Comments on The Pensive Quill: 9th of August

Anthony, Fond memories for me with your reference...

2009-08-16T15:07:03.741+01:00

Anthony,
Fond memories for me with your references to Leeson Street, Albert Street, Malt Street etc. I lived in Cyprus Street and to us kids in terms of what was going on back then it was the centre of the universe!
Cyprus Street between Varna gap and Plevna gap seemed to be the unofficial rallying point for the 'boys' when the gear came out and as you said not a mask in sight. To be lucky enough to get within a few feet from someone without being chased, blasting away at a corner with an armalite or garand was for me one of the most exhilarating experiences I can remember!
Your mention also of the riot at Albert Street/McDonnell Street revived a vivid memory of that day. I was there when the bottle store in McDonnell Street, (it was actually a bonded warehouse), was cleaned out to attack the brits. Inside the yard one 'entrepreneur' rammed a heavy steel storehouse door a few times with a forklift truck just enough to knock it off it's hinges creating a narrow opening at the bottom which was enough to precipitate a scramble of mostly adults to get in. They actually had to go through one at a time on their hands and knees! ( Including a middle-aged woman wearing a headscarf and a pair of slippers).
On their way back out they were each shoving a heavy case of spirits in front of them with the wee woman in particular having a hard time of it! Things took a turn though when the cavalry arrived in the shape of Darkie Hughes who after calmly assessing the situation loudly announced to the throng that they were looting and that they were to 'desist immediately’ (or words to that effect). Anyway this request was ignored and their attention was only brought to bear when a colt .45 was promptly produced from under Darkie’s coat .
Looking back now it seemed almost surreal considering that the riot proper continued unabated outside the gates in McDonnell Street. A number of them sullenly put down their boxes in the yard and made for the gate but Darkie was having none of it. Tapping the .45 on his thigh for emphasis he insisted that they put them back where they had got them i.e. the store, which of course would entail a return trip on hands and knees. This was duly done and none were exempt including the wee woman who was trying to hide behind a pile of wooden crates with her booty!
To all who witnessed this, adults and children alike it was an abject lesson in how community order should be maintained in the midst of a crisis and doubtless Darkie knew this. It also demonstrated, to me at least, the decency and steadfastness that the young Brendan Hughes possessed, core values that he would retain through all his days.
As you said, facts on the ground are the true measure of things.

Rory, it was an exciting time, little doubt about ...

2009-08-10T19:25:37.109+01:00

Rory, it was an exciting time, little doubt about that. I recall that Notting Hill riot.
Larry, never saw the film. If it is as good as the book I will give it a miss!
Larry Hughes, first I knew of it. It must be an old one. There was one for the 25th anniversary which I appeared on.
Mark, it is not something I would want my kids doing.

Anthony

Well AM, would like to say 'God be with the da...

2009-08-10T18:54:36.794+01:00

Well AM, would like to say 'God be with the days but...., its hard to believe there is a degree of normality.
God bless.

Anthony, you're on RTE tonight. my mrs and...

2009-08-10T12:38:16.419+01:00

Anthony,
you're on RTE tonight. my mrs and I will watch that with great interest. Having been in Sligo for several years and Bundoran a small number of times my wife is speechless that Mountbatten would have the audacity to holiday there regularly.
Though it was a bit "leprechaunish" of Ghandi to recommend Sligo lobster to the viceroy of India before he deperted lol.

many of the images you describe seem to be portray...

2009-08-09T23:56:08.210+01:00

many of the images you describe seem to be portrayed in the recently released film 50 dead men walking. I wonder how real to life the other images in this film are... SOME OF THEM SHOCKED ME TO THE CORE..

Antony, What an exciting way to spend your youth!...

2009-08-09T23:55:32.200+01:00

Antony,

What an exciting way to spend your youth! Never been in a riot but I remember seeing Paul Simonson of The Clash on the documentary film Westway to the World talking about throwing his first brick at a riot in Notting Hill Carnival in, I think 1976.
He said that as he threw it he felt a huge sense of relief.

Best of luck,
Rory