An extract from a poem called "A Slight Fragrance" by John Montague (the poet was related to Johnny's national school headmaster in Abbeylara.
The Longford of my childhood,
a harebell lost in heather,
a rumble of donkey carts,
across the Inny bridge
to the dwindling mounds
of hand slung turf, a
pony and trap rattling,
past to market or Mass,
the view from the Motte
of Granáird over a tranquil
unrushed emptiness, a world
so torpid it woke only to
the tug of the long,
church bell rope, the rasp
of a donkey's bray.
Rest In Peace Johnny, Love from Betty & Jimmy, Coole
Jimmy, Betty Brady & family, Coole
7th August 2021
