Sinéad McKenna

Author : Harry Ledwith, my Grandfather

Harry was a very supportive presence to all who knew him, and he celebrated every win with each of his children and grandchildren. I heard him say this many times when he heard a story of anyone overcoming difficulties and succeeding in their endeavours. I was thrilled to hear this for myself in my teens when I finally got a part-time job to finance a dream trip abroad! 

Sinéad McKenna

Author : Harry Ledwith, my Grandfather

Harry was a very caring gentleman, a present father to 11 children, involved in his local community and owner of a successful building company in the Midlands. With a ready laugh and a twinkle in his eye, he had a highly tuned sense of humour and a repertoire of perfectly-timed expressions to suit every situation. He shared this one with me in my early teens, when I was upset to not get a part-time job I had put much effort into applying for. As he drove me and 3 classmates home from school one wintry day our bus had broken down, he made me feel so much better and all of us laugh!

Author : Maggie McCullough, my grandmother

Maggie “Great Granny” Mc Cullough was a woman years ahead of her time and with he wit of a whip! She had expressions for every occasion, good and bad.  She used the above expression when she caught me trying to wash the freckles off my face.  Helping me see the beaty in that small thing was very reassuring for a self-conscious teen.

Sinéad McKenna

Author : Gary McKenna, my Father

I’ve heard this expression on and off for a few years from my father, and when I asked where it came from he told me he heard it when he was a boy from a parish priest and known witty character in Drumshanbo, Leitrim. Apparently, it is linked to the Irish rebellion (pony = transport/easy escape, powder = gun powder) and can be applied to any important process: to secure or steady your position and be prepared for the next stage

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.

Looking up this expression, I it is also a line in the poem “The boatman of Kinsale” by Thomas Davis.  In my grandad’s day, poetry was very much on the curriculum in schools and I’m sure this is where the expression came from. Thomas Davis was himself a poet, writer and politician – the main organizer of the Young Ireland movement and which surely appealed to my grandfather. 

Sinéad McKenna

Author : Tess Ledwith, my Grandmother

While raising 11 children (7 boys, 4 girls) and a hoard of grandchildren, Tess was also very involved in her local community, a committee member of the national ICA (Irish Countrywomen Association), a regular participant at An Griannan events and a champion ballroom dancer with her partner and husband, our grandfather. Full of life and laughter, Tess was always witty and doled out much advice to all her lineage, boys and girls alike. This is one of my favourite expressions because no matter what trials and tribulations they faced, all he had to do was take her in his arms, spin her around the floor and it eased them both, boosting their love and morale…a gem she handed down to us!

Sandra Boeuf-Martyn

Author : Noreen Martyn, my mother

When we were growing up, my mother always taught us about fulfilling tasks right to the end.  She used to follow it up with “even if you are only sweeping the floor, get it done and do it with pride”.  She wasn’t looking for perfection but rather a sense of joy in a thing well done.   

Sandra Boeuf-Martyn

Author : Noreen Martyn, my mother

I find myself using this quote of my mothers whenever I hear shocking or sad news. It’s a way of dealing with bad news and reassuring yourself that life will go on and things will get better. 

Sandra Boeuf-Martyn

Author : Noreen Martyn, my mother

My mother adopted this saying from Sean Ward, our local vet who used to come to the farm where I grew up.  It really reminds me that life is fleeting, things are constantly changing – the good stuff doesn’t last but neither does the bad so enjoy it when life is good and bear with it when things aren’t going to plan!

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.