The Journeys of Some People

23/06/2026

James Smith of Hoofcare, Killashee County Longford. Interesting to see the man in action, a very specialised work and no better man than James Smith who has not only the years of experience and knowledge but all the equipment a hoof man would need. He was fitting a temporary shoe to counter an imbalance in the cow's hoof. He explained to me in layman's terms some of what he does which is essential work. For the obvious animals health and well being saving it going lame.

31/05/2026

Kevin Foley at the Longford Vintage Club Annual Show 2026, with his historical impressive generator.

This Generator was used to power the first talking movie in Enniscorthy, the old cinema was beside a garage that it also powered, the Abbey Square, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. Enniscorthy Motor Co. Ltd. As well as the street light outside this at a time of no electricity. Previous to that it had served mostly on barges after the era of horses on the canals this generator was used.
There is one still in use in Ferbane, an original 45m, they were used in general up to the 1960s. There is still a small generation that may know it but have never seen it, but know its unique sound. Kevin has this in fantastic condition, runs as smooth as if it were brand new, they don't make machinations like this that last today.

19/05/2026

Longford's very own Slyvanian Town, thanks to Angela O'Callaghan, Killashee. Angela is open to anyone interested in visiting, collectors, crafters, children, check out her page for further details attached to text. Sylvanian Towns is a highly popular and for serious collectors of all ages. Get lost in your own world with the many characters creating your own town, librarys museums etc, Angela (aka the Pink Lady) likes to upcycle and create her own crafted detailed furniture, she collects free stuff to repurpose and materials from euro shops. Any funds donated will be donated to local charity CASA.

https://www.facebook.com/Angie.O.Callaghan

15/03/2026

15/03/2026

IATBA Senior Student Champion of Ireland 2026 (14th March) Heavy Weight (92kg) Destiny Dose, Longford Town, won his final against last year's winner, Representing TUDublin Blancherstown. Destiny goes to TUDublin Blancherstown, where he is in 3d level education studying Sports Management and Coaching. He started boxing 15 years ago, only a few days ago celebrating seven years. Goes to Rudiarius Boxing Club Longford Town. His mother was not entirely happy with him boxing at first, but seeing his dedication, passion and total commitment, gave in after softening over a number of years. He is hoping to represent Ireland at national level and aim for the LA28 Olympics (Los Angeles 2028). The very best of Luck Destiny, the future its all in your hands literally

Rudiarius Boxing Club Longford

St.Mel's Cathedral parish,Longford.

28/02/2026

Local man John Stokes of M & J Steel and Cladding, Clonterm, Longford Town, Father and son business over 41years and counting. You couldn't meet a more decent gentleman, John the son of M & J. I only heard by accident that not only steel fabrication John has written a book, it was a best seller when it came out first and still in the top 100 on Amazon (Link to book below). He said it came from his grandfather Joh Stokes (aka Big Daddy) who was a storyteller. I used the same name for the heading of the book as from a story he told me and the family about two dogs. His story was about magical dogs, mine is different. It was something that was always in the back of my mind, I had felt compelled to put pen to paper. I was approached by NBC when I was in my 20s, when I was writing screenplays, they wanted me to go over to America, but I stayed to join my father in the business and stay close to family. In the book I also did a lot of research, and found out the family name has ancestry in Wales and France, I incorporated this in the book. I have a sequel in my head. I would like to get that done, if I ever get the time to sit down to do it. My wife and kids bought me a pc so I could use that to write the first book. I see the story as a trilogy, hopefully in time I can finish it, but it took over a year to finish the first one with the business to look after. I left school early but always had a great love to learn. I am a self taught man when it comes to many aspects in my life. Faith, Family and business are very important to me, don't expect the sequel anytime soon, ya never know. The Jiggler and the Jailer, about a circus dancer and a ruthless ringmaster, set in 19th century France, she escapes with her two companion dogs.

https://www.amazon.ie/Jiggler-Jailer-chained-trapped-expected/dp/1036968987?ref_=Oct_d_onr_d_211758057031_3&pd_rd_w=qQtXR&content-id=amzn1.sym.8bfdd5ca-4d56-4bd5-acab-a57115df4db6&pf_rd_p=8bfdd5ca-4d56-4bd5-acab-a57115df4db6&pf_rd_r=DT5N32F05PAKBBGMG7YC&pd_rd_wg=kwFYB&pd_rd_r=abb50bab-3b72-4563-bc71-29d0b618fa17&pd_rd_i=1036968987

26/12/2025

St Stephen's Day rambling, Dec 2025, thought was hearing things, coming down Sharvogue Ballyclare road, Killashee, County Longford. But I wasn't it was a lawnmower, Eugene Mulvihill was topping off long grass, that needed a cut, thanks to the unseasonably warm weather of late, a first for me.