The Stanley Clann on poignant visit home.

Last week I encountered Dermot Stanley ,who I know,with his sister Frannie and another brother Kevin ,who I had heard about but not met before to my knowledge,
Frannie is in her mid seventies and was being lifted in her wheelchair by her lovely brothers up the steps in front of Dunderry Church into the Church.
She is unwell and they spent some days around the village of their birth renewing scenes long since left but never forgotten.
They visited Cellie Bennett nee Kelly who used babysit them maybe 70 years ago believe it or not.Gladly Cellie .who donated the Hanny Kelly perpetual Cup to the Club for Club man of the year .is i fine fettle.after a long life of luxury and leisure ---Not
Hard work brings its own rewards seemingly.
Frannie left Dunderry well over 50 years ago to serve her time to be a nurse in Dartford in Kent at the same time as Rose Tuite .nee Powderly .widow of the late Tommy of Tullaghanstown..
Both qualified,Rosie came home but Frannie settled in Dartford .married and had a family there and lives there to this day.
I know Rosie this long time and only met Frannie lately.They are both treasures and the finest of ambassadors for this part of the Country.
The Stanleys were always different and in keeping with this propensity Kevin is renewing his Marriage vows this year after a fifty year lapse because then no one could afford the fare to England to the wedding and now those who couldn't then attend have a better chance of going.
We often forget to pray for the well being of our emigrants .because being out of sight they are often out of mind, a matter we ought rectify for the future.
Really when you think about it emigration severely stunted the development of this Country and broke the hearts of millions,.a sad reflection on the lack of imagination and ability of civil society this last Century.
We wish all emigrants the  very best and remember them with affection..