Mayo legend Michael O’Connor and his beloved Parke

by Auld Stock

MICHAEL O’Connor, Parke, Castlebar, has a nice way with words and his letters are full of snippets of local history and information about the showband era in Ireland.

In his most recent epistle, Michael wrote nostalgically about the big names of the showband scene, musicians such as Paddy Cole, Jack and Judd Ruane, Ballina, Dickie Rock, Joe Dolan and his close friend, Brendan Bowyer.

Michael enclosed in his letter a copy of Parke parish newsletter. You can see from the newsletter that Parke is a busy spot with lots of activities taking place in the area.

It is reassuring to see several different events take place in the community. Those events give local people a sense of pride and confidence in their native area.

When I think of Michael O’Connor, I am reminded of Charles J. Kickham’s memorable words in his book Knocknagow.

Speaking of Matt the Thrasher, he says, ‘everything he does is done for the honour and glory of his native village.’

Those words adequately describe Michael O’Connor’s lifetime contribution to his beloved Parke. Need I say more?