Fond memories of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s visit

IN a follow-up to a recent story on plans by TG4 for a series on Irish hotels and in particular memories of former staff members who worked at the Great Southern Hotel, Mulranny, now the Mulranny Park Hotel, I received information from a receptionist who worked in the hotel in the summer of 1968 when John Lennon and Yoko One stayed there, writes Tom Gillespie.

For Bridie McHanon (nee Jennings) from Pollamhaolla, Hollymount, and a native of Lissatava, Hollymount, it was a special and exciting time.

She told me: "I worked there in the summer of 1968 in reception and I did Irish dancing for John Lennon.

"I met Seamus, my husband, who worked at the hotel. We were married on September 18, 1970. Mulranny holds a special place in my heart."

Bridie and Seamus, a native of Mount Shannon, Co. Clare, and now both retired, reared a family of three - Niall married in New York, Louise married in New York, and Niamh in Drogheda. They have six grandchildren, all born in the Big Apple.

Bridie wrote the following letter, addressed to Yoko Ono, which was published in the Sunday Independent on June 25, 2017.

Dear Yoko Ono,

I have been meaning to write to you for so long. First after John Lennon was shot – the whole world loved his wonderful music.

Secondly, to jog your memory of May 3, 1968. Both of you flew into the Great Southern Hotel, Mulranny, Co. Mayo (now the Park Inn). The Beatles had purchased Dornish Island of 19 acres for the sum of £1,550, in Clew Bay.

John wanted to experience the Wild Atlantic Way surrounding that beautiful tranquil island, and wanted somewhere to provide him with isolation.

It was only a 10-minute trip by helicopter from the hotel to the island. The hotel was booked out for three days and three nights by John and you and your security staff, including Ronan O’Rahilly of Radio Caroline.

There was excitement everywhere. We all wanted to see John Lennon and Yoko Ono. After all, we were singing The Beatles hit songs on a daily basis in our place of work.

‘O Ba La Di, O B La Da’, ‘A Hard Day’s Night’, ‘Help’, ‘I Need Somebody to Love’, ‘Penny Lane’, ‘Yellow Submarine’ and ‘I’m Happy Just to Dance with You’ and, of course, ‘Hey Jude’. I worked in reception at Great Southern Hotel, along with Sal Scott, Margaret Nealis (RIP) and Pat Mannion. We wore turquoise suits with white blouses and we looked a million dollars and felt good looking out from our reception/check-in desk.

On your second night at the hotel an Irish night of traditional music was organised to impress ye. Tony Chambers from Newport played his heart out that night with toe tapping music. I danced a reel, jig, and hornpipe. I wore a green pleated skirt with a white blouse and frills on the sleeves. John Flood, our head bar man, filled some drinks for ye the guests. We lent you (Yoko Ono) a pair of flat shoes and you danced with us.

You enjoyed yourself immensely and I think I’d be right in saying that was your first taste of Ireland’s music and song. We could see it in your faces.

Next day ye were flown out to Dornish island, taking with ye some staff to serve refreshments taken out on the helicopter. On your departure we were all so sad. For those three days we were elated and on a high. Being only 22, love was in the air and image was important, with a glint in our eyes.

A bouquet of beautiful red roses was delivered to reception at John’s request for me for entertaining John Lennon with my Irish dancing.

Soon the media were on the phone, The Daily Mirror, Daily Telegraph and local papers. All wanted answers to the same questions: ’Describe the roses. What did John write?' I wish I kept his handwriting on that card and everything associated with that historic visit to the Great Southern Hotel.

A few years ago I visited John’s 'Imagine' project in Strawberry Beds, Central Park, New York City. I sat on one of the benches looking up at the apartment where you and John lived prior to his assassination.

I sang again to myself ‘She Loves You, Yea, Yea, Yea’ and I was 22 again and back in Mulranny, reminiscing about that time in my life and how lucky I was to have met John Lennon and yourself in person and learnt so many of the Beatles songs. Every time I hear John Lennon singing ‘Imagine’ a tear comes to my eyes as he was special. And so I sing 'Let It Be’.

Thanks for the memories.