Coonagh Airfield

by

© Joseph Hennessy

Down wind leg into Coonagh,

Two eight looks long and wide,

No problem landing there,

I can take it in my stride.

On base it's not as long or wide,

As it was when I did choose to decide,

To come and meet the group down there,

Who operate all over Clare.

Turning final on to, two eight,

The length or width is not all that great.

Cleared number one is just grand,

While those on the ground stand to watch me land.

Approaching fast is that strip,

Oh Jesus, it's coming at an awful clip,

Missed approach I contemplate,

And have those on the ground with a look berate.

Grabbing the plate for the length to check,

It falls to the floor, oh what the heck,

It's not as long as they insist,

No doubt it was measured when they were pissed.

It's coming up fast what will I do,

In front of that Coonagh motley crew.

Over the threshold I feel for the ground

But for my life cannot hear the sound,

Of screeching rubber as wheels go around.

Finally feeling the land I seek,

With a sigh of relief I no longer feel meek,

And like a veteran stand on the brakes,

Making me feel I’m in line with the greats,

Such as Kearney, Fincher, Cusack, Pratt,

Toppin, Creagh and others like that.

Landing at Coonagh is like landing at sea,

Where a Carrier's deck, looks big when you see,

While into wind she can turn,

Which saves having rubber to burn,

So's you can make the first left turn,

And with bloated chest then disembark,

Saying, " I landed here just for the lark."

June 91

Coonagh, a small private airfield, located near Limerick in Ireland, was opened in the late '40's and operated by the Shannon Aero Club. The field was owned by the late Arthur George Toppin, affectionately known as the " Colonel", [ to put him on a par with the man, considered as his counterpart at Shannon Airport]. He financed the Club for the most part. After his demise various groups operated out of there. In 1963 the Limerick Flying Club became active there. Alan Bramson wrote, that if one mastered Coonagh, a carrier would not present a problem.

Coonagh Airfield.

(Fifty years later )

31 August 1947 / 31 August 1997

by

© Joseph Hennessy

Well Holy God 'twill be fifty years,

Since Darby arrived with his two Raphides,

To open the field, they would use for flying,

Which they found out later, was indeed low lying.

For many's a time Shannon's waters,

Flooded the place, just like a saucer,

And instead of for fishing, they used their boats,

Retrieving planes who did not have floats.

But despite it all, they continued to fly,

And continued to drain, 'til the place was dry.

Would you believe, what was nought but green,

Now boasts a strip, long and lean,

Memorable characters flew from this field,

And impressive pilots this place did yield.

As all were trained, not to be bold,

Resulting in which, all grew old.

Designating one would indeed be unfair.

For all its pilots this privilege do share,

Since to solo from Coonagh, was indeed a highlight,

And landing back there, proved a man was a pilot.