“Constant feeding makes the bone and constant dripping wears the stone”

Contributor :

Sandra Boeuf-Martyn

Author : My grandfather John McLoughlin

My grandfather John McLoughlin was a man of many talents and well known around the village of Derrycoosh in county Mayo for advice on buying cattle and other agricultural matters. He was a member of the old IRA and had the tricolour on his coffin in recognition of his efforts in the fight for freedom.

When the family was gathered around the table for the evening meal, my grandfather would say this to remind my mother and her six siblings to eat up and grow strong.  Strength was very important for working on the farm! The second part of the expression served a different purpose but here, he was clearly talking about patience and persistence.  I like the sentiment of a little drop of water being able to make a difference in the long run.