The Gille

From Ennel near Maryann's Tullamore the lads set out to fish some more. There was big Tom with Jimmy G and Dad along with Jimmy D. Pat L had made the needed plans to guide the lads to western lands. In Ballina on Lough Conn=s shore our host provided with much rapport needed boats, gear and guides intrepid- the boats were dry but the gear decrepit. As for the gillies our host presented the one named Martin we soon resented. Jimmy D and Dad were the first to bare the chill of Martin=s derisive stare. And when a fish was finally caught only shouted scorn, not the praise we sought. Jim G. and Tom averred that night that they would set the matter right. But Martin was a gillie true. And neath Mount Philbin=s somber view his stern commands the boys obeyed with rods surrendered and mutiny allayed. Though the boys did swear they would command It was Martin who seized the upper hand. Lough Conn was home to many fish and Jimmy D fulfilled his wish. Two handsome salmon was his score though Dad a perch and nothing more. While Mac the gillie charmed this pair The others froze neath Martin=s stare. Neither Gibson nor Tom could troll a line only Martin himself would wet the twine. And when it came their time for lunch there was but one cup in the bunch. And this cup said Martin belongs to me leaving dry both Gibson and Thomas D.

tpd Christmas 95