On Saturday 29 February, Bull McCabes Pub and Restaurant on the Airport Road in Cork City, was filled to capacity for the Parish Men’s Breakfast.

A full Bull McCabe’s Pub in Cork for the Douglas Union with Frankfield Men’s Breakfast at the start of Lent.

This year more than 90 men, in some cases several generations of the same family, enjoyed a meal together. The guest speaker was Harold Kingston, a farmer from Courtmacsherry in West Cork, who is also Munster Regional Chair of the Irish Farmers’ Association and an active member of his parish. In his talk Harold spoke about the joys and challenges of farming in the current environment. Drawing on the Parable of the Talents, he saw himself as having to pass on his land, which he works to derive an income, to the next generation having maximised its potential in a sustainable way. He reminded everyone of the importance of talking when things are difficult and seeking the help that is there in the community, rather than carrying burdens alone. He referred to the support he receives from his Christian faith and from his local parish and community.

Archdeacon Adrian Wilkinson, Rector of Douglas Union with Frankfield, with guest speaker, Harold Kingston. at the Men’s Breakfast.

While many listening to him in Douglas are not engaged in farming, his words resonated with everyone present. After the event, in a comment on social media, one parishioner summed up the thoughts of many when he wrote:

Thank you for your sincere and thoughtful words this morning.

One of the groups from Douglas Union with Frankfield at the Men’s Breakfast in Bull McCabe’s Cork