The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
I’m a big fan of St Patrick. Anyone who gets rid of those nasty snakes is alright by me. I really wanted to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in style this year so I got onto my favourite couturiers, AG Dog Fashion and had them send me a lovely dress for the occasion. As a special surprise, they included a second dress so I was really well set up for the celebrations.
But where to go? Of course there was only one destination – Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, where they were putting on a special Shamrocks and Shenanigans event.
Being photographed is hungry work so I made sure to build up my strength by insisting on a visit to my favourite eatery, The Buttery in Limerick, before we headed back to Bunratty.
And what a time I had in Bunratty. I met all my friends, including St Patrick himself so I’d be safe from snakes. I also met the Seanachaí, Darby O’Gill and the musician.
Because the day was bad, we all gathered in one of the cozy cottages for an impromptu seisiún by the fireside.
I was serenaded so beautifully in St Patrick’s arms and I really felt special when they sang ‘Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer do.’ They must have known that I love riding in my Buddyrider on the electric bike.
As the music wound down, we got a text message that our friends Susan and Mike were across the road at Jilly and Joe’s so we adjourned for a well-deserved dogguccino. What the hoomans didn’t know is that I had a sneaky ulterior motive as I had given Susan some of my bone allowance to buy a Mammy’s Day present for herself. They never take me seriously in shops – they just want to pet me and it’s very hard to actually buy anything.
Well, Susan had chosen a lovely mug with ‘World’s Best Dog Mum’ on it. I was so proud to be able to present it to the best dog mammy in the world. It’s impawtant to remember your mammy, not just on Mother’s Day either.
I paid a little visit to my friend, Lily, who lives beside Kilmacduagh Abbey, outside Gort. She’s just turned 92 but still bakes regularly. In fact she made a lovely Victoria Sponge cake for us at the office. I didn’t get a sniff of it but it looked scrumptious.
Before I leave you all this week, I have some exciting news. On April 6, I’m going to appear on stage at the University Concert Hall in a performance of Poochini’s La Boheme with the Ellen Kent Opera Company. I just hope they don’t expect me to sing. I’m no Pawverotti.
Himself is going to lead me onstage in costume. He’s going to look like a prize eejit, while I’m going to be a real diva at last and get a huge round of ap-paws.
At this stage I think I need to apply for an equity card. I’ve already been a TV star, now it’s time for a career in opera.
John Galvin
Motoring editor - The Clare Champion
Former Chairman and voting member of Irish Motoring Writers' Association
