It could happen to a bishop!

Fellow blogger Paul Newton sent me a Dave Allen sketch yesterday - not this one but I found this as a related video and had to share it. It brings back memories of St. Barthlomew's church choir in Ballsbridge where I was a chorister. It was a bells and smells church and in the light of this sketch there is something to be said for incense.

Patricia Anglican - Mini Marathon - The Music Video

Thanks to Pete Creighton master music producer & performer, Ger Corrigan lead singer with the Corrigan Brothers and wordsmith extroardinaire, along with Donncha Corrigan who despite an unfortunate accident with a drumstick managed to produce this visual treat. Thanks too to Brian Corrigan who was unavoidably detained elsewhere - or else he just couldn't cope with Patricia's unparalleled beauty ;-). What better friends could a woman have? In her hour of need this damsel in distress knew who to call (the A-Team being otherwise engaged).

If anyone suffers trauma from watching this video please call me on 087-2328172 and have your credit card ready - Alternatively you can sponsor my worthy cause 'Whiteboards for Cloughjordan School' by sending a cheque to: Cloughjordan No.1 N.S. Templemore Rd, Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary, Ireland and write 'ref Patricia' on the back of the cheque.

And Finally could I thank the parents association of Cloughjordan No. 1 N.S who supplied my rather fetching outfit - Special thanks for the bra extensions - I never knew such things existed until this venture (It sure is complicated being a woman). And a word of thanks to fellow blogger Grannymar who provided my monogrammed bloomers - these are to be auctioned after the event. (Washed of course) Grannymar wins the autographed copy of the brilliant debut album from the Corrigan Brothers (Did I mention them before? ;-) ) An Irishman Invented Rock n' Roll. Download it from itunes at the link below:

Guardian features Corrigan Brothers MP Expenses song!

This is mad! - Such is the fascination with the MP expenses scandal that a song written by the Corrigan Brothers about the fiasco has gone viral in the UK and has come to the attention of the UK broadsheets. See the Guardian's take on it here. Extra verses are currently being written by the band as the pantomine continues and Lead singer Ger Corrigan says that individual MPs who wish to feature in the song should get in touch. "Ridiculous claims will be an advantage," he says.
The original song is here on YOUTUBE

Patricia Anglican - Training Video

Today my alter - ego Patricia hit the roads of Newport to train for next Monday's Women's Mini Marathon - I think you will agree she is a fine figure of a woman! Locals were enthralled at her natural beauty and graceful progress. Patricia was in Newport visiting Pete Creighton's Recording Studio where she and the Corrigan Brothers were recording a promo music video for her bid at Mini-Marathon glory. Watch this space for this audio-visual feast appearing here soon!
If you want to sponsor my charity go Here for details.

A witness tells his story!

This from Will Knott:
Michael O’Brien, former councilor and Mayor of Wexford attended the RTÉ programme Questions and Answers on 25 May 2009 and, after Minister Noel Dempsey, the sponsoring minister of the Ryan Commission report in to Child Abuse allegations spoke, Mr O’Brien spoke to the minister and to the panel.
Will produced the transcript of the video clip below because in his own words:'this clip seems to be the turning point for a lot of discussions. And possibly some action.'


—Start of transcript

Mr. Chairman, I’m surprised at the minister there now.

First of all Mr Minister (directed at Minister Noel Dempsey) you made a bags of it in the beginning by changing the judges. You made a complete bags of it at that time, because I went to the La Foy commission and ye had seven barristers there, questioning me and telling that I was telling lies, when I told them that I got raped of a Saturday, got a merciful beating after it, and then stuffed…

… he came along the following morning and put holy communion in my mouth.

You don’t know what happened there. You haven’t the foggiest, you’re talking through your hat there. And you’re talking to a Fianna Fáil man, a former councilor and former mayor you’re talking to, that worked tooth and nail or you, for the party that you’re talking about now. Ye didn’t do it right, ye got it wrong.

Admit it.

And apologize for doing that. Because you don’t know what I feel inside me. You don’t know the hurt I am.

You said it was non-adversarial.

My God.

Seven barristers.

Throwing questions at us.

Non-stop.

I tri.. attempted to commit suicide, there’s the woman who saved me from committing suicide, on me way down from Dublin, after spending five days at the commission. Five days I spent at the commission. They brought a man over from Rome, ninety odd years of age, to tell me I was telling lies.

That I wasn’t beaten for an hour, non-stop by two of them.

By two of them.

Non-stop from head to toe without a shred of cloth on my body.

My God minister.

And could I speak to you (comment directed to Leo Varadkar, Fianna Gael), and ask your leader, would you stop making a political football of this.

You hurt this when you do that.

You tear the shreds from inside our body.

For God’s sake, try and give us some peace.

Try to give us some peace and not to continue hurting us.

That woman will tell you how many times I jump out of the bed at night with the sweat pumping out of me. Because I see these fellas at the end of the bed with their fingers doing that (gestures) to me. And pulling me in to the room, to rape me, to bugger me and bate the shite out of me. That’s the way it is.

And you know what?

You know what, sometimes I listen to the leader of Fianna Fáil. I even listened to the apology. T’was mealy mouthed, but at least t’was an apology.

At least t’was an apology.

The Rosminians said in the report, they said they were easy on us. The first day I went to them. The first day to Rosminians in my home which is Ferryhouse in Clonmel, ’cause its the only home I know. He said “you’re in it for the money”.

We didn’t want money.

We didn’t want money. We wanted the pr… someone to stand up and say “yes, these fellas were buggered, these people were ra…”

Little girls. My daughter, oh sorry, my sister. A month old when she was put in to an institution. Eight of us from the one family, dragged by the ISPCC cruelty man. Put in to two cars, brought to the court in Clonmel. Left standing there without food or anything, and the fella in the long black frock and the white collar came along and he put us in to a van.

Not a van, a scut truck, I don’t know what you call it now. And landed us below with two hundred other boys. Two night later I was raped.

How can anyone…

You’re talking about constitution. These people would gladly say “yes” to a constitution to freeze the funds of the religous orders.

This state, this country of ours, would say “yes” to that constitition if you have to change it.

Don’t say you can’t change it.

You’re the governement of this state. You run this state. So for God’s sake stop mealy mouthing. ‘Cause I’m sick of it.

I’m sick of it.

You’re turning me away from voting Fianna Fáil which I have done from the first day that I could vote. Because. And you know me. You know me Mister Minister. You’ve met me on a number of ocassions. So you know what I’m like.

— End of transcript

Paddy Anglican meets Joe Duffy to discuss Credit Crunch

Last week I had the pleasure of taking part in a RTE TV Panel discussion with Joe Duffy. The other panelists were Brenda Power and Fr Gerry O'Hanlon SJ. The issue which seems so marginal in the light of last weeks disclosures was whether a financial crisis was good for faith or vice versa. Click here and go to episode of 24th May.

Commission into Child Abuse report

The former Christian Brothers industrial school at Letterfrack Co. Galway.
Photograph: Joe O Shaughnessy.

Read and listen to Patsy McGarry of the Irish Times on the Commission into Child Abuse report released today - It is utterly sickening! I have just watched Vincent Browne on TV3 and am hugely disturbed by what I have heard - I thought there was nothing that could shock me in the light of the revelations of recent years - I was wrong!

Ode to an MP's Expenses!

Pete Creighton - This guy is good!

Pete Creighton is one of the most talented and self effacing guys I know. I don't know if he realises how good he is at what he does but I am so glad that he was recently acknowledged in a public forum for his 35 years in the music business. The picture above shows him (on left) receiving an award to mark this landmark achievement. You can find out more about Peter and his music on his new website: CLICK HERE
As well as song-writing and performing on a regular basis, Pete has his own recording Studio in Newport, Co. Tipperary and is much in demand. I can honestly say that if you want someone who will put 110% into your production then Pete is your man. And a nicer guy you would be hard pressed to find!

Why did he kill him? ... and other awkward questions children ask about God

This is so funny - Seriously challenging theological questions from children - Maybe Herod was right!

Mrs Paddy Anglican opens O'Briens Sandwich Bar in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary

My wife Nicola and her business partner, Leslie Oughton yesterday opened their third O'Briens store in Nenagh. They already operate in Athlone and in the Midway Foodcourt at Junction 17 (Portlaoise) on the N7. The sun split the stones and the store was packed for opening day - not just happy eaters but also a few TDs and councillors looking to hoover up a few votes. It is a great location and despite the 'R' word people still need to eat! I can heartily recommend (unbiased of course) O'Briens on Kenyon Street, Nenagh as a great place to go. Free wifi is provided with no tedious sign on procedures. High chairs are also available for babies and the new menus combine both hot and cold offerings. Tea and Coffee are fairtrade compliant and the delicious freshly made juices and smoothies are the ideal healthy option. Outside catering also available. Tell them Paddyanglican sent you! (obriensnenagh@gmail.com or tel: 067-41390)

Inclusive Church? As long as you wear the right colours!

This is the instructions that my colleague Dean Nigel Dunne & I encountered while approaching St. Patrick's Cathedral Armagh for the General Synod Service last Sunday (10th May)! I know they say sport is the new religion but surely this is a step (or a staircase) too far!

Oprah to play Corrigan Brothers' Pebbles Boyle Video on her show!

Read about it Here

Opening of Cloughjordan Eco-Village

Here's a short video about the recent opening of the Eco-Village in my adopted hometown of Cloughjordan

The Irish Taxpayer - We buy Banks so why not Communion dresses?

Sunday Times 3/5/09 - More cash-strapped families than ever are turning to the government for financial assistance to cover the cost of the [Holy Communion/Confirmation] rite - Parents seek state alms for communion! I reckon this could have Constitutional implications. Read more about this bizarre story over at Primal Sneeze

Jensen Intercepted!

I love this - This is the fundamentalist nutter who is currently on tour trying to unravel the Anglican Communion. He is the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney but he seems determined on destroying everything that is even remotely Anglican such as tolerance and respect for diversity. In this clip he is well and truly nobbled and exposed for the homophobe that he is!

Church of Ireland scores Anti-Gay own goal!

Sometimes I despair - Once again we have salvaged defeat from the jaws of success! As part of the General Synod (AGM) of the Church of Ireland being held in Armagh from 8th to 10th May there is to be a Synod Eucharist on the Sunday morning (10th May). Various groups represening the diversity of society in Northern Ireland were invited to take part in the leading of intercessions during the service. They included the GAA, Masons, Orangemen and horror of horrors 'Changing Attitudes', an organisation which lobies for the open inclusion of gay people in the life of the church. I emphasise open because there are in my experience a lot of gay men and women very creatively involved at every level in the life of our church already. Some choose to ignore this, some don't care, some welcome it and some are in denial!

Predictably but sadly, the Orange Order have communicated their displeasure at the participation of Changing attitude and have withdrawn their participation in response to it. What is more they have expressed the opinion that they should have been consulted about the involvement of Changing Attitude! It seems extroardinary to me that an invitation to an event should include the right to veto the participation of others! What parallel Universe are these people in?
Funny, I don't remember Jesus (whose example they apparently follow) being particularly choosy about his company? Indeed wasn't it among the marginalised that he often found integrity and truth!
So how does the C of I respond - We capitulate of course! So the invitations stand but none of these diverse groups now get to take part! They can come and watch but it would be better if they did so from afar! Wouldn't do to offend the Orangemen would it? After all there are probably more Orangemen than Gay people in the Church of Ireland..........or are there? I wonder? Not that its the right way to approach the issue but that never stopped us before! This is a spineless response to an issue of justice and I pray one day we will see the wrong that we have perpetuated by our cowardice!


Link to article in Belfast Newsletter (also printed below): Newsletter 30.4.09
"A PLAN to "celebrate diversity" at a high-profile Church of Ireland service has been scrapped after the Loyal Orders withdrew over the involvement of a pro-gay lobby group.
The symbolic service, held during the Church's annual General Synod in Armagh, to be attended by the Roman Catholic Cardinal, Sean Brady, would have been the spiritual focal point of what is effectively the denomination's parliament.
The Sunday morning Holy Communion service, to be held on May 10 at St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh, was to involve prayers said by representatives of the Orange Order, Royal Black Preceptory, Freemasons and GAA.
But it was the involvement of Changing Attitude, a group which lobbies for the full involvement of gay and lesbian people in church life, which has led to the Loyal Orders' angry withdrawal and the subsequent decision not to go ahead with the event as it had been planned.
Instead, it is understood that a more traditional service will be held.
A spokesman for the Orange Order said the service had been planned and details circulated before it had been consulted.
"It is the view of the Loyal Orange Institution that any official representation by it at this service would contradict the principles and beliefs that we hold and would in particular lend credence to theological beliefs contrary to that of biblical Protestantism," he said.
A spokesman for the Royal Black Institution said that it had not been consulted about the plans for the service and would not be taking part in it.
A senior Orange Order source said that Grand Secretary, Drew Nelson, who the invitation had been sent to, was angry that the institution had been "dragged into an internal row within the Church of Ireland".
"There is this argument going on within the Church about Changing Attitude, but it is nothing to do with the Orange Order," he said.
It is understood that a retired Church of Ireland minister, the Rev Mervyn Kingston, who is a member of Changing Attitude, was to pray that God would "bless all of our relationships" and "give us patience and understanding as we seek to build bridges with those who have difficulty in accepting us and our opinions".
Conservative members of the Church and the Loyal Orders interpreted that as a blessing of same-sex relationships, an issue which has divided the Anglican Communion in recent years.
A copy of Dean Rooke's letter to prospective participants in the service, obtained by the News Letter, states that the Archbishop of Armagh, Alan Harper, had requested that the various groups be asked to pray at the service.
In a statement, the Very Rev Patrick Rooke, Dean of Armagh, who is organising the service, said: "The theme of the service, in keeping with the Church's Hard Gospel process, will be on the Gospel imperative to 'love God and our neighbour'.
"Representatives of various groups/organisations with which the Hard Gospel Committee has had conversations, including the Orange Order, were invited to participate in the prayers; however, some felt unable to accept. It was therefore considered that alternative arrangements should be put in place for the intercessions and we have invited representatives of all the groups to join us as guests at the service."