Reasons 4 rhymes

23/08/2024

Good morning all. I just want to wish everyone that is getting their leaving cert results today the very best of luck. I am sure that just like every year there will be some people delighted and some will be disappointed. I would like to remind them that this paper that you get is not the b all and end all of everything. Life is different for everyone and there are many directions that you can take to fulfill your life. There is a verse here where I try to explain that. Enjoy and please share.

Exam Results

Congrats to all you students, that are in this frenzy zone
Whether your results were high or low, you will not be on your own
I think it is worth remembering, if things didn’t go as planned
Your life is not determined, by the paper in your hand
Some folk are academic, they’re just hard wired this way
But there are many different talents, to help you earn your pay
If you look at the bigger picture, I think you might agree
You cannot judge an elephant, because he can’t climb a tree
Ants have great communication skills, yet none of them can talk
There are fish that swim the ocean, but very few can walk
Lions can rule the jungle, but put them to the test
Against a little robin, who can build the better nest?
You would not see a golfer, trying to hit a rugby ball
So let’s be realistic, one exam does not judge all
Some of the world’s best people, be they single, husband, wife
They all achieved their great success, from the University of Life
There is a need for everyone, in this great world of ours
The architect that draws the plans, the men that build the towers
The doctors saving lives each day, the teachers in our schools
The street sweepers, the pen pusher, there are no exception to the rules
Our world renowned musicians, our sport stars chasing Sam
They are not in those positions, because of the result of an exam
So when you look at your results, accept them for what they are
Just a little milestone, in a journey that goes far
Most folk are in their teenage years, when these exams are done
Just in the spring time of their lives, their careers not yet begun
To you that have achieved your dream, and have sailed across the line
I am truly happy for you, enjoy being on cloud nine
And to those that fell a little short, this is just a tiny blot
I can tell you in a real short time, you won’t remember what you got
It’s the future that’s important, and one thing I know is true
If you have got a goal in mind, there is nothing you can’t do
So take all negativity, and throw it in the bin
Your life is just approaching, where the real world will kick in

Peter Costello

11/08/2024

Hi everyone, Team Ireland are returning home tomorrow after our best ever Olympics. 4 golds and 3 bronze. A brilliant achievement that kept us all on our toes for the last 2 weeks and gave us so much enjoyment. I wrote a verse for the occasion. Enjoy.

Paris Olympics 2024

The Olympic games are over, for twenty twenty four
And we have brought back seven medals, to the emerald shore
The girls in the 400 relay, tried hard to make it eight
For a small country like Ireland, we punch well above our weight
And talking about punching, Kellie Harrington stayed on track
To become the first lady from Ireland, to win gold medals back to back
On far too many occasions, we have been left out in the cold
That was not the case in Paris, we won three bronze and four gold
When Mona McSharry won the bronze, the scene was surely set
For two great weeks to cherish, Ireland’s best Olympics yet
Four time on the center stage, what a fabulous scene
To see the Tri colour rising, as they played Amhran Na Bhfiann
Paul, Fintan, Rhys, Daniel and Kellie, all reached the golden phase
While Phillip, Daire,Daniel and Mona, came home in third place
What a great achievement, they have made us all so proud
Helped I’m sure in no small way, by the support from the Irish in the crowd
There were also some decisions, where I am sure some athletes sobbed
Aoife O Rourke was real hard done by, and Daina Moorehouse, was surely robbed
Wassila Lkhadir was on home turf, but that was no excuse
Anyone that knows their sport, knew Moorehouse didn’t lose
Judges can be controversial, sometimes you just can’t win
There is not a lot that we can do, only take it on the chin
There were 134 athletes, representing the emerald isle
And each and every one of them, played their part in style
We have watched them on our TV screens, over the last two weeks in France
But don’t think for a second, that they got there by chance
They have worked the tracks, the gyms, the pools, for weeks and months and years
They have witnessed lots of ups and downs, they have sweated blood and tears
They went over to Paris, and really made a stand
Congrats to every athlete, that was part of Team Ireland
When we remember Paris twenty four, great stories will be told
Where Ireland won seven medals, three bronze and four gold.

Peter Costello.

08/08/2024

Glann Church celebrated its 200th anniversary last weekend. It was a great occasion with mass in the Church followed by dinner and music in Julians of Midfield. A great crowd attended both. I wrote a verse to mark the occasion. Actually I wrote 2. (the second one I will put up here in a few days). This one is called Glann Church Speaks. It is the Church telling us of its life over the 200 years. Enjoy.

Glann Church speaks
When I started reminiscing, many memories came to mind
Some were sad and some were happy, there were memories of every kind
I was born two hundred years ago, I have seen many changes in my life
I have seen great celebrations, I’ve seen struggle I’ve seen strife
I’ve seen lots of wars and famine, I’ve seen families come and go
For I am St Patrick’s Church, from Glann Co Mayo
My very earliest memory, is when I was really small
And a family by the name of English, started building my outer wall
They were excellent stone masons, from Swinford they did hail
Their work has stood the test of time, I have survived rain, sun and gale
Fr Robert Hepburne, was the first priest that was here
A lot have come and gone since then, on just how many I’m not clear
But it is Father Joe Gavaghan that we have, here with us today
And he is doing a marvelous job, I really have to say
I was only in my twenty’s, when the great famine broke out
I remember all the suffering, there was lots of pain about
So many local families, that used to visit me each week
Left their homes behind them, survival food to seek
Many didn’t make it, they starved by the road side
Others left for foreign lands, but on the way lots of them died
I witnessed lots of funerals, down through two hundred years
The floor inside my church here, has soaked many many tears
But I also had my good days, where celebrations did take place
Like christenings and marriages, where there were smiles on every face
Communions and confessions, confirmations too
Good people from all walks of life, living life as best they knew
I got to know the locals well, some came in every day
Some came in to relax and chill, while lots more came to pray
Some walked the roads and boreens, some came by horse and cart
Some came through fields and pathways, and in the mass they would take part
All genuine loyal people, that helped me when I would drift
And when I was feeling very down, they would give my heart a lift
I remember feeling very low, in nineteen twenty nine
I thought I would not make it, and that this was the end of the line
But there was a man called Roger O Hara, a large fund he did donate
And with the help of lots of locals, in a short time I felt great
Then moving on a lot of years, to the not so distant past
Again I was feeling a little down, my health was ebbing fast
But the locals got together, volunteering their time and wealth
I am so grateful for the help they gave, and I am now back to full health
Your friendship means so much to me, thanks for all you do
And my promise to each one of you, is I will be always there for you
As I celebrate my bicentenary, here on two thousand and twenty four
I look forward to serving the parish, for at least two hundred more.

Peter Costello

06/06/2024

Good morning all. As you know the election is tomorrow and make sure you go out and have your say. It will be interesting to see how it turns out and to find out how the people are thinking. I put this verse together so I hope that you enjoy.

Election 2024
Friday is the 7th of June, and it’s Election Day
So I would urge each one of you, to go out and have your say
We have got the Local election, where we can put our marker down
And choose who is going to speak for us, in our community and our town
The European elections, are also taking place
And I see a few celebrities, have entered this particular race
Big decisions come from Brussels, so Ireland needs a solid voice
Think long and hard on this one, before you make your choice
Are we happy with the last lot, will we put them back again
Or will we give the thumbs up, to new women and new men
There are lots of first time voters, that have now become of age
And they will have a big input, as we start off a new page
Our local Co Councillors, are important to us all
In most home town decisions, it is them that make the call
Go through the sitting Councillors, in your part of our land
In issues of importance, were you happy with their stand
Did they put their shoulder to the wheel, and really do their best
Ask yourselves before you vote, did they pass the test
Are they honest and trustworthy, transparent, crystal clear
They say that your gut feeling, is God whispering in your ear
If you think, they could have done more, for your area to enhance
Maybe it is time for change, and give some new face a chance
Each one of us is different, in that there is little doubt
But we live in a democracy, where the majority will win out
So when the votes are counted, and all the seats are filled
We will have disappointed candidates, while others will be thrilled
Accept the result that has been reached, and let us wish them well
They have been chosen by the people, and deserve their five year spell
Congrats to all the candidates, for throwing their hats into the ring
And best of luck to all of them, and to the future it will bring
With one stroke of our pencil, we can elect them or reject
But regardless of the end result, they all deserve respect.

13/06/2022

Absolutely delighted to have in store a new range of high quality cards by the very talented local man . All cards are designed and printed in Ireland with unique verses from the man himself. So we can hand pick one for you to accompany your bouquet. Peter is also written a book "Rhyming Through Mayo". Which can be purchased in store.

20/08/2018

A verse about the Popes visit and of how things have changed since the last visit. Enjoy

Pope Francis
The Pope is paying a visit, I’m sure you have heard by now
Creating much excitement, mingled in with the odd row
But that is only natural, depending on whom you meet
You will never get 100%, singing from the same hymn sheet
My mind it started wandering, to thirty nine years ago
When Pope John Paul the second, came on a visit to Mayo
It only seems like yesterday, that day is very clear
It was such a great occasion, and I felt the Lord was near
I walked up to Knock village, on that momentous day
And joined 300 thousand people, who had also made their way
It was really unbelievable, people came from far and near
The young and old all gathered, with pope chairs and rain gear
There were baskets, flasks and sandwiches, but there weren’t any phones
I recall seeing the odd camera, but there were certainly no drones
In ‘79 there was no divorce, and LGBTs had little right
Since then we have transformed a bit, it was time we saw the light
What a different Ireland then, the years have changed so much
The Catholic Church is dwindling now, many have lost touch
So many revelations, of cover ups and abuse
As one shock story settles in, another lights the fuse
The Church has gone through a rough time, as scandals came to light
The carpet has been lifted now, and this is only right
For so much was brushed under, in the years that have gone by
All the wrong doings and denials, for years they lived a lie
It is slowly sinking in, that some members of the band
Abused their rank and power, while heads were in the sand
There are lots of brilliant clergy, that have been caught up in this slush
They feel that they are frowned upon, all tarred with the same brush
Most people know they are genuine, but there will always be a few
That will put ‘ulterior motive’, beside everything they do
There will always be a question mark, and there always will be grief
Until hierarchy accept their flaws, and turnover a new leaf
And I think, that Pope Francis, might have just what it takes
To heal the hurt that is out there, and move on from past mistakes
He reaches out to people, and listens to their needs
It will not happen overnight, but he is sowing the seeds
And let’s hope that this visit, will herald a new start
Give us back a Church we trust in, and put love back in our heart
So let us all think positive, that the wrong doing will cease
And that we can all move forward, in harmony and peace

Peter Costello

16/08/2018

Exam results. Exams are not the most important thing you will ever do. Enjoy the verse.

Exam Results

Congrats to all you students, that are in this frenzy zone
Whether your results were high or low, you will not be on your own
I think it is worth remembering, if things didn’t go as planned
Your life is not determined, by the paper in your hand
Some folk are academic, they’re just hard wired this way
But there are many different talents, to help you earn your pay
If you look at the bigger picture, I think you might agree
You cannot judge an elephant, because he can’t climb a tree
Ants have great communication skills, yet none of them can talk
There are fish that swim the ocean, but none of them can walk
Lions can rule the jungle, but put them to the test
Against a little robin, who can build the better nest?
You would not see a golfer, trying to hit a rugby ball
So let’s be realistic, one exam does not judge all
Some of the world’s best people, be they single, husband, wife
They all achieved their great success, from the University of Life
There is a need for everyone, in this great world of ours
The architect that draws the plans, the men that build the towers
The doctors saving lives each day, the teachers in our schools
The street sweepers, the pen pusher, there are no exception to the rules
Our world renowned musicians, our sport stars chasing Sam
They are not in those positions, because of the result of an exam
So when you look at your results, accept them for what they are
Just a little milestone, in a journey that goes far
Most folk are in their teenage years, when these exams are done
Just in the spring time of their lives, their careers not yet begun
To you that have achieved your dream, and have sailed across the line
I am truly happy for you, enjoy being on cloud nine
And to those that fell a little short, this is just a tiny blot
I can tell you in a real short time, you won’t remember what you got
It’s the future that’s important, and one thing I know is true
If you have got a goal in mind, there is nothing you can’t do
So take all negativity, and throw it in the bin
Your life is just approaching, where the real world will kick in

Peter Costello
www.reasons4rhymes.com

27/05/2016

rs ago today, I flew out on the first official flight. Afast 30 years. Enjoy the verse.

Ireland West Airport Knock

That was a great occasion, October eighty five
As the engine roars above our head, brought all Mayo alive
They said it could not happen, there was not the slightest hope
But that day four hundred pilgrims, flew out to see the pope
There were buntings up and banners, and flags in every town
The work came to a standstill, and all the schools closed down
For that day we all made history, for it’s not so long ago
It was only wishful thinking, to have an Airport in Mayo
The T,D,s up in Dublin, they helped us for a start
But then they stopped the money, and they pushed it into D.A.R.T.
They made up big excuses, about the weather and the fog
And you couldn’t land a jumbo, in the middle of a bog
But Monsignor would not have it, his will it was too strong
And early on that morning, he proved the big boys wrong
When he had to raise some money, to Australia he did go
And explained to all our exiles, about our Airport in Mayo
The committee got together, and they came up with a plan
That they would run some raffles, throughout this emerald land
And more of them went worldwide, to scrape up every pound
To change this so called bog land, to what’s now a perfect ground
Well the notes they came in thousands, from our exiles far away
And each and every one of us, our own small part did play
We helped out with the raffles, and it’s pleasing just to know
That we all contributed, to our Airport in Mayo
Flights went out in eighty five, but it was the following May
That the crowds again did gather, for the official opening day
That is all of thirty years ago, it has surely stood the test
It is such a marvellous service, to have here in the west
Well things have changed a fair bit, since them past days of yore
We have lots of destinations now, and each year we are adding more
With over one hundred on the payroll, we’re expanding more each year
We bring lots of families to the sun, and bring lots of tourists here
We supply a first class service, I think you’ll all agree
You can reach your destination, for a very modest fee
Our intention for the future, is to expand and grow
And become an even bigger asset, for the west and for Mayo


Peter Costello
www.reasons4rhymes.com

25/05/2016

For the 1916 Centenary Celebration I wrote a poem which is engraved on 16 inch by 8 inch (400mmx200mm) slate or oak.

Both are native Irish material. The verse celebrates the centenary of the 1916 rising.

The verse tells the story from the rising to the present day.

The writing is a permanent fixture and they can be handed down from generation to generation. It is a lovely Patriotic memento of the centenary celebrations.

Buy online here: http://www.reasons4rhymes.com/map.html

24/05/2016

If you want a really special poem, you send me the information and I can put their life’s story in a verse.

Watch the video for a short example.

Peter Costello recites his poem in honour of Frank Harrington, 2008 Mayoman of the Year. Together with the presentation ceremony of a framed copy.

23/05/2016

WANT TO MAKE that birthday celebration even more special? Or mark a loved one’s retirement with a personalised gift they’ll treasure for the rest of their lives?

Anniversaries, graduations, successes, and achievements – I write poems that will bring joy and warmth to all of these occasions. When it comes to giving that special gift for that special occasion we have all got the same problem.

Well now I can solve that problem, with a personalised poem that will mean more to them than anything that they have ever received before. This gift will be treasured because it is unique to them. I can write poems to suit:

Check out my website for all the different options I provide:

POEMS WRITTEN TO ORDER for Anniversaries, Graduations, Successes, and Achievements: a gift that is as individual as the person that is receiving it... Please contact me for a once-off gift that will never be seen anywhere else. It will mean more than all the gold watches or cut crystal that money ca...

20/05/2016

A thought for the day.

It could be worse

We all hit on a bad day
Where darkness blocks our light
A day that’s filled with obstacles
Where nothing will go right
A day when we receive bad news
And all our hope seems gone
When we feel like throwing in the towel
It’s that hard to struggle on
That’s the day to take some time out
And open up our mind
And to spare a thought for others
That the world has left behind
Some will starve of hunger
Because their lands are parched and dry
They have no means to feed their families
So they watch their children die
Some are forced to work as slaves
A life without a choice
They come and go through this world
And they never have a voice
Some live their lives in torture
Their screams fall on deaf ears
Each morning they wake up to
Another day of tears
If all our days were bad days
And thank God that isn’t true
There are millions still would gladly swap
Their lives with me and you
Peter Costello