Letters

A history of Ireland in 100 goodbyes

Bye for now

Sat Oct 07 2023 - 00:07

Sir, – Further to Frank McNally’s “A history of Ireland in 100 goodbyes” (An Irishman’s Diary, September 30th), I recall the west Limerick expression “Time to make roads.” One I’ve also heard is “Have you no pubs to go to?” – Yours, etc,

PATRICK COLEMAN,

Rathkeale,

Co Limerick.

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Sir, – The wilful clinking of milk bottles as they were being carried to the front door. No words necessary. – Yours, etc,

MICHAEL GANNON,

Kilkenny.

Sir, – Local publican: “This is a public house not a boarding house!” – Yours, etc,

BRENDAN G CASHELL,

Dundalk,

Co Louth.

Sir, – My mother, in trying to bring a lengthy phone call to an end, would gesture to one of us to ring the door bell: “There’s someone at the door, I’d better go”. – Yours, etc,

BOB BARRY,

Ashbourne,

Co Meath.

Sir, – As an Englishman unfamiliar with Irish vocabulary, I remember being mildly startled to overhear in a pub an apparently amiable goodbye along the lines of: “Would you ever feck off.” It was a good lesson in the importance of the change in a single vowel. I gather that “twit” is another danger word in this respect. – Yours, etc,

DAVID HARRIS,

London,

Sir, – My mother used to say when we were leaving for the shops or on a message, “Don’t be there before you’re back.” RIP Ma. – Yours, etc,

GARY BROWN,

Dublin 3.

Sir, – A cousin: “Lovely to see you. Do come back when you’ve less time.” – Yours, etc,

LINDSAY ARMSTRONG,

Dublin 6.

Sir, – As he stood up from the table, the visitor said: “We’re like the bagpipes now; when we’re full we’re going.” – Yours, etc,

NOEL SHANAGHY,

Faithlegg,

Co Waterford.

Sir, – “Next time you’re passing by the Lee don’t forget to drop in.” – Yours, etc,

COLMAN O’MAHONY,

Monkstown,

Co Cork.

Sir, – “Keep ‘er lit.” – Yours, etc,

MAURICE NEILL,

Kesh,

Co Fermanagh.

Sir, – “Great to see you! When are you leaving?” – Yours, etc,

SARA WHELAN,

New Ross,

Co Wexford.

Sir, – If I ever meet Frank McNally, I won’t say “Goodbye”, I’ll just say “Good luck!” – Yours, etc,

JOHN GAFFNEY,

Carrick on Shannon,

Co Leitrim.