Saw with a start in the paper that I got four firsts [in Ireland] in my exams: Latin, History, German, Music. There was a great puff about it in the paper, which I read in the train on our way to Bandon to meet Father…
Stayed again at Horgans´ for a few days. Spent time in playing the pianola, reading on the piano and enjoying the ‘Forerunner’. The pianola may be a wonderful invention, but no matter how much it may be improved it will always be mechanical and lifeless….
On Mám’s departure for London, I left for Dunmanway, having the day before been to Horgans´ where had an exciting [boating] row with Ivor and Joe. Brought many books to the country but didn’t do much. Spent most of the time swimming in the river…
Finished ‘The Forerunner’. It is certainly the finest book I have read for it has opened to me the whole key of the Renaissance. The mystery of Leonardo is entrancing; his life is a lesson to all, especially to artists, in that it gives an…
Found Mám at home with great news. Her stay in London was more than successful; she played so well at the audition that she was pleased herself, a very rare occurrence, was not asked to play through programme, but was dismissed with evident manifestations of…
Went to Murphys´ again. There’s nothing like good healthy exercise with pleasant companions and amid an atmosphere tinged with culture. But Natalie and the tennis season are both departing, so I must look elsewhere for after-dinner recreation. My latest plan is to take a book,…
Went up nervously to the University for Matric Maths. and took my seat amidst fellows who, if they be taken to represent the college type, don’t augur well for that. There are a few conceited snobs and a lot of ‘hardy boys’. The papers were…
Went to see ‘Metropolis’. Thought it wonderful. Had a fierce argument, with Mám on my side against Fr. Pat and Páp, who said it was unconnected and meaningless. We maintained that without the light and misplaced love-story which they declaimed against, the horror of endless…
Was sent for by Dr. Scannell to hurriedly get my photo taken and appeared in ‘Examiner’ some time after with a scholarship-senior, Costigan. It was a hideous likeness, much to my mortification. Then he had the kindness to take us for a day and a…
A week of idleness and misery! Suddenly got the idea, one night when I could not sleep, that I was getting St. Vitus Dance, ((St. Vitus Dance, Sydenham’s Chorea, can accompany rheumatic fever in children, and involve convulsive movements and behavioural abnormalities.)) and immediately my…
