One Pound Fourteen and Ninepence .
"Ok boys" .The Tuning fork was clattered off the desk at the front of the class and the youngfella sitting there jumped with fright .Sister Aganatius began to sing ".May is the month of Mary the month we all love so well". We were getting ready for our First Holy Communion .Me Ma had bought me suit from the Tailor beside the Workmans Club .A proper suit jacket with matching short trousers it cost £3 shirt and tie from Frawleys in Thomas Street and shoes from the Frontier Shoe Shop beside the Old Post office on Emmett Road .
I was suited and booted ready to go on the first Saturday of May I was going to get the Bread from the Priest ,then I was going to me Granny and aunties to collect me other Bread .I was walking up Tyrconnell Road to me Grannys with me big white rosette and me nannys neighbour stopped me and said I looked lovely and gave me a half crown it had a Horse on it the first one I can remember getting .
Then I went to me Nannys and she gave me a Ten bob note a big pink one and then I got another one from me uncle then me Aunty gave me a brown one it was an English one but you could still spend it .I thought I was a Millionaire but I only had One pound twelve and six .I went into Mc Evoys shop to buy a box of Smarties and Mr Mc Evoy gave them to me for Free and gave me two bob and some old lady gave me truppence .The grand total for me day was One Pound Fourteen and Ninepence .
Talking to Sharon today she was pissed off ."This bleeding lockdown .Young Tonia was supposed to make her communion this Saturday ,now its off .I paid 560 for her dress booked her tan and hair and we were going back to the pub after the church .Tonia is at home crying cos she wont get any money .Her brother got 1760 euro last year for his communion and bought a scrambler and a Phone .Im going to have to go to the Credit Union to get a lend now to give to her and I only just finished paying the lend I got for the dress and stuff .
I was just thinking about that first Saturday in May .I learned about Holy God but I also learned not to trust Mrs Kinsella in the Flats .She said ."Come in and give us a look at ya "Then she checked me money and rolled it up for me .Its just now I realize she gave me nothing .