An an emigrant Christmas story: Jetlag

Aircraft service

 

A round of applause awoke Darragh from uneasy sleep.   Bright light and chatter washed over him, and as the “fasten your seatbelts” sign dimmed, the dreaded child in the seat behind him bleated:

“Mama, we’re home!”

He stood up, squinting, as cabin bins crashed and people jostled to get off the plane.  Waiting stubbornly until it was almost empty, he ambled down the aisle.  An air hostesses gave him a jaded beauty queen smile as he left.

Four years, almost to the day. Four years on a holiday visa.  Of hard labour, cash under-the-table, no health insurance, of worrying about the authorities. Four great years. He’d had some laughs and made money despite his status.  And when he’d come through this same airport three weeks from now, he’d be able to describe himself with that elusive, coveted adjective: legal. God Bless Bruce Morrison.

 

To read more, click here

 

The Santa Girl: me aged 6

Once upon a time there was a little girl … she read her Santa letter on Irish national television, while a camera followed her as she walked around Henry Street, Dublin 1 – the street famous for its Christmas market and street decorations.  The interviewer was Frank Hall.  Years later, having found the archive clip, RTE producer Seán O’Mealóid, decided to locate the child.  The call went out for several years in a row, until it was issued on the radio programme, “Liveline” and through a friend, the girl heard about the find “The Santa Girl” project.  Here’s the clip –

The full programme can be seen on the RTE Player HERE

The Cáca Milis Christmas Cabaret 2015 !

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Yes, it’s going to be a great evening!  From left:   Philip Casey, Carol Keogh,
The Late David Turpin, Mary O’Donnell, Lola Gray,
Caitriona O’Leary, Peter Quinn of Rebel Rebel, Nadia Gativa,
Helena Mulkerns and Josh Johnston

At only €10 in, €8 concession, see more at CácaMilis.org

with Arthur’s all dandied up for the Christmas season (pictured here with the charming Miss Kat Moiselle),
it’s a show that may be our last for a while, pending funding – so don’t miss it!

Arthurs4a