Cats a castle and a warm welcome (Kilkenny)

Cats, a Castle and a warm welcome (Kilkenny)

The engine stopped on the 1015 train from Dublin, the doors opened to sunshine 

The rain was on a temporary vacation, leaving a sun drenched Macdonagh Junction 

Across the road, St John the Evangelist is standing tall against a secular invasion 

Kilkenny, a bit like Stratford upon Avon, though with an Irish accent, you’re welcome!

The cats, the jerseys yellows and blacks, the hurling stick in hand, the quick steps 

These youngsters heading for a game, for a nod towards future legendary status

In the craft shops that cradle within the walls of the cobbled stone pavements 

Kilkenny cats sit next to one another in colourful frames, proclaiming, you’re  welcome!

As the castle looms in the distance the ancient walls sing a song of past glories

The river Nore flows looking stoically on, a peaceful An Fheoir, one of three sisters

Replenished by plenty of rainfall, inviting a lush green to bathe the grass beneath

Treading the narrow streets, drinking the atmosphere here, Kilkenny, you’re  welcome!. 

Fr Patrick Brennan 2022