Guth & Tuairim, Bealtaine 1980

::u . '-l . '"tl . .,.. 0' (1) 0" a: Ul Lit reacha A Chara, 6 28 Bramble Drive, Barnton; Edinburgh, . EH4 8BP. 9/4/'80. While not wanting to become involved in a public slagging match with the anonymous "interested" in the April edition, I feel that at least some of the inaccuracies stated in his letter deserve a reply. He first of all brought ,me to book because I had "left out" the Dungloe Flute Band. The writer was so vehement about it, that he had me believing that I had omitted them - until I re-read the article to discover that I .had in fact, mentioned the Dungloe Band with every other Rosses Flute Band that I could possibly think of. His assertion that while the Dungloe Flute Band react their music, all the other bands I mentioned learned "by ear" is also incorrect. Soon after the fo rmation of the Keadue Band, the staff mus ic of a large nuDber of pieces (some of which we still play) were obtained by the late Willie John Ward and the late Dinnie Boyle. The Band members were then able to learn these tunes "By note". I myself acquired the staff music of the more recent tunes we i ntroduced and again these tunes were learned "by note". I also know that the Mullaghduff Band for example learn by tonic "sol-fa", the other universally accepted musical notation. I am then accused of 11 leaning a lot towards the Keadue Band". I'm sure most people would understand at least a slight sympathy on my part towards that particular organisation. However, in ~riting the article I tried to be objective and fair. I wanted to draw atte~tion to what I think is a tremendous tradition in t~e Rosses and to give the Bands-all the Bands, some publicity. Then the point was made that I ignored the Junior Bands. I can only refer .the writer yet again to the article, which was titled "The Flute Band Tradition of the Rosses". However, in bringing up the subject of the school bands I feel justice was not done to the ~hllaghduff Childrens' Band. Much as I admire the contribution of the Dungloe Band, I'm sure all interes ted in Rosses Bands would agree that it was that great band under t he late Patrick. 0 1 Donnell that really changed the patterns of Bands in this area. The contribution of Acres, not only to the Keadue Band but towards the Band scene in general is something I am certainly aware of and greatly appreciate. . Finally, the writer gives Keadue credit for now being able tc march properly. Having watched numerous marching band parades and competitions over here in Scotland, including Scottish and Bri tish Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships, it is \olith regret that I have t o say that none of the Bands I have seen in our own county march correctly, and that includes Keadue. We all seem intent on marching from the knees do.m - rather than from the hips downwhich would be "proper marching". I know ___t _h_e_ex-army officer referred tc would ag:_ee with me Foireann Peile Chloioh Cheann Fbaola tuairbt 1957. on that. At least I'm glad. the article provoked some reaction. However, I cannot understand the writer's reasoning in deciding to use the discreditable cloak. of anonymity. Mise le meas, ~.-- A Chara, _P~ Ferry._ Croic Uf Bhaoill, Anagaire. 22/4/'80. . Q) ~ .0 "' ! ~ 0 ,Q Cl) +' 5 ..c ~ ;J: :a Q) ... ~ I think it's a disgrace that we have to suffer the sad spectacle of bog-fires every year. I do no·r. believe ror one minute. that these fires are accidental, but are started by irresponsible people. Not alone do they create havoc among wildlife but they also destroy the . look of the countryside. .The danger to old turf on bogs is also to be considered. Anyone witnessing such ~n unlawful act should report the matter to the authorities. Just one example of the "rape of the fair country" is Cnoc na nAgall above Loch an Iuir Lake. It has an indelible mark at the moment. r-i •r-l . ... § ~ & 11) ... ~ 0 l>t 1! ... . • 11) 8.-C ·r-l Q) Por-i Mise le meas, "Nature Lover". JlR.Jt N) Jlf4 -toMs. Jenny Jues Sad indeed if your tale were .true And the scene was desolation, Our bright young dreams would truly end So too the Irish Nation, Methinks we should bend our knees to God In an act of true contrition, 'Cos Dante's Inferno would be complete Had he known of your Nuclear fission • It 1 s nice to see you thanking God Fcir the. sunshine and the heat, 'Cos we owe Him all we've ever got The oil, the coal, the peat, g • l>t~ lf:::l .0 .... While thank i ng Him for all these gifts You know in your heart and cranium, That the God who gave us evev,Ything Also gave Uranium• +"$ ~ o.,.. P.1j ~ ... 11) 0 lii "' o..C ... 5 ... >-< "' Q) Cll ~lil M IQ Q) Q) ~:::1 M djj i cv-!:1 51! en+> We do not want the Nuclear Bomb We seek not domination, But it 1 s right to use our natural gift.s To build the Irish Nation, We were kept ih poverty too long By our big Imperial neighbour, So thank God, our chance has come Let's not withold our labour. The daneers that you specify Men say they don't exist, --------~ That your vision mus t be clouded I n a dense Glenle ighan mis t, Just ask those workmen ho.1 they feel In heart and mind and liver, The'll say their health is very good But no one lives forever. And I'm very proud to say, I I too, love my native limd Ni gh thirty years I armed and trained In the gal l ant F.C.A. We manned the beach when Churchill's speech Meant invasion was intended, But freedom comes from God 1 s ri ght hartd And '"e swore we 1 d defend i t. And finally , Miss, we need the banks The ' exploiters~, and the bosses, We'll want their cash when industry comes To Fintown and the Rosses, Let's leave i t to the experts then~ I can only say and guess, That I know damn all about the stuff And the protesters know far less. Pa Ward.