Ballyfermot Celebrating 70

(I was inspired to write this poem in tandem with Ballyfermot’s 70th celebrations in 2017. It was published in Celebrating 50 Years in St Louise's by St Louise de Marillac NS in 2018.)

Ballyfermot Celebrating 70 

In the urban jungle of Dublin 10

Roads recall Wild Geese and the West of Ireland

Churches and schools claim archangels and saints

Corridors evoke varnished, polished parquet. A Kerry woman walks your roads and halls And feels at home.

Children’s laughter, horses trotting, Different yet familiar.

Seventy years young and forever a home away from home.