FLEADH CHEOIL CHIARAI
Cahersiveen 1997

In the lead up to the County Fleadh in Caherciveen in 1997, Treasa Feirtéir, who was at that time Rúnaí of Kerry County Board CCÉ, advised the Secretary of the local Fleadh Committee, that he would have to organise a “clerk” for each competition venue. There was, however, a slight misunderstanding in Julian’s interpretation of the message. And Julian went about his duties and ensured that was a “clock” in each competition venue! The “clocks”, not “clerks”, were a source of much banter and fun at that Fleadh in 1997. The late Dan Keane was quick-thinking as usual, and before the Fleadh was over on the Sunday evening, Dan had penned the following verses, “Clocks V Clerks.”

CLOCKS  V  CLERKS

There are idioms and maxims we long have adored

“The pen it is mightier (of course) than the sword”

Still to contact by letter could cause a delay

The phone’s a convenience you can use right away

On the phone there are dangers that you must surmount

When accents and dialogue come into account

It is then that the dangers are hidden unseen –

It happened to Julian in Cahirciveen

 

‘Twas a wee little chat from Runai to Runai

With Treasa advising how things ought to be

On inspection she knew that the venues were fine

But each needed a “clarke” the total was nine

Poor Julian so faithful he pulled up his socks

He went straight away and purchased nine clocks

They ticked and they tocked like a welcoming team

We had wonderful times down in Cahirciveen

 

The occasion of course was Fleadh Cheoil Chiarrai

So well organised it ran smoothly and free

In fierce competitions great rivals were locked

The sale it began, the demands they were high

And to the Fleadh Cheoil all the clocks said goodbye

The purchasers now find life more serene

With souvenirs of the good times in Cahirciveen


COMPOSED BY: DAN KEANE

County Board Treasurer 1988 -  2004