A small world perhaps?

Gary Harding · Post by **Gary Harding** » Tue Oct 21, 2014 5:18 pm

A story.
I was discussing Gallipoli with my 72-yo next door neighbour this morning. He is of Irish descent. I thought I was pretty good having two grandfathers in the First World War, and one of them who served on Gallipoli.
He remarked, "Well I have relations too who served with the AIF on Gallipoli. There were some brothers. O'Brien was their name..like mine"
"And they were killed there ...."
I guess at this point the story may ring a bell for some?
So I went in and pulled out a copy of Boundary Bend by Edward Harrington.
Back to my neighbour.
Were any of their names Pat, Michael and Dan? Don't think so. (but then.. poet's licence)
Were they Irish? Yes I think so.
Four graves of AIF O'Briens listed at Gallipoli.
Has Edward Harrington immortalised these warrior brothers in his marvellous poem "The Brothers O'Brien".
My neighbour was staggered. He is going to do more research...
It would be nice to find out about The Brothers O'Brien. Were they really argumentative, belligerent Irishmen? Did they even exist.. after all my neighbour is getting on a bit. Who knows I suppose. And who is left to care after all this time. Trivial perhaps?
But brave men they certainly were.
All the O'Briens. Four graves of men with lives cut short..
It is still a small world, isn't it.

Post by **manfredvijars** » Tue Oct 21, 2014 8:02 pm

... indeed it is Gary ...

Bob Pacey · Post by **Bob Pacey** » Wed Oct 22, 2014 9:12 am

You speak to you neighbours !!!!!! WOW

Jokes aside .Interesting subject Gary I await the outcome. I really enjoy listening to the stories the older folk tell and love spending time at the respite centres with them.

Bob

Gary Harding · Post by **Gary Harding** » Wed Oct 22, 2014 10:34 am

haha.. yeah Bob he is a nice bloke.... but has been diagnosed with early stage dementia, although you wouldn't know it to talk to him. So while his story has its basis in truth, he started out by saying four brothers, which could not be right.. so...

I enjoy Edward Harrington so I hope there is some connection.

His house is for sale.... incredibly cheap too!! only 50m from the calm safe beach.

A lady friend of mine, her husband has dementia and got it at 50yo and I occasionally go with her to see him at the respite home.

I admire you heaps for supporting the oldies... providing some company!!! Very kind of you.

One lady there keeps a stuffed cat and reckons its real, but it doesn't say much....
I enjoy insanity, it keeps one sane.. when I visit there.

Geez at the rate I am going maybe I should make an advance booking for residency!
My other neighbour here is never home as he lives in Maryborough and it is just his beach-house. So I turn up my music... !

Neville Briggs · Post by **Neville Briggs** » Wed Oct 22, 2014 11:45 am

Bob Pacey wrote:I really enjoy listening to the stories the older folk tell

older folk ?? you're an older folk haven't you noticed , Bob.

Maureen K Clifford · Post by **Maureen K Clifford** » Wed Oct 22, 2014 2:30 pm

If it turns out they are his kith and kin there would have to be a poem in that I'd reckon

Bob Pacey · Post by **Bob Pacey** » Wed Oct 22, 2014 7:36 pm

Neville I'm 63 years old that is young although we had a school group on the waterpark today 15 and 16 year olds and I reckon I was born 40 years to early. Woosers.

Bob

Neville Briggs · Post by **Neville Briggs** » Wed Oct 22, 2014 7:58 pm

Just pullin ya leg Bob

ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

A small world perhaps?

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