Morgane Woods

A tribute to Nanny Jackie Woods
Nanny




Your smile brightens the room,

The joy you bring is priceless,

And your laugh is like an angels.

My role model,

Not only mine but all of ours,

When things went wrong, you kept us strong.

You never let us down,

Or under estimated us,

Thank you Nanny,

You're so special to all of us,

You play a huge part in our family.

Dale Drypolcher

first let me say that while I personally have no memories of Carlingford, butI am sure my great grandmother and her mother and father did. i live in America and have discovered that my great grandmother, Esther Mateer, was born in Carlingford about 1845. Her parents were James Mateer and Elizabeth Caldwell.Esther came her to America and wed my great grandfather, Charles Drypolcher.
I have become fascinated with my Irish heritage and am trying to find out if there are any Mateers or Caldwells left in Carlingford.

From what I have seen online, Carlingford looks to be a beautiful, friendly place. My wife and I are planning a trip to your fair city in next year.

If anyone there has any memory or information about my relatives,I would appreciate your contacting me. My email address is ddrypolc@twcny.rr.com. I hope it was o.k. to post this on your website. I really enjoy reading about Carlingford.

Thank you ! Dale Drypolcher

Aisling Woods McCormack

A Visit to Nana Hilda Woods

I arrive home to Carlingford from Clane with my 3 year old son Mark in toe and have an urge to pay someone special a visit. Time is of the essence and we need exactly that, time, to catch up. "Leave Mark here" Mum and Dad insist, and "off you go"!
"Are you sure?" I reply, one foot already half way out the door! "I wont be long" I cry, but leave a dinner to reheat for Mark just in case!

A cool breeze sweeps over my face as I stride past the lough. Ghan House prompts stories already told in my minds eye. Up the hill, I glance through the gate of Trinity and reflect on those who have long since past and journey on happily to reach Abbey Court!

Front door wide open, welcoming anyone who might call, I breeze in but she's not there. Investigating further I find her out the back, head in the freezer contemplating her menu for that evening. "Hi Nana" I say. Her eyes upon me "Oh Aisling"! I can see her yet, her voice singing with delight.

Before we know it , we are both crouched comfortably on the floor of her bijou sitting room, our backs resting against the cushioned armchairs which sit in front of the fireplace. Coffees in hand (hers black, lots of sugar) we are toasting and ready for chat. I glance at the her clock on the mantlepiece - 1:45pm.

There were many stories that day! I was utterly consumed by her elegance and eloquence, how she intertwined stories within stories, "never losing sight of the rat"! Dancing with Papa in the kitchen of Binnion, Giblet soup at their annual Christmas Eve parties, Meeting Papa for the first time, "Auntie" and her ever sniffling nose, Comic book pages being thrown into the Aga in an effort to discipline naughty children always reminding me what an unabounding love she had for each and every one of them, all different and all very special in their own right.

I am mesmerized and almost don't hear the phone ring. I pickup. Its Dad. Mark is distressed and looking for his Mum. I look at the clock, 5:45pm! Time, never enough time! 97 years and still not enough time!

"I have to go Nana" I whisper, and squeeze her tightly telling her I love her. "Love you too Ais", she says warmly, giving me a wink. " I'll visit you again when next I'm home!"

And I will, only this time you will be with Papa when I come.

Love you always and forever!

Ais
IP Address:
109.76.6.75
Tuesday, July 06 2010 - 11:38 PM