Of the past we have only our memories time does become everyone’s foe
My thoughts take me back many Seasons to half of a century ago
When Annabell Reen was All Ireland singing Champion the beautiful teenager with hair of dark brown
That grew in ringlets to her shoulders she was the Pride of Millstreet Town
Her voice sweet as the clear crystal waters that bubbles up in Tubrid Well
In Millstreet we honoured our Irish Singing Champion the beautiful young Annabell
But she did remain unconceited her renown she took in her stride
To have our own champion songstress in Millstreet to us then was a sense of pride
The years seem to come and go quickly on looking back the Seasons of time
The then later to become Mrs O Sullivan was six or seven years from her life’s prime
Far beyond the borders of Duhallow she was loved and famous and known
And it was with great pride in Millstreet that we claimed her as one of our own
In Millstreet great changes are occuring at least that is what i am told
But like every other ageing Millstreet migrant my memories are of days of old
And old memories do have a long life they seem to remain evergreen
Many things from the past remain with us like the sweet singing voice of Annabell Reen
As Mrs O Sullivan she resigned from singing Millstreet’s loss became Cullen’s gain
When of the past i’m visualizing she sings on Radio Eireann again
Till the Reaper does call time on my life old memories with me will remain
Of the Millstreet where i grew into manhood the mental pictures i’ll retain.
What a lovely poem about a lady who is beautiful on the outside as well as the inside. She not only shares her talents with her family and friends in Ireland but also with her cousins in America during all sorts of occassions. May she continue sharing her gifts for a very long time. We love you Annabelle!!!!
Our lives are so full that we have Annabelle in our lives.
I was fortunate to have been in Annabelle’s class at school so grew up taking her voice for granted. I only wish now that there were a CD available with the traditional Irish song which she sang for the Gael-Linn competition which she won. I could then buy it and play it for all my friends and say that she was, and still is, my friend.
Thanks for sharing your poem about Annabelle. She is truly multi-talented and many have enjoyed her music and song. As her brother-in-law, I can say she is tops.
Tim O’Sullivan
Enjoyed reading your poem that recalls the wonderful excitement of Annabelle Reen capturing the All-Ireland medal. Even to this day there is no one like her. She is my special friend.
Kay O’Sullivan
My nana is good
She’s absolutely brilliant
Fantastic
My nana is super amazing
When I was a teenager in Florida (U.S.) for a brief time Annabelle Reen and I were pen pals. We were introduced by a parish priest, Father O’Hare, who served at the church I attended. If this is the Reen family of Millstreet, whose father had a pharmacy, I hope she is still well. We are both about 80 years old now and I still remember being excited to see the envelope in my mailbox, from that sweet young friend.
Lucille Sarbeck Ruga
Lucille…Annabelle has made contact with us here on our Millstreet website and is so delighted to read your wonderful message shared on http://www.millstreet.ie. I shall share your email address (if ok with your good self) with Annabelle and you will both then be able to renew the important original contact. A very Happy Easter to All.