Three treasured years with you in Herbert House,
carrying us up to and through the long shadow of Covid‑19.
Fr Flannery, I remember you rising before dawn,
awake by 5 a.m., faithfully tending to the bins—
a quiet sermon in humble service,
living the Lord’s call to be least, and servant of all.
Your unique car—both automatic and manual—
gifted generously to Herbert House and the Society,
still remains a symbol of your simplicity and heart.
Fr Frank Smith, none was ever so positive,
so unfailingly affirming of me as you were.
When I worked in the garden,
you would appear with a coke in hand—
a small “commercial break,” a warm chat,
a moment to re‑energize both body and spirit.
We younger and middle‑aged ones,
our passion for music rivaled only by our love of football—
so many nicknames earned from that shared fire.
My heart leapt when I learned, recently and joyfully,
that you, Fr Flannery, were a fine footballer
in your youthful, lively days.
And Fr Frank—ever the image of freedom—on his motorbike.
Bravo to you both;
long live the memories we forged together—
of music, of sport, of kindness, mission,
and the camaraderie that bound us.
If there are drinks in heaven,
or lawns awaiting a careful hand,
or football fields ready for play—
I’ll see you there.
Adieu.
Emmanuel Mbeh
