Went to school from 9-10, then cycled home in time to drive away with Mám in a stylish Dodge saloon and still more stylish liveried chauffeur, to Bandon, where she is holding exams. I voyaged around town on arrival, having heard in his shop that Mr. McDonnell and family were in Cork. Then read most interesting chapter on ‘Temples of India’ , got a lovely prayer book from the Rev. Mother and drove home in comfort with Mám. Fr. Pat was there when we arrived. Bought in town a ‘designoscope’ for Ivor and Joe. After tea went to school and practised ‘Adeste fideles’ and ‘See amid the winter snow’ in the chapel with the city fellows for midnight mass. Came home at 10.30 and found Mám in a terrible state. Fr. Pat had been fainting and raving since 8. It was a recurrence of the old fits he used to get in Clifton Villas. Went to his sister with a note. She was in a restaurant in the Marina, and insisted on coming up to see him. It was then decided that she should stay the night but she endeavoured to persuade him to come away. The poor priest could scarcely walk but after going out they came back again, and after unpleasant row stayed. Went off at 5 in the morning for Dunmanway.
