“B-8.” The bingo caller sat in the front of the room in the Community Center and spoke into the microphone. “G-51.” I’d been in Ireland for weeks, looking for my family. I’d met cousin Gerry, but no one else had popped up. I’d followed every lead, and asked every acquaintance I’d met. The only clue I’d had was from the barkeep in one of the pubs. As a boy, he’d known my great uncle. The barkeep laughed at the memory, rolling his eyes. “So you’re a Lynch, then?” he asked.
It’s been a long time since I sat in the Community Center in Parnell and played bingo with my mom and other Irish Catholic women with their multiple bingo cards carefully laid out in front of them. Your story brought back so many memories. Thanks for taking us to the table, Mary! Hopefully you can find Patches and get better responses when the locals find out you are a Lynch!
LOL on the washing machine's endurance game. I also liked the creative anti-casino slogans. So much to enjoy in your column. The stone "Card Trick" quilt blocks were interesting too.
Another great article as usual. I can visualize myself sitting on the park bench contemplating the end date for the washer. Do you recall how long the 1986 Maytag lasted??
It’s been a long time since I sat in the Community Center in Parnell and played bingo with my mom and other Irish Catholic women with their multiple bingo cards carefully laid out in front of them. Your story brought back so many memories. Thanks for taking us to the table, Mary! Hopefully you can find Patches and get better responses when the locals find out you are a Lynch!
Thanks, Kathi. I can only imagine those bingo games in Parnell!
I'm glad you enjoyed this piece, Shirley. So good to have you as a reader!
Stick with me and I’ll show you the way. Skip church and go directly to bingo parlor.
LOL on the washing machine's endurance game. I also liked the creative anti-casino slogans. So much to enjoy in your column. The stone "Card Trick" quilt blocks were interesting too.
Another great article as usual. I can visualize myself sitting on the park bench contemplating the end date for the washer. Do you recall how long the 1986 Maytag lasted??
Oh, I want to hear the rest of the story! I dream of finding my McCarrick relatives in Ireland.
Tis a W-I-N-N-E-R!
Great storytelling as always, Mary! Are the Lynches known for the ability to keep a listener on the edge of her seat. More please!
That’s beautiful, Mary.