A terrace of four houses, those at either end having advanced and pedimented bays, in Rockcorry, County Monaghan. A plaque in each pediment advises ‘These houses were built by Jos. Griffiths for destitute widows A.D. 1847.’ Solidly built with rusticated quoins and red-brick trim around doors and windows, the terrace now stands empty and itself faces destitution. Here is a building that, having served the local community for many years, is today in turn deserving of charity.
A not unusual sight in the Irish landscape: two bicycles leaning against the stone wall of a farm building in County Monaghan. This pair, however, appear not to have been in use of late, since one is missing its saddle and the other a tyre. Perhaps they are merely resting here until spare parts become available…
At a recent lunch, Lady Lucinda Lambton speaks through an old ear trumpet to Ireland’s oldest baronet, Sir John Leslie. The aid is unnecessary: despite his habit of spending Saturday nights dancing in Monaghan clubs to what he calls ‘boom boom music’ Jack’s hearing remains unimpaired. He turns 96 tomorrow.