduair, \u00e1it a raibh m\u00e9 faoi mheas, agus faoi chion, i measc mo mhuintir fh\u00e9in. <\/span><\/p>

N\u00edor mhair sin i bhfad, \u00e1<\/span>fach, agus ba ghearr gur tuigeadh dom, go raibh f\u00e9idearthachta sa phost nua seo, agus gur ormsa a bh\u00ed, chuile bhunt\u00e1iste a bhaint as na f\u00e9idireachta\u00ed c\u00e9anna sin.<\/span><\/p>

Luigh m\u00e9 isteach ar an obair faoi mar a bheadh Dia \u00e1 r\u00e1 liom, ach ag an am gc\u00e9anna, thabharfadh duine ar bith faoi deara, go raibh difir, agus difir mh\u00f3r, idir mhuintir an Iarthair agus lucht na hArdchathrach. Ar an gc\u00e9ad dul s\u00edos, bh\u00ed i bhfad n\u00edos m\u00f3 dalta\u00ed ag freastal ar mo Scoil nua, agus d\u00e9arfainn nach raibh s\u00e9 chomh h\u00e9asca acu an Ghaeilge a fh<\/span>oghlaim, is a bh\u00ed thiar. Chomh maith le sin, is d\u00f3cha gur l\u00fa a meas ar, idir theanga agus chult\u00far. D\u00e1 n\u2019iarrf\u00e1 orthu \u00e1r gcluich\u00ed N\u00e1isi\u00fanta a ainmni\u00fa, chuile sheans gur Rugar agus Sacar a gheof\u00e1 mar fhreagra, agus an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, n\u00edorbh \u00e9 sin an leagan amach a bh\u00ed ar ch\u00farsa\u00ed i measc Gael, murab ionann is faoi mar at\u00e1 c\u00farsa\u00ed sa l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu ann. Sea, agus b\u00ed ag caint ar a meas ar mhuintir na tuaithe! B\u2019fh\u00edor bheag \u00e9, d\u00e1 mba ann in aon chor d\u00f3! N\u00ed raibh ann, d\u00e1r leosan, ach an chathair, agus a muintir, agus \u00e9in<\/span>ne a mhair taobh amuigh de theorainneacha na cathrach, n\u00edorbh fhi\u00fa tr\u00e1cht orthu, n\u00f3 n\u00ed raibh iontusan ach lucth na bportach. Anois, nuair a chuireann t\u00fa an c\u00falra sin san \u00e1ireamh, nach gceapf\u00e1 go mbeadh fonn orm an chathair sin is a raibh inti a thr\u00e9igint, ar an d\u00e1 luathas, ach n\u00ed mar sin a bh\u00ed, n\u00f3 thug m\u00e9 faoi\u2019n ngn\u00f3 a bh\u00ed idir l\u00e1mha agam, le flosc is le fuadar, agus, d\u00e9arfainn fh\u00e9in, fi\u00fa sa l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inni\u00fa ann, gur \u00e9irigh liom dul i gcionn ar bhun\u00fas na ndalta\u00ed a th\u00e1inig faoi mo ch\u00faram, agus nuair a d\u2019fh\u00e1g m\u00e9 <\/span>an scoil sin, tar \u00e9is na seacht mbliana \u00fad a chaitheamh inti, chreidfinn fh\u00e9in go mba Ghaela\u00ed an dearcadh a bh\u00ed ag na scol\u00e1ir\u00ed a raibh baint agamsa leo. Agus fi\u00fa, n\u00e1r mheallas Donncha \u00d3 S\u00failleabh\u00e1in fh\u00e9in isteach chugainn le f\u00e1inn\u00ed \u00f3ir a bhronnadh ar shl\u00e1m maith dalta\u00ed a shroich caighde\u00e1n ard sa Ghaeilge labhartha, ag an am. D\u00e1la an sc\u00e9il, nach raibh Ardeaspag \u00c1tha Cliath, an Docht\u00fair Diarmaid \u00d3 M\u00e1irt\u00edn fh\u00e9in, ar dhuine de na dalta\u00ed c\u00e9imi\u00fala a bh\u00ed againn, i Marian, ag an am sin, sea mh\u2019anam, agus n\u00e1rbh \u00e9 a<\/span>n gas\u00far \u00e9irimi\u00fail, cliste, fadcheannach \u00e9 fi\u00fa, i rith na mblianta sin, fad\u00f3, i gcaogaid\u00ed na haoise seo caite.<\/span><\/p>

Tar \u00e9is dom cupla bliain, n\u00f3 tr\u00ed, a chaiteamh ag baint \u00fas\u00e1ide as C\u00f3ras Iompair \u00c9ireann mar ch\u00f3ir taistil, agus tar \u00e9is dom bheith tuirseach traochta \u00f3 bheith ag iarraidh an scoil a bhaint amach in am, chuile mhaidin, d\u2019\u00e9irigh liom, mar a mh\u00ednigh m\u00e9 thuas, seanghluaiste\u00e1n athl\u00e1imhe a cheannacht, leis an ngn\u00f3 c\u00e9anna sin a dh\u00e9anamh dom feasta. \u00d3, a Thiarcais! n\u00e1rbh uaf\u00e1sach an gn\u00f3 \u00e9 gluaiste\u00e1n a thiom\u00e1<\/span>int ar shr\u00e9ideanna naofa \u00c1tha Cliath? Chaith m\u00e9 roinnt mhaith ama, ar dt\u00fas, ag cleachtadh ar na b\u00f3ithre, agus ar na sr\u00e1ideanna, thart ar mo chomharsanacht fh\u00e9in, i gCluain Tairbh. Tar \u00e9is roinnt ama, bh\u00ed de mhisneach agam tiom\u00e1int chomh fada le Baile na gCorr, agus fi\u00fa, chomh fada \u00f3 bhaile le Binn \u00c9adair fh\u00e9in. Ansin, ar deireadh thiar thall, tharla go raibh l\u00e1 saoire \u00f3n scoil agam, agus shocra\u00edomar ar dhul ar sheilg chomh fada le D\u00fan Laoghaire! N\u00ed dh\u00e9anfaidh m\u00e9 dearmad ar an aistear sin go deo na ndeor. <\/span>N\u00ed raibh c\u00farsa\u00ed chomh dona sin ar fad, chomh fada is a bh\u00ed m\u00e9 ag tiom\u00e1int ar bh\u00f3ithre a raibh aithne, n\u00f3 breacaithne fh\u00e9in fi\u00fa, agam orthu, ach nuair a chuaigh m\u00e9 trasna na Life go dufair dheisceart na cathrach, agus nuair a bh\u00ed m\u00e9 ag iarraidh mo bhealach a dh\u00e9anamh tr\u00ed shr\u00e1ideanna nach bhfaca m\u00e9 riamh roimhe sin, ba bheag n\u00e1r thit an t-anam asam. Stop an gluaistean ina staic i l\u00e1r na sr\u00e1ide, cupla babhta, agus n\u00ed bheadh sin chomh dona sin ar fad, ach bh\u00ed bus ollmh\u00f3r dh\u00e1 st\u00f3r taobh thiar d\u00edom, agus an maist<\/span>\u00edn sin de thiom\u00e1na\u00ed ag lu\u00ed ar adharc an bhus, feadh an ama, ag iarraidh an ch\u00e1b\u00f3g coille sin, a bh\u00ed os a chomhair amach, a scuabadh as a shl\u00ed. \u00d3! d\u00e1 bhfeicfe\u00e1 m\u2019aghaidh ag an am sin! bh\u00ed s\u00ed lasta suas go bun na gcluas. Ach, m\u00e1s fada an l\u00e1 tagann an tr\u00e1thn\u00f3na, agus ba \u00e9 an d\u00e1la c\u00e9anna agamsa \u00e9, agus ar deireadh thiar, tar \u00e9is chuile dheacracht a sh\u00e1r\u00fa, shroich m\u00e9 D\u00fan Laoghaire, agus bhaineamar s\u00e1samh agus sult as an l\u00e1 sin a chaitheamh ag guairdeall timpeall an bhaile cuain sin. Ach, d\u00e1r nd\u00f3igh, bh\u00ed an aiste<\/span>ar fada \u00f3 Dh\u00fan Laoghaire ar ais go Cluain Tairbh le tiom\u00e1int agam f\u00f3s, ach, tar \u00e9is a raibh fulaingte agam ar maidin, bh\u00ed cine\u00e1l misnigh agam ansin, agus d\u2019\u00e9irigh liom mo bhealach a dh\u00e9anamh abhaile, gan str\u00f3 ar bith, agus \u00f3n l\u00e1 sin amach, n\u00ed raibh fait\u00edos ar bith orm an gluaiste\u00e1n a thiom\u00e1int \u00e1it ar bith sa chathair, n\u00f3 faoin tuath fh\u00e9in, ar choin\u00edoll go raibh staid\u00e9ar d\u00e9anta agam ar l\u00e9arsc\u00e1il na d\u00faiche sin, agus mo bhealach pioctha amach go c\u00faramach agam, roimh r\u00e9.<\/span><\/p>

\u00d3n l\u00e1 sin amach, n\u00ed raibh m\u00e9 ag brath fe<\/span>asta ar Ch\u00f3ras Iompar \u00c9ireann le mo chuid tiom\u00e1na a dh\u00e9anamh dom, n\u00f3 go gairid ina dhiaidh sin, n\u00ed raghainn thar cupla c\u00e9ad slat sl\u00ed \u00f3 mo dhoras fh\u00e9in, gan mo ghluaiste\u00e1n a thabhairt liom. Anois, cheap m\u00e9 nach mbeadh str\u00f3 ar bith orm feasta, bheith in am do mo chuid oibre, ach n\u00ed mar a sh\u00edltear a bh\u00edtear, go minic, agus ba \u00e9 an d\u00e1la c\u00e9anna agamsa \u00e9. Cinnte, n\u00ed bheadh str\u00f3 ar bith orm an t-aistear sin a dh\u00e9anamh, taobh istigh d\u2019am \u00e1irithe, ach n\u00ed tharl\u00f3dh a leith\u00e9id, d\u00e1 dtiocfadh tada sa mbealach, le moill a<\/span> chur orm, agus an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, bh\u00edodh capaill f\u00f3s ag tarraingt cairteacha ollmh\u00f3ra tr\u00ed shr\u00e1ideanna pl\u00f3daithe na cathrach, agus d\u00e1 dtarl\u00f3dh fear acusan romhat ar maidin, bheadh s\u00e9 chomh maith duit dul ag feada\u00edl, n\u00f3 n\u00ed bheadh seans ar bith agat bheith ag an scoil in am. Ba ansin a thuig m\u00e9, den ch\u00e9ad uair, go raibh seans i bhfad n\u00edos fearr ag lucht taisteal Ch\u00f3ras Iompar \u00c9ireann, a gceann scr\u00edbe a shroichint in am, n\u00e1 mar a bh\u00ed ag lucht na gcarranna pr\u00edobh\u00e1ideacha. Ach tr\u00edd is tr\u00edd, bh\u00ed m\u00e9 s\u00e1sta go maith lem\u2019 <\/span>chuidse den mhargadh sin, agus leis na deacrachta\u00ed \u00fad a sh\u00e1r\u00fa, n\u00ed raibh le d\u00e9anamh agam ach an teach a fh\u00e1g\u00e1il beag\u00e1in\u00edn n\u00edos luaithe ar maidin.<\/span><\/p>

Le himeacht na mblianta \u00e1fach, thug m\u00e9 faoi deara, go raibh faid ag teacht san am a th\u00f3gadh s\u00e9 orm an t-aistear trasna na cathrach a dh\u00e9anamh, maidin is tr\u00e1thn\u00f3na, agus b\u00edodh go mb\u00ednn \u00e1balta, i dtosach b\u00e1ire, teacht abhaile don l\u00f3n, i l\u00e1r an lae, de r\u00e9ir mar a chuaigh an tr\u00e1cht i m\u00e9ad, chuireadh sin go m\u00f3r leis an am sin, agus ba \u00e9 an ch\u00e9ad rud a rinne m\u00e9, n\u00f3 l\u00f3n a<\/span> th\u00f3g\u00e1il liom chun na scoile, ionas nach mbeadh orm an turas sin abhaile a dh\u00e9anamh i l\u00e1r an lae, agus n\u00edos d\u00e9ana\u00ed f\u00f3s, tug m\u00e9 faoi deara, go dt\u00f3gadh s\u00e9 thart ar chuig n\u00f3imead sa bhreis, leis an turas sin a dh\u00e9anamh, \u00f3 bhliain go ch\u00e9ile, agus th\u00e1inig an l\u00e1, mar sin, nuair a d\u00fairt m\u00e9 liom fh\u00e9in, go raibh an iomarca ama \u00e1 chaitheamh agam ag taisteal, agus \u00f3 tharla go raibh c\u00faiseanna eile sa treis freisin, shocraigh muid, mar chlann, go raibh an t-am tagtha leis an gcathair a thr\u00e9igint, agus post eic\u00ednt a lorg<\/span> th\u00edos faoin dtuath.<\/span><\/p>

Tharla sin i dt\u00fas na scoilbhliana 1966\/67, agus b\u2019in an t-am a chonaic m\u00e9 an f\u00f3gra \u00f3 Chol\u00e1iste Chiar\u00e1in, i gCill Chainnigh, san Independent, \u00e1 r\u00e1 go raibh m\u00fainteoir Gaeilge uathu. <\/span><\/p>

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Caibidil 44<\/span><\/p>

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Anois n\u00f3 Riamh !<\/span><\/p>

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Faoi mar a mh\u00ednigh m\u00e9 cheana, d\u2019\u00e9irigh muid tuirseach de Bhaile \u00c1tha Cliath, n\u00f3 chomh fada is a bhain s\u00e9 linne, n\u00edor chathair mar a tuairisc \u00ed, agus i nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, tuigeadh d\u00fainn, go n-oirfeadh saol taobh amuigh den ardchathair d\u00fainne. Ar aon n\u00f3s, faoi th\u00fas na scoilbliana 1966\/\u201967, thosaigh m\u00e9 ag scr\u00fad\u00fa na bhf\u00f3gra\u00ed ar\u00eds, f\u00e9achaint an mbeadh aon fhol\u00fantas oiri\u00fanach le f\u00e1il. Ar \u00e1mhara\u00ed an tsaoil, th\u00e1inig m\u00e9 ar fh\u00f3gra d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id i dt\u00fas Dheireadh F\u00f3mhair 1966. F\u00f3gra\u00edodh go raibh fol\u00fantas do mh\u00fainteoir Gaeilge i gCol\u00e1iste Chiar\u00e1in, i gCill Chainnigh, agus gur theastaigh uathu an fol\u00fantas sin a l\u00edonadh, ar an d\u00e1 luathas. <\/p>

Bhuel, chuir m\u00e9 CV chucu, agus glaodh orm teacht chun cainte leo ar Dhomhnach \u00e1irithe. N\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1 gur thugamarna, an chlann ar fad, aghaidh ar Chill Chainnigh ar an l\u00e1 sprioc\u00e1ilte. T\u00fas Dheireadh F\u00f3mhair 1966 a bh\u00ed ann, agus bh\u00ed an t\u00edr ag breathn\u00fa go h\u00e1lainn, ach n\u00edor dhada \u00e9 sin taobh leis an radharc a leagadh os \u00e1r gcomhair amach, nuair a d\u2019iompaigh muid isteach go Col\u00e1iste Chiar\u00e1in tr\u00ed Gheata Bh\u00f3thar Challainn. Blianta ina dhiaidh sin, scr\u00edobh m\u00e9 p\u00edosa, ag cur s\u00edos ar an \u00f3c\u00e1id sin. B\u2019fh\u00e9idir n\u00e1rbh olc an smaoineamh \u00e9 giota de, a shn\u00edomh isteach anseo……..<\/p>

\u201cI bhF\u00f3mhar na bliana 1966, a ch\u00e9ad leag m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in s\u00fail ar Chol\u00e1iste Chiar\u00e1in. Chuaigh m\u00e9 isteach ar Gheata Chalainn, agus ba bheag n\u00e1r bhain a bhfaca m\u00e9 radharc na s\u00fal d\u00edom, mar ansin, os mo chomhair amach, bh\u00ed foirgneamh \u00e1lainn, gotach, chloch-aoil, suite ar fhaiche ghlan-bhearrtha. Leagadh d\u00fashraith an Fhoirgnimh sin ar an 24\u00fa Deireadh F\u00f3mhair 1836, agus leanadh leis an obair t\u00f3gala sin thr\u00ed bhlianta cr\u00e1ite c\u00e9asta an Ghorta.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

Buna\u00edodh Col\u00e1iste Chiar\u00e1in blianta fada roimhe sin \u00e1fach. Maola\u00edodh roinnt, ar na p\u00e9indlithe, sa bhliain 1782, agus roimh dheireadh na bliana sin, bh\u00ed Col\u00e1iste Caitliceach bunaithe anseo in Osra\u00ed, faoi ph\u00e1tr\u00fantacht an Easpaig<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>Troy. Is amhlaidh a th\u00f3g s\u00e9 Halla ar ch\u00edos, in \u00e1it Col\u00e1iste nua a th\u00f3g\u00e1il. Col\u00e1iste Chiar\u00e1in a baisteadh ar an scoil nua sin. I dt\u00fas an ch\u00e9id seo, chaith Tom\u00e1s Mac Donncha agus Sheehy Skeffington tr\u00e9imhse mar mh\u00fainteoir\u00ed ar Fhoireann Chol\u00e1iste Chiar\u00e1in. Fuair m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in post ar Fhoireann an Chol\u00e1iste sin sa bhliain 1966.\u201d <\/em><\/strong><\/p>

Bhuel, b\u2019in mar a scr\u00edobh m\u00e9 faoi Chol\u00e1iste Chiar\u00e1in roinnt blianta sula ndeachaigh m\u00e9 ar scor.<\/p>

Chuaigh an Col\u00e1iste i gcionn go m\u00f3r orm, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed stair agus traidisi\u00fan le l\u00e9amh ar chuile ph\u00f3irse agus c\u00fainne den bhfoirgneamh uasal \u00e1rsa sin. Sea, agus chomh maith le sin, chuir n\u00f3sanna agus traidisi\u00fain na scoile sin duine i dteangmh\u00e1il leis na gl\u00fanta a bh\u00ed imithe romhainn, go h\u00e1irithe leis na mic l\u00e9inn Osra\u00edocha \u00fad a shuigh ina Halla\u00ed, a chodail ina shuainliosanna, agus a d\u2019imir ar a fhaich\u00ed imeartha. <\/p>

C\u00e9n cine\u00e1l n\u00f3sanna agus tradisi\u00fain at\u00e1 i gceist agam, an ea? <\/p>

Bhuel, bh\u00ed \u201cbaisteadh na ndalta\u00ed\u201d ar a ndul isteach a ch\u00e9aduair chun na scoile sin, sea, agus baisteadh leasainm orthu ar an \u00f3c\u00e1id sin freisin, leasainm a lean iad, go minic, gur leagadh na hord\u00f3ga orthu. Bh\u00ed n\u00f3s an \u201cVisitation\u201d, n\u00f3 an \u201cViz\u201d mar a thugta\u00ed air de ghn\u00e1th.<\/p>

C\u00e9ard a bh\u00ed i gceist sa \u201cVisitation\u201d c\u00e9anna sin, an ea?<\/p>

Bhuel, chuirt\u00ed dalta\u00ed na scoile sin faoi scr\u00fad\u00fa ceithre huaire sa bhliain, um Shamhain, um Nollaig, um Ch\u00e1isc, agus ansin ag deireadh na scoilbhliana. Nuair a bh\u00edodh tortha\u00ed na scr\u00faduithe sin r\u00e9idh, thagadh an tUachtar\u00e1n, agus duine de na D\u00e9ain \u00e1 thionlacan, ar chuairt, (b\u2019in an \u201cVisitation,\u201d) chuig chuile Halla. Thagadh siad isteach an doras, agus chloisfe\u00e1 bior\u00e1n ag titim ar an url\u00e1r, n\u00f3 n\u00ed bh\u00edodh g\u00edog n\u00f3 m\u00edog as duine ar bith sa rang, mar tuigeadh d\u00f3ibh, go bhfaigheadh roinnt mhaith d\u00edobh dualgas na slaite s\u00e1ra mbeadh an searmanas \u00e1rsa sin thart. Thosa\u00edodh an tUachtar\u00e1n ar na tortha\u00ed a l\u00e9amh amach, agus bh\u00ed chuile dhalta i mbaol, n\u00f3 ba chuma c\u00e9 acu th\u00e1inig s\u00e9 sa ch\u00e9ad \u00e1it, n\u00f3 san \u00e1it deiridh, murar \u00e9irigh leis n\u00edos fearr sa scr\u00fad\u00fa sin, n\u00e1 mar a dhein s\u00e9 sa scr\u00fad\u00fa roimhe sin, bhronnfa\u00ed na lead\u00f3ga air go fial, flaithi\u00fail. N\u00edorbh \u00e9 an tUachtar\u00e1n fh\u00e9in a dh\u00e9anadh na lead\u00f3ga sin a thabhairt, ach an D\u00e9an, fear na slaite. <\/p>

Sea, mh\u2019anam, n\u00edor chreid \u00fadar\u00e1is Chol\u00e1ist\u00ed, n\u00f3 Scoileanna, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, gur choir an tslat a sp\u00e1r\u00e1il ar eagla go millf\u00ed a ndalta\u00ed! I nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, d\u2019fh\u00e9adf\u00e1 a r\u00e1, nach raibh aon ghanntanas leathair, n\u00f3 slaite, ag cur as do mh\u00fainteoir\u00ed, faoin am \u00e1irithe sin. sheans, go mba l\u00fa seans f\u00f3s ar a leith\u00e9id a thitim amach, thar na blianta roimhe sin<\/p>

\u00d3 tharla go raibh Cliarscoil ar an gCampus c\u00e9anna leis an Me\u00e1nscoil i gCol\u00e1iste Chiar\u00e1in, bh\u00edodh \u00e1it an-t\u00e1bhachtach ag na h\u00c1bhair Sagairt i saol na scoile sin. Dheineadh siad An Teagasc Cr\u00edosta\u00ed, agus \u00e1bhair d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id, a mh\u00faineadh sa Mhe\u00e1nscoil, rud a thugadh an-chabhair do mh\u00fainteoir\u00ed na Me\u00e1nscoile, agus chomh maith le sin, bh\u00edodh na \u201cEcclesiastics\u201d, n\u00f3 na \u201cCleezies\u201d mar a thugadh na dalta\u00ed me\u00e1nscoile orthu, ina gcinnir\u00ed orthu freisin. <\/p>

Bh\u00ed Halla m\u00f3r fada, faoina dh\u00edon gloine, \u201can Glass Hall\u201d, ag s\u00edneadh d\u00edreach os comhair na Halla\u00ed Ranga amach, rud a thug fairsinge sp\u00e1is do na dalta\u00ed le cluich\u00ed faoi dh\u00edon, agus caithimh aimsire eile, a chleachtadh, nuair a bh\u00edodh an aimsir go dona, taobh amuigh. <\/p>

Anois, Col\u00e1iste m\u00f3r iom\u00e1na, ab ea, agus is ea f\u00f3s, Col\u00e1iste Chiar\u00e1in, agus nuair a bh\u00edd\u00eds ag ullmh\u00fa do chluiche, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, bhail\u00edodh na dalta\u00ed c\u00f3naithe uilig istigh sa \u201cGlass Hall\u201d agus dheineadh siad a nglaonna a chleachtadh, istigh ansin. Ba bheag nach dt\u00f3gaid\u00eds an d\u00edon gloine den Halla sin lena ….<\/p>

Give us a K, give us an I, give us an E, give us an R, give us an A, give us an N, give us an S…..<\/p>

K I E R A N S ! K I E R A N S ! K I E R A N S !<\/strong> .<\/p>

Sea, b\u2019iontach go deo bheith ag \u00e9isteacht leo. Th\u00f3gaid\u00eds do chro\u00ed lena bhfuinneamh, lena nd\u00fathracht, lena n-\u00f3ige. Ach n\u00ed g\u00e1 dhom a r\u00e1, nach mbaileoidh Scol\u00e1ir\u00ed C\u00f3naithe ansin a thuilleadh, n\u00f3 Col\u00e1iste lae, amach is amuigh, at\u00e1 ann faoin am seo. Ach beidh tuilleadh le r\u00e1 agam faoi n\u00f3sanna aite \u00e1rsa sin Chol\u00e1iste Chiar\u00e1in, agus d\u00e9anfaimid tr\u00e1cht ar \u00e1bhair cos\u00fail le, Red Dickey, agus Brown Larry, amach anseo.<\/p>

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Caibidil 45<\/span><\/p>

Ar Scor faoi dheireadh<\/span><\/p>

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De r\u00e9ir a ch\u00e9ile fuair m\u00e9 taith\u00ed ar shaol agus ar chur chuige Chol\u00e1iste Chiar\u00e1in, agus caithfidh m\u00e9 a admh\u00e1il dhuit anseo, gur mh\u00f3 a thaitin s\u00e9 liom d\u00e1 mh\u00e9ad a chuir m\u00e9 aithne air. Bheadh s\u00e9 deacair locht ar bith a fh\u00e1il ar fhoireann na scoile sin, ag an am, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed chuile dhuine acu c\u00fantach, cabhraitheach, carthannach, agus chuile dhuine acu s\u00e1sta dua a chur air fh\u00e9in le teacht i gcabhair ar an bhfear thall. Ba \u00e9 an sc\u00e9al c\u00e9anna \u00e9 i gc\u00e1s na dtuismitheoir\u00ed, a raibh a gclann mac faoin\u00e1r gc\u00faram. \u00d3, sea! agus <\/span>is d\u00f3cha nach call dom a r\u00e1 gur fir ar fad a bh\u00ed i mbun dualgais sa Chol\u00e1iste, ag an am sin. Cuir le sin, go mbeadh s\u00e9 deacair mic l\u00e9inn iarbhunscoile a fh\u00e1il, \u00e1it ar bith sa t\u00edr, ag an am sin, a bheadh inchurtha le dalta\u00ed na scoile s\u2019againne, i seascaid\u00ed na haoise seo caite. Th\u00e1inig m\u00e9 isteach ar an obair ansin, de r\u00e9ir a ch\u00e9ile, agus n\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, nach ag tomhas t\u00e1irn\u00ed a bh\u00edmis sa Chol\u00e1iste c\u00e1ili\u00fail sin, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, ach muid ar \u00e1r nd\u00edcheall ag iarraidh chuile bhunt\u00e1iste scola\u00edochta a chur ar f\u00e1il d\u00e1r<\/span> ndalta\u00ed, sa tsl\u00ed go mbeadh ar a gcumas a mbealach a dh\u00e9anamh go r\u00e9idh tr\u00ed shr\u00e1ideanna an tsaoil mh\u00f3ir a bh\u00ed ag oscailt rompu amach. D\u2019\u00e9irigh go r\u00e9as\u00fanta maith leis na dalta\u00ed a cuireadh faoi mo ch\u00faramsa, agus t\u00e1\u2019s ag an l\u00e1, go raibh s\u00e9 an-t\u00e1bhachtach an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, go n-\u00e9ireodh go maith le duine sa Ghaeilge, n\u00f3 b\u2019\u00e1bhar \u00e9igeantach \u00ed sna Scr\u00faduithe Teistim\u00e9ireachta, an tr\u00e1th sin. Luigh m\u00e9 isteach ar an obair, b\u00edodh nach raibh s\u00e9 \u00e9asca sin a dh\u00e9anamh i gc\u00f3na\u00ed. Chuir m\u00e9 suim, agus dh\u00e1 shuim, san iom\u00e1int, agus ba<\/span> mh\u00f3r go deo an taitneamah a bhaininn as bheith ag breathn\u00fa ar na Ciar\u00e1naigh ag imirt an chluiche sin i gcoinne Scoileanna agus Col\u00e1ist\u00ed eile, sna com\u00f3rtais\u00ed uilig, agus \u00f3 bhliain go ch\u00e9ile.<\/span><\/p>

Ba \u00e9 deireadh na mbeart \u00e9, n\u00f3 gur chr\u00edochnaigh m\u00e9 mar Leas Phr\u00edomhoide ar an gCol\u00e1iste, post a thaitin thar na bearta liom, agus mar on\u00f3ir bhreise, deineadh m\u00e9 a cheapadh mar riarth\u00f3ir ar an gCol\u00e1iste \u00e1rsa, stairi\u00fail sin, an ch\u00e9ad riarth\u00f3ir, agus an ch\u00e9ad Leas Phr\u00edomhoide neamheaglaiseach riamh ar an Scoil ch\u00e9anna sin, <\/span>post at\u00e1 agam go dt\u00ed an l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu fh\u00e9in ann. <\/span><\/p>

Is ioma\u00ed athr\u00fa a th\u00e1inig ar Chol\u00e1iste Chiar\u00e1in \u00f3n gc\u00e9ad l\u00e1 \u00fad a th\u00e1inig m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in is mo chlann isteach tr\u00ed Gheata Challainn. Cuireadh cr\u00edoch leis an tseachtain seacht l\u00e1 scola\u00edochta do na scol\u00e1ir\u00ed c\u00f3naithe, agus ligeadh abhaile iad don deireadh seachtaine, agus chomh maith le sin, t\u00f3gadh foirgneamh nua, i gcomhar le Ceardscoil na Cathrach, le freastal ar an bhf\u00e1s a bh\u00ed ag teacht ar uimhir \u00e1r ndalta\u00ed, in \u00e1it bheith ag iarraidh riar orthu sna seomra\u00ed r\u00e9amhdh\u00e9an<\/span>ta, a bh\u00ed in \u00fas\u00e1id againn thar bhlianta fada, agus n\u00edos d\u00e9ana\u00ed f\u00f3s, t\u00f3gadh sraith seomra\u00ed, taobh thiar den Scoil fh\u00e9in, le tuilleadh fairsinge a chur ar f\u00e1il d\u00f3ibh. Cuireadh t\u00fas freisin le himirt cluichi eile, chomh maith leis an iom\u00e1int agus an liathr\u00f3id l\u00e1imhe, a bh\u00ed \u00e1 n-imirt ansin, le sinsearacht. Ar ball freisin, fosta\u00edodh mn\u00e1 mar mh\u00fainteoir\u00ed sa Scoil, agus d\u00e1r nd\u00f3igh, ba mh\u00f3r go deo an t-athr\u00fa \u00e9 sin, agus athr\u00fa chun leasa na scoile, agus na ndalta\u00ed, ba ea \u00e9 freisin. I rith na mblianta freisin, tug<\/span>adh faoi deara, go raibh laghd\u00fa ag teacht ar uimhir na ndalta\u00ed ar theastaigh uathu bheith ina scol\u00e1ir\u00ed c\u00f3naithe, agus d\u00e1r nd\u00f3igh, n\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, gur th\u00e1inig an l\u00e1 nuair a cuireadh deireadh leis an dtaobh sin den Chol\u00e1iste, sa chaoi nach bhfuil ag freastal ar an scoil sin, sa l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu ann, ach scol\u00e1ir\u00ed lae ar fad. Athr\u00fa ollmh\u00f3r ba ea \u00e9 sin, n\u00f3 is d\u00f3cha gur athraigh s\u00e9 go bun\u00fasach c\u00f3ras oideachais na scoile sin, c\u00f3ras a bh\u00ed i dtreis le breis is dh\u00e1 ch\u00e9ad bliain. <\/span><\/p>

I rith na mblianta sin a chaith m\u00e9 im<\/span> mh\u00fainteoir i gCol\u00e1iste Chiar\u00e1in, ghlac m\u00e9 p\u00e1irt freisin i saol Gaelach na Cathrach seo, m\u00e9 ag feidhmi\u00fa mar mh\u00fainteoir, mar fhile, agus mar Ghaeilgeoir gn\u00edomhach. Scr\u00edobh m\u00e9 d\u00e1nta nuair a bh\u00ed g\u00e1 lena leith\u00e9id, le heachtra\u00ed Gaelacha a chom\u00f3radh, n\u00f3 le Gael eic\u00ednt a chaoineadh. Iarradh orm freisin roinnt \u00e1irithe l\u00e9achta\u00ed a thabhairt ag Daonscoil Osra\u00ed, i ndeireadh na seacht\u00f3id\u00ed, agus i dt\u00fas na n-ocht\u00f3id\u00ed. An Piarsach, MacDonncha, Peig Sayers, agus a leith\u00e9id, a bh\u00edodh idir cham\u00e1in agam sna l\u00e9achta\u00ed c\u00e9anna sin<\/span>. Chuir m\u00e9 f\u00e1ilte oifigi\u00fail, fhileata, roimh na Fil\u00ed Albanacha, cupla babhta, tr\u00e1th raibh siad ar chuairt anseo ar Chathair Chill Chainnigh, agus mar chloch phr\u00e9ach\u00e1in ar na himeachta\u00ed sin uilig, iarradh orm p\u00e1irt a ghlacadh, mar fhile, i gCuairt na bhFil\u00ed Gaelacha ar Albain. Bhain m\u00e9 taitneamh agus tairbhe as an gcuairt ch\u00e9anna sin, agus n\u00e1r mh\u00f3r go deo an saothar domsa \u00e9, cos a leagan ar shr\u00e1ideanna, agus i mbailte, a mb\u00edodh m\u2019athair agus a chomr\u00e1daithe ag sc\u00e9ala\u00edocht agus ag seanchas f\u00fathu, cois na tin<\/span>e, sa teach s\u2019againne, agus mise im ghas\u00far ag \u00f3l isteach go c\u00edocrach, chuile fhocal d\u00e1 nd\u00fairt siad, i rith na n-o\u00edcheannta fada \u00e1irne\u00e1in \u00fad fad\u00f3. <\/span><\/p>

I rith na mblianta a chaith m\u00e9 mar Leas Phr\u00edomhoide i gCol\u00e1iste Chiar\u00e1in d\u00e9arfainn gur oibrigh m\u00e9 n\u00edos crua n\u00e1 mar a dh\u00e9anainn agus m\u00e9 ag feidhmi\u00fa mar mh\u00fainteoir ranga, mar n\u00ed hamh\u00e1in go raibh c\u00farama\u00ed an mh\u00fainteora f\u00f3s orm, ach chomh maith le sin, bh\u00ed c\u00farsa\u00ed smachta mar ch\u00faram orm freisin, agus b\u00edodh n\u00e1r mhothaigh m\u00e9 an c\u00faram c\u00e9anna sin chomh dian sin ar fad, ag<\/span> an am gc\u00e9anna, bh\u00ed g\u00e1 anois le cumas breithi\u00fanais riachtanach, agus d\u00e1 bhf\u00e9adf\u00e1 sin a ph\u00f3sadh le Cothrom na F\u00e9inne, bh\u00ed leat, n\u00f3 d\u00e1 bhfeicfeadh do dhalta\u00ed go raibh na rialacha \u00e1 gcur i bhfeidhm go cothrom, f\u00e9ar\u00e1ilte agat, ghlacfaid\u00eds, gan ghear\u00e1n, le do bhreith. S\u00edlim gur \u00e9irigh liom fanacht sa diallait le linn an r\u00e1is ch\u00e9anna sin.<\/span><\/p>

M\u00e1s fada an l\u00e1, \u00e1fach, tagann an tr\u00e1thn\u00f3na, agus sa bhliain 1988, tuigeadh dom fh\u00e9in go raibh an t-am tagtha le dul amach ar scor, agus b\u00edodh go bhf\u00e9adfainn lean\u00faint liom i mbun<\/span> mo cheirde roinnt eile blianta. Ag an am gc\u00e9anna, mhothaigh m\u00e9 gurbh fhearr \u00e9ir\u00ed as an m\u00fainteoireacht ansin, fad is a bh\u00ed mo shl\u00e1inte agus mo mhisneach f\u00f3s agam, agus tar \u00e9is dom dul i gcomhairle le\u2019m bhean is lem\u2019 chlann, b\u2019in \u00e9 d\u00edreach a rinne m\u00e9, agus caithfidh m\u00e9 a r\u00e1 anois, tar \u00e9is na mblianta sin uilig, nach raibh l\u00e1 aif\u00e9ala orm, riamh \u00f3 shoin, faoin gcinneadh c\u00e9anna sin.<\/span><\/p>

Ar deireadh thiar, th\u00e1inig an l\u00e1 sprioc\u00e1ilte, agus tar \u00e9is teacht le ch\u00e9ile i bP\u00e1rl\u00fas an Chol\u00e1iste, agus tar \u00e9is dreas \u00f3r\u00e1id\u00edochta<\/span>, agus tar \u00e9is roinnt bronntanais\u00ed a bhronnadh orm, bh\u00ed mo r\u00e9 mar mh\u00fainteoir thart, agus m\u00e9 ag filleadh ar an ngn\u00e1thshaol, im thuata ar\u00eds. Cheapf\u00e1 go mar\u00f3dh an leisce agus an fhallsacht m\u00e9, tar eis na mblianta fada a bh\u00ed caite agam i mbun na leabhar. Bheadh breall ort sa mh\u00e9id sin \u00e1fach, n\u00f3 ba \u00e9 an chaoi a tharla s\u00e9 n\u00f3 go raibh m\u00e9 n\u00edos graith\u00ed ansin n\u00f3 riamh, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed leabhair le l\u00e9amh, altanna le scr\u00edobh, garra\u00ed le romhar agus le saothr\u00fa, cluich\u00ed le himirt, sea, agus nach raibh t\u00edortha ina sc\u00f3rtha amuigh ans<\/span>in ag sm\u00e9ideadh orm, ag iarraidh m\u00e9 a mhealladh le cuairt a thabhairt orthu. <\/span><\/p>

Ar thaitin liom bheith ar scor, an ea?<\/span><\/p>

Thaitin thar cionn, n\u00f3 n\u00ed raibh orm feasta bheith ag faire ar an gclog, agus d\u2019fh\u00e9adfainn m\u2019aird a dh\u00edri\u00fa ar p\u00e9 \u00e1bhar a thaitneodh liom. N\u00ed raibh m\u00e9 faoi bhois ag m\u00e1istir ar bith feasta, agus n\u00e1r mh\u00f3r an gar go deo \u00e9 sin do dhaonna\u00ed ar bith? <\/span><\/p>

Ach focal i gcluais an t\u00e9 at\u00e1 ag smaoineamh ar dhul ar scor. Caithfidh t\u00fa glacadh leis mar bhun-phrionsabal go n-\u00e9ireoidh t\u00fa do-fheicthe, de r\u00e9ir a ch\u00e9ile, agus tar \u00e9is duit bheith ar scor roinnt blianta, n\u00ed bheidh suim n\u00f3 sp\u00e9is ag \u00e9inne, taobh amuigh ded\u2019 chlann fh\u00e9in, ionat, n\u00f3 nach cuimhin leat an sean-nath adeir……<\/span><\/p>

Fiche bliain ag f\u00e1s,<\/span><\/p>

Fiche bliain ina stad,<\/span><\/p>

Fiche bliain ag meath,<\/span><\/p>

Agus fiche bliain gur cuma \u00e9 ann n\u00f3 as!<\/span><\/p>

Agus nuair a rachaidh t\u00fa ar scor, beidh t\u00fa feasta sa cheathr\u00fa r\u00e9 sin!!!!<\/span><\/p>

Bh\u00ed an t-\u00e1dh ormsa, n\u00f3 bh\u00ed deis agam, alt seachtaini\u00fail a scr\u00edobh don Nuacht\u00e1n \u00c1iti\u00fail, don Kilkenny People, agus sa tsl\u00ed sin, bh\u00ed ar mo chumas, fanacht i gcuimhne an phobail, sea, agus bh\u00ed deis agam freisin, mo thuairim\u00ed a nochtadh don phobal le Gaeilge, seachtain i ndiaidh seachtaine, pobal ar chaith m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in mo shaol ag freastal orthu, ar bhealach amh\u00e1in, n\u00f3 ar bhealach eile.<\/span><\/p>

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Caibidil 46<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

Sniogadh mo sc\u00e9il<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

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Gheall m\u00e9 dhaoibh cheana, go bhfillfinn, am eic\u00ednt, le cr\u00edoch a chur leis an sc\u00e9al seo, sc\u00e9al mo bheatha, agus nuair a smaoin\u00edm air anois, nach fada an turas at\u00e1 si\u00falta agam, \u00f3 rugadh m\u00e9, i l\u00e1r na bhfichid\u00ed, i mbaile na Druime, i bPar\u00e1iste na Cille M\u00f3ire, in Iorras Domhnann, i gContae Mhaigh Eo. M\u00f3r go deo idir an cine\u00e1l saoil a bh\u00ed i dtreis, thiar againne, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, agus an cine\u00e1l saoil at\u00e1 ann, sa l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu ann. Is d\u00f3cha go bhf\u00e9adf\u00e1 a r\u00e1, gur thaistil m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in, faoi mar a bheinn i meais\u00edn ama, \u00f3 shaol mhe\u00e1naoiseach go saol taibhseach, taitneamhach, freacnairc, an aon\u00fa haois fichead. Thitfeadh na daoine a bh\u00ed beo ag an am sin as a seasamh, d\u00e1 nd\u00e9arfa\u00ed leo, go bhfeicf\u00ed riamh na hiontais at\u00e1 le feice\u00e1il againn, sa l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu ann!<\/p>

Saol bocht, gortach, gann, a bh\u00ed ag daoine an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, s\u00e9 sin, i gcompar\u00e1id leis an gcine\u00e1l saoil at\u00e1 ag daoine anois, ach an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, n\u00ed raibh cleachtadh ag \u00e9inne ar a mhalairt, agus d\u00e1 bharr sin, bh\u00edodar bre\u00e1, s\u00e1sta, lena raibh acu, agus n\u00edorbh \u00e9 sin amh\u00e1in \u00e9, ach bhaineadar sult agus s\u00e1samh, toit agus taitneamh, as an saol a bh\u00ed i dtreis an tr\u00e1th sin, faoi mar a bhaineann lucht an lae inniu s\u00e1samh as a bhfuil ar f\u00e1il acusan, sna laethe seo. <\/p>

Bh\u00ed chuile sh\u00f3rt gann an tr\u00e1th \u00fad. An t\u00e9 a bheadh amuigh cois tr\u00e1, bhaileodh s\u00e9 chuile sh\u00f3rt d\u00e1 bhfaigheadh s\u00e9 sa mbruth f\u00f3 th\u00edr, giota\u00ed adhmaid, buid\u00e9il, cl\u00e1ir\u00edn\u00ed, n\u00f3 iasc, fi\u00fa, mar ba bhre\u00e1 a thuig siad, go bhf\u00e9adfa\u00ed leas a bhaint astu sa bhaile. N\u00ed raghadh duine, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad thar an leithphingin fh\u00e9in, gan \u00ed a phiocadh suas agus a chur ina ph\u00f3ca, n\u00f3 d\u00e1 bhfaigheadh s\u00e9 ceann eile le cur lei, nach mbeadh pingin aige! Mar an gc\u00e9anna le rud ar bith a gheobhadh s\u00e9 ag dul am\u00fa, ar bh\u00f3thar, ar shr\u00e1id, n\u00f3 ar thr\u00e1. Breathnaigh ar ch\u00farsa\u00ed sa l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu ann, agus tabharfaidh t\u00fa faoi deara, nach mbacfadh bun\u00fas na ndaoine le ruda\u00ed f\u00e1nacha d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id, n\u00f3 nach bhfuil a nd\u00f3thain mh\u00f3r de na hearra\u00ed sin acu, cheana f\u00e9in.<\/p>

Bh\u00ed rud eile le tabhairt faoi deara an t-am sin, nach bhfeicfe\u00e1 ach go hannamh anois, agus b\u2019in go raibh daoine s\u00e1sta cabhair agus c\u00fanamh a thabhairt d\u00e1 ch\u00e9ile. Thuigeadar, go binn, br\u00ed an tseanfhocail ad\u00fairt, gur ar sc\u00e1th a ch\u00e9ile a mhaireann daoine, agus ba threise, d\u00e1r leosan, an pobal n\u00e1 an duine aonair, agus ba \u00e9 dualgas an phobail ch\u00e9anna sin, teacht i gcabhair ar an nduine aonair, in am an gh\u00e1tair. Sea, agus b\u2019in \u00e9 d\u00edreach a dheinid\u00eds, agus ba as an dearcadh sin a d\u2019eascair an mheitheal agus comhar na gcomharsan. Sea, agus an rud nach raibh agatsa, d\u00e1 mbeadh fl\u00fairse de ag duine eile, d\u2019fh\u00e9adf\u00e1 a bheith cinnte, nach bhf\u00e1gfa\u00ed ar an ngannchuid th\u00fa. Sa tsl\u00ed sin, roinnf\u00ed bainne, uibheacha, im, m\u00f3in, fata\u00ed, agus a leith\u00e9id, ar an gcomharsa a bh\u00ed dh\u00e1 n-uireasa.<\/p>

Bh\u00ed rud eile i gceist freisin, agus s\u00e9 sin, go bhf\u00e9adf\u00e1 na gas\u00fair a ligint amach gan fait\u00edos n\u00f3 eagla go nd\u00e9anfadh comharsa ar bith dochar d\u00f3ibh, a mhalairt a bh\u00ed f\u00edor, n\u00f3 choinn\u00edodh an chomharsa s\u00fail ar ghas\u00fair an phobail, agus bh\u00edd\u00eds s\u00e1sta freastal orthu, d\u00e1 dteast\u00f3dh tada uathu.<\/p>

B\u2019in an tr\u00e1th, nuair a th\u00e9adh daoine ag cuarta\u00edocht i rith sh\u00e9as\u00far na cuarta\u00edochta, \u00f3 Shamhain go Bealtaine. Bh\u00edd\u00eds ag sc\u00e9ala\u00edocht agus ag imirt c\u00e1rta\u00ed, agus ag an am gc\u00e9anna, bh\u00edodh na ruda\u00ed beaga ag imirt a gcleas si\u00fad freisin, sea, agus b\u2019fh\u00e9idir go mbeadh na mn\u00e1 ag cuilte\u00e1il, n\u00f3 ag cleite\u00e1il leo go s\u00e1sta. Sea, chuile dhuine ag seinim ar a uirlis fh\u00e9in. B\u2019in a bh\u00ed sa treis, sul ar th\u00e1inig an raidi\u00f3, n\u00f3 an Teilif\u00eds, i gcumhacht i ngach uile chistin agus parl\u00fas sa t\u00edr. Sea, mh\u2019anam, n\u00edorbh olc ar fad an saol \u00e9, n\u00f3 chuir s\u00e9 iachall ar dhaoine \u00fas\u00e1id a bhaint as a dtallanna fh\u00e9in, le caitheamh aimsire daonna, ar a leibh\u00e9al fh\u00e9in, a chur ar f\u00e1il d\u00f3ibh fh\u00e9in. D\u00e1 dteast\u00f3dh \u00f3 dhuine tuairim\u00ed ardn\u00f3sacha a chloiste\u00e1il, cead aige comhluadar an Mh\u00e1istir, n\u00f3 an Docht\u00fara, n\u00f3 an tSagairt fh\u00e9in, bail \u00f3 Dhia air, a lorg, ach annamh go maith a dh\u00e9anaid\u00eds a leith\u00e9id, mura mbeadh fonn nuachta n\u00f3 a leith\u00e9id orthu.<\/p>

Sa chine\u00e1l saoil a chleacht muidinne, agus mise i mo ph\u00e1iste, n\u00ed raibh tr\u00e1cht ar raidi\u00f3 n\u00f3 ar theilif\u00eds, ar iris\u00ed n\u00f3 ar ghreann\u00e1in, n\u00f3 fi\u00fa ar nuacht\u00e1in, taobh amuigh de na seachtan\u00e1in, agus d\u00e1r nd\u00f3igh, n\u00ed raibh an f\u00f3n fh\u00e9in, ach ag an bhf\u00edor-chorrdhuine. <\/p>

C\u00e1 bhfaigheadh daoine an nuacht, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, m\u00e1 sea?<\/p>

Sna seachtan\u00e1in, agus \u00f3 bheith ag comhr\u00e1 leis na daoine gairmi\u00fala, a raibh f\u00e1il acu ar na me\u00e1in chumars\u00e1ide, n\u00f3 b\u00ed cinnte, go raibh teacht ag na daoine sin ar nuacht\u00e1in, ar raidi\u00f3 nuair a th\u00e1inig s\u00e9 ar an bhf\u00f3d, agus ar an bhf\u00f3n, freisin. <\/p>

Agus c\u00e9rbh iad na daoine gairmi\u00fala, a raibh teacht acu ar na foins\u00ed eolais sin?<\/p>

Lucht gairme, cos\u00fail leis an sagart, an m\u00fainteoir, an docht\u00fair, agus a leith\u00e9id\u00ed. N\u00edlimse ach ag ma\u00edomh nach raibh f\u00e1il ag an gcosmhuintir s\u2019againne ar na foins\u00ed nuachta sin. Istigh i dteach an ghr\u00e9asa\u00ed, n\u00f3 an chaibl\u00e9ara, n\u00f3 fi\u00fa i gce\u00e1rta an ghabha dhuibh, ba mh\u00f3 a bh\u00edodh a dtarraingt si\u00fad, ar th\u00f3ir nuachta, sea, agus d\u2019fh\u00e1ilteoid\u00eds roimh an lucht si\u00fail freisin, n\u00f3 nach ndeirt\u00ed i gc\u00f3na\u00ed go mb\u00edodh si\u00falach sc\u00e9alach.<\/p>

C\u00e9ard faoi litreacha, mar sin?<\/p>

B\u2019annamh a gheofa\u00ed litir, an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, s\u00e9 sin, mura raibh duine muinteartha agat sna St\u00e1it, n\u00f3 i Sasana, sin n\u00f3 go mbeadh airgead ag siopad\u00f3ir eic\u00ednt, n\u00f3 ag an \u201cLand Commission\u201d ort, agus go mbeadh siad ar a th\u00f3ir! Ceart go leor bh\u00edodh cupla c\u00e1rta Nollag, ag dul sa timpeall, thart ar an Nollaig, ach taobh amuigh de sin, ba bheag an baol go mbeadh cas\u00e1n rua buailte ag fhear an phoist chun do dhorais.<\/p>

C\u00e9n f\u00e1th ar tharraing m\u00e9 an t\u00e9ad sin chugam le cr\u00edoch a chur le mo sc\u00e9al, an ea?<\/p>

Toisc gurb iad sin an trosc\u00e1n at\u00e1 le feice\u00e1il agamsa f\u00f3s i gcistin mo chuimhn\u00ed, agus am ar bith a th\u00e9im siar ar bh\u00f3ithr\u00edn na smaointe, t\u00f3gaim chugam cn\u00e1mha na gcuimhn\u00ed c\u00e9anna sin, agus caithim seal \u00e1 gcreimeadh. Agus le himeacht na mblianta, is amhlaidh is soil\u00e9ire, agus is snasta, a \u00e9ir\u00edonn na cuimhn\u00ed sin. <\/p>

Ach c\u00e9ard faoi na cuimhn\u00ed at\u00e1 bailithe agam, i rith na mblianta a d\u2019imigh, \u00f3 chuaigh m\u00e9 amach ar scor?<\/p>

T\u00e1id sin ann freisin, ach t\u00e1 fait\u00edos orm, go gcaithfidh m\u00e9 iad sin a choinne\u00e1il siar go dt\u00ed an ch\u00e9ad chaibidil eile, agus geallaimse dhuit anois \u00e9, go gcuirfidh sin cr\u00edoch le mo sc\u00e9alsa, sc\u00e9al a thug \u00f3 bhaile na Druime go barr Mesa Verde sna St\u00e1it Aontaithe, agus \u00f3 Bhar\u00fantacht Iorrais go Playa Del Ingles i nGran Canaria, m\u00e9, sea agus saol a thug \u00f3 smacht na sagartachta go f\u00edon fi\u00e1in borb na fil\u00edochta, agus \u00f3 l\u00e9amh na salm go ceird chasta na scr\u00edbhneoireachta m\u00e9, ach \u00f3 th\u00fas deireadh, ba \u00e9 mo mhian, chuile l\u00e1 riamh, cas\u00e1n an chirt agus bealach mo leasa a lean\u00faint, b\u00edodh go bhfuil a fhios agam, nach i gc\u00f3na\u00ed a d\u2019\u00e9irigh liom an mhian sin a r\u00e9aladh, i gcaitheamh mo laethe. <\/p>

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Caibidil 47<\/p>

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An Gala Deiridh<\/p>

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I Samhradh na bliana sin 1988, bh\u00ed mo ch\u00e9ad dh\u00edolaim fil\u00edochta le seoladh, i dtosach th\u00edos ag \u00c9igse Riocard Bair\u00e9ad, i nGaoth S\u00e1ile, i gContae Mhaigh Eo, agus ar ball, anseo ag Daonscoil Osra\u00ed, sa Chathair \u00c1lainn s\u2019againne. D\u00e9irigh go seoigh leis an d\u00e1 fhiontar sin, agus i nd\u00e1ir\u00edre, bh\u00ed s\u00e9 cos\u00fail le tabhairt faoi ghairm nua, d\u00edreach nuair a bh\u00ed m\u00e9 ag dul ar scor \u00f3 ghairm eile. B\u2019fheili\u00fanach, agus ba thr\u00e1th\u00fail, an t-am \u00e9, lena leith\u00e9id a dh\u00e9anamh. Tuige ar fh\u00e1g m\u00e9 chomh d\u00e9anach sin \u00e9, an ea?<\/span><\/p>

Bhuel, mar adeireadh na seandaoine, is den bh\u00e9asa\u00edocht \u00e9, fanacht go n-iarrtar ort rud d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id a dh\u00e9anamh. Sea, bliain roimhe sin, d\u2019iarr Miche\u00e1l \u00d3 Seighin orm mo chuid d\u00e1nta a bhaili\u00fa, agus go nd\u00e9<\/span>anfadh lucht \u00c9igse Riocard Bair\u00e9ad iad a chur i gcl\u00f3. Rinne m\u00e9 rud air, agus b\u2019\u00e9 an toradh a bh\u00ed air sin, n\u00f3 gur fiols\u00edodh, Duilleoga F\u00f3mhair, mo ch\u00e9ad d\u00edolaim i gcl\u00f3. N\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, gur bhain an Miche\u00e1l \u00d3 Seighin c\u00e9anna sin c\u00e1il N\u00e1isi\u00fanta amach d\u00f3 fh\u00e9in, ar na mallaibh, nuair a chuaigh s\u00e9 fh\u00e9in agus roinnt eile daoine \u00f3 dh\u00faiche Ghleann na Muaidhe, in Iorras, i ngleic le Comhlacht Shell, i dtaobh gh\u00e1s n\u00e1d\u00fartha a sheoladh tr\u00ed ph\u00edopa\u00ed cont\u00faireacha, d\u00e1r leo, thar phortaigh na d\u00faiche \u00e1ille sin. Tuigeadh d\u00f3ib<\/span>hsean, go gcuirfeadh beart d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id an chosmhuintir i mbaol a mbeatha. N\u00ed raibh siad toilteanach for\u00e1lacha na c\u00fairte a choimhl\u00edonadh, agus d\u00e1 bharr sin, shocraigh an Breitheamh, a leag na foralacha sin orthu, shocraigh seisean ar iad a chur i bprios\u00fan, go dt\u00ed go n-athr\u00f3dh siad a n-intinn, agus go nd\u00e9anfadh siad mar a d\u2019ordaigh seisean d\u00f3ibh a dh\u00e9anamh. Chaith siad seal fada i bprios\u00fan, agus sa tsl\u00ed sin, thuill siad c\u00e1il N\u00e1isi\u00fanta d\u00f3ibh fh\u00e9in, agus n\u00edl deireadh an sc\u00e9il sin cloiste againn f\u00f3s, de r\u00e9ir de<\/span>allraimh. Chaitheamar seal th\u00edos in Iorras i ndiaidh sheoladh an leabhair sin, agus ar ball, chuamar ar ais abhaile go Cill Chainnigh. <\/span><\/p>

Anois, bh\u00ed a fhios agam, go mbeadh s\u00e9 deacair go maith dom, \u00e9ir\u00ed as an m\u00fainteoireacht, ceird a raibh mo shaol oibre ar fad, \u00f3 th\u00fas na gcaogaid\u00ed, caite agam ina bun, agus chuige sin, shocraigh m\u00e9 fh\u00e9in is mo bhean ar dhul ar chuairt chuig na St\u00e1it, thart ar an am a mbeinn ag dul ar ais ar scoil. Rinneamar sin, agus n\u00ed call dom a r\u00e1, gur \u00e9irigh go seoigh leis an bplean c\u00e9anna<\/span> sin, n\u00f3 nuair a th\u00e1inig an tr\u00e1th a mbeinn ag tabhairt na scoile orm fh\u00e9in, i dt\u00fas M\u00ed Me\u00e1n F\u00f3mhair, bh\u00edomar ar \u00e1r s\u00e1imh\u00edn s\u00f3 thall i gCalaf\u00f3irnia, ag \u00f3l na gr\u00e9ine bu\u00ed, is ag breathn\u00fa ar iontais\u00ed stairi\u00fala na d\u00faiche sin. Sea, agus bhi mac liom ansin le sinn a thabhairt chuig na h\u00e1iteacha suimi\u00fala, stairi\u00fala fan ch\u00f3sta thiar na t\u00edre sin. Nuair a d\u2019fhilleamar ar \u00c9irinn ar\u00eds, ag deireadh na m\u00edosa sin, bh\u00ed dearmad glan d\u00e9anta agam fh\u00e9in ar sheomra\u00ed ranga, ar dhalta\u00ed fiosracha, ar mh\u00fainteoiri meas\u00fala, agus ar sha<\/span>ol \u00fadar\u00e1sach na scoile. N\u00edor mhothaigh m\u00e9 me\u00e1chan mo dhualgais\u00ed scoile uaim, agus ar bhealach amh\u00e1in, n\u00f3 ar bhealach eile, bh\u00ed m\u00e9 chomh graitheach is a bh\u00ed, tr\u00e1th raibh m\u00e9 i mbun mo cheirde.<\/span><\/p>

C\u00e9ard a bh\u00ed \u00e1 dh\u00e9anamh agam, a choinnigh chomh graitheach sin m\u00e9, an ea?<\/span><\/p>

Bhuel, chaithinn seal ag imirt agus seal ag obair, seal ag scr\u00edobh agus seal ag l\u00e9amh, sea, agus seal ag taisteal agus seal eile im\u2019 shu\u00ed. Cuirfidh m\u00e9 geall, go raibh a fhios ag fiail\u00ed mo gh\u00e1ird\u00edn go raibh m\u00e9 sa timpeall, n\u00f3 ba bheag seans a bh\u00ed acusan f\u00e1s n\u00f3 forbairt a dh\u00e9anamh, fhad is a bh\u00ed mise sa timpeall le mo r\u00e1mhainn is le mo ghraf\u00e1n, ach m\u00e1 sea fh\u00e9in, D\u2019fh\u00e1iltigh na h\u00e9anacha romham, n\u00f3 n\u00e1rbh ioma\u00ed b\u00e9ile blasta a chuir mise ar f\u00e1il d\u00f3ibhsean, tr\u00ed mo chuid saothair, amuigh i gcr\u00e9 bhog, bhriosc, mo <\/span>gharra\u00ed. Bh\u00ed an t-am agam anois seal a chaitheamh ag comhr\u00e1, is ag seanchas, agus am agam dul ag imirt gailf, cluiche ar thug m\u00e9 gr\u00e1 di, agus a raibh gr\u00e1in agam uirthi uaireanta, freisin, ach anois, bh\u00ed am agam leis na moth\u00fach\u00e1in ch\u00e9anna sin a dhoimhni\u00fa tuilleadh, n\u00f3 nach gcotha\u00edonn taith\u00ed tarcuisne?<\/span><\/p>

Lean m\u00e9 orm ag scr\u00edobh fil\u00edochta, agus sna blianta san idirlinn, d\u2019\u00e9irigh liom dh\u00e1 dh\u00edolaim eile fil\u00edochta a chur i gcl\u00f3. Is d\u00f3cha nach bhfuil an tobar f\u00f3s imithe i nd\u00edsc, agus ag Dia amh\u00e1in at\u00e1 a fhios an mbei<\/span>dh \u00e1bhar dh\u00edolaim eile sa chr\u00faisc\u00edn agam, le cur i gcl\u00f3, amach anseo. Chomh maith leis an bhfil\u00edocht, lean m\u00e9 orm ag scr\u00edobh altanna agus aisti don Kilkenny People, mar a mb\u00edonn alt uaim i gcl\u00f3 chuile sheachtain, geall leis, agus chomh maith le sin ar\u00eds, b\u00edm ag saothr\u00fa d\u2019Iris\u00ed \u00e1irithe Gaeilge freisin, agus b\u00edonn p\u00edosa\u00ed uaim le l\u00e9amh, ar Feasta, an tUltach, an Timire, agus ar an Sagart. N\u00ed dheachaigh an tobar i nd\u00edsc f\u00f3s, b\u00edodh go mb\u00edonn fait\u00edos orm uaireannta, go bhfuil an t-uisce sa tobar c\u00e9anna sin ag \u00e9i<\/span>r\u00ed gann go leor, in amannta.<\/span><\/p>

Rinne m\u00e9 roinnt mhaith taistil freisin, i rith na mblianta idirlinneacha. Thug m\u00e9 roinnt cuairteanna ar na hOile\u00e1in Chan\u00e1ireacha, s\u00e9 sin ar, Ghran Canaria, ar Lanzarote, agus ar Fuerte Ventura. Chaitheamar seal freisin ar Oile\u00e1n Ibiza, amach \u00f3 ch\u00f3sta na Sp\u00e1inne, ach n\u00edl dabht ar domhan, ach gur chaith muid an chuid ba mh\u00f3 d\u00e1r nd\u00fathracht taistil thall sna St\u00e1it Aontaithe, n\u00f3 chaitheamar ceithre sheal sa t\u00edr \u00e1lainn chorraitheach ch\u00e9anna sin. Anois, scr\u00edobh m\u00e9 an-chuid faoi na tura<\/span>sanna c\u00e9anna sin, agus t\u00e1id sin uilig le f\u00e1il sa Kilkenny People. Ba \u00e9 rud a dheineamhar sna St\u00e1it n\u00f3 shocra\u00edomar ar ghn\u00e9 \u00e1irithe den saol thall a roghn\u00fa, le d\u00edri\u00fa air, i rith na gcuairteanna \u00e9ags\u00fala. Chaitheamar saoire amh\u00e1in ag taisteal i gCr\u00edocha na nIndiach, dh\u00e1 shaoire ag breathn\u00fa, agus ag cur aithne, ar na Misin \u00fad a th\u00f3g na Sp\u00e1innigh, fan ch\u00f3sta thoir Chalaf\u00f3irnia, agus saoire eile f\u00f3s, ag taistil fan an ch\u00f3sta thiar, \u00f3 San Diego go San Francisco, agus geallaimse dhuit anois \u00e9, go mbeadh s\u00e9 deacair,<\/span> saoire n\u00edos taitneamha\u00ed, n\u00edos corraith\u00ed, n\u00f3 n\u00edos suimi\u00fala, a chaitheamh, \u00e1it ar bith eile ar dhroim tal\u00fan. Ach ba \u00e9 an rud ba mh\u00f3 a thaitin liom fh\u00e9in faoi na ge\u00e1bhanna \u00fad thar chr\u00edocha eachtrannacha isteach, n\u00f3 gur thug siad deis dom cuntas a scr\u00edobh f\u00fathu sa nuacht\u00e1n \u00e1iti\u00fail, sa Kilkenny People fh\u00e9in.<\/span><\/p>

Rud eile a chuir m\u00e9 i gcr\u00edch, i rith an ama sin, n\u00f3 gur \u00e9irigh liom sraith altanna d\u00edrbheathaisn\u00e9iseacha a scr\u00edobh, agus a fhoilsi\u00fa sa ph\u00e1ip\u00e9ar seo freisin. Is d\u00f3cha gur \u00e9irigh liom thart ar ocht\u00f3 m\u00edle foca<\/span>l a chur i dtoll a ch\u00e9ile sa tsraith altanna c\u00e9anna sin. Thug sin deis dom dul siar ar bh\u00f3ithr\u00edn na smaointe, agus cuntas cruinn, ceart, a bhreacadh s\u00edos, ar eachtra\u00ed agus ar imeachta\u00ed mo shaoil, agus caithfidh m\u00e9 a r\u00e1 anseo, go bhfuil m\u00e9 an-sasta gur tugadh an deis dom an tioncadal sin a chur i gcr\u00edch, n\u00f3 is cur s\u00edos r\u00e9as\u00fanta ioml\u00e1n \u00e9 ar ch\u00farsa\u00ed mo shaoil, \u00f3m\u2019 \u00f3ige i leith, go dt\u00ed an l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu fh\u00e9in ann. B\u2019fh\u00e9idir, amach anseo, go mbeadh deis agam eagarth\u00f3ir a fh\u00e1il a bheadh s\u00e1sta leas a bhaint as, mar <\/span>\u00e1bhar leabhair, n\u00f3 n\u00ed chuile l\u00e1 a chasfa\u00ed sc\u00e9al d\u00e1 leith\u00e9id ar dhuine, agus d\u2019airigh m\u00e9 chuile l\u00e1 riamh go raibh an-chos\u00falachta idir an cine\u00e1l saoil as ar f\u00e1isceadh mise agus an saol as ar f\u00e1isceadh An tOile\u00e1nach agus Peig Sayers, gr\u00e1sta \u00f3 Dhia ar an mbeirt acu. <\/span><\/p>

Ach tr\u00edd na blianta deireannacha seo, caithfidh m\u00e9 a r\u00e1, gur tharla d\u00edreach faoi mar a mh\u00ednigh iardhalta dem chuid, iardhalta at\u00e1 anois ina shaineola\u00ed cro\u00ed thall i bhPhoenix, Arizona, nuair ad\u00fairt s\u00e9 liom, go n-\u00e9ir\u00edonn daoine do-fheicthe, de r\u00e9ir m<\/span>ar a aosa\u00edonn siad, n\u00f3 is d\u00f3cha go nd\u00edr\u00edtear aire daoine ar an \u00f3ige, agus is d\u00f3cha, gur rud n\u00e1d\u00fartha \u00e9 sin, ach n\u00ed mar sin a bh\u00edodh sna seanlaethe, n\u00f3 nuair a bh\u00ed mise ag f\u00e1s an\u00edos, bh\u00edodh meas an domhain ar sheandaoine, n\u00f3 b\u2019acusan a bh\u00ed idir eagna agus eolas, n\u00f3 tuigeadh an tr\u00e1th \u00fad, go dtagadh ciall le haois. Sa l\u00e1 at\u00e1 inniu ann, geallaimse dhuit \u00e9, nach mbuailtear cas\u00e1n dearg chun mo dhorais-se ag daoine ar th\u00f3ir eolais n\u00f3 eagna, ach an rud nach bhfuil leigheas air, caithfear ceir\u00edn den dearmad a chimi<\/span>lt air.<\/span><\/p>

N\u00edl a fhios agam c\u00e9ard t\u00e1 romham amach f\u00f3s, ach d\u00e9anfaidh m\u00e9 chuile iarracht ar lean\u00faint liom ag scr\u00edobh, ag imirt, agus ag garra\u00edod\u00f3ireacht, agus ag caitheamh mo laethe fan bh\u00f3ithr\u00edn anacair mo leasa, fad is a chuireann an Fear Thuas ar mo chumas a leith\u00e9id a dh\u00e9anamh.<\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

. D O I R S E . D \u00c9 . L E . . . PEADAR BAIR\u00c9AD . . . Cuid a D\u00f3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             Caibidil 15 . . Roghn\u00fa Gairme sna Daichid\u00ed Thaitin idir scoil agus scola\u00edocht liomsa, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":13435,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12347","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gan-chatagoir"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mickgb.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12347","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mickgb.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mickgb.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mickgb.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mickgb.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12347"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/mickgb.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12347\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12348,"href":"https:\/\/mickgb.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12347\/revisions\/12348"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mickgb.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13435"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mickgb.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12347"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mickgb.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12347"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mickgb.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12347"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}