'Father Ted' has nothing on reality - Irishman donates bucket as memorial for Pope’s visit

Posted on Friday, April 27, 2012 at 06:28 AM

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John Joe McCarthy with his bucket (Photo: Denis Boyle)

Did you ever see the episode about the guy who keeps a bucket for 30 years and creates a memorial to the Pope? Oh no, wait this is reality.

The South Star reported that John Joe McCarthy, a Limerick pensioner, has mounted a plastic 12-inch high bucket on marble, and plans to present it to his former school as a memorial to Pope John Paul II’s visit to Ireland 30 years ago.

McCarthy told the paper “I used the bucket to carry my provisions for the day – my lunch, my camera and my binoculars.” He also used the bucket as a step to steal some choice shots of the Pope passing by.

He now plans to make a presentation of the bucket, along with a note, to the Ahiohill National School.

“I originally wanted to have an inscription put on the bucket, but because it is made of plastic this could not be done. Instead I have written out the background to the story and laminated it. I also have a marble slab on which to display the bucket.”

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sirpeter | Apr 27, 2012, 11:28 AM EDT

Weirdo!!

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StRoibard | Apr 27, 2012, 11:24 AM EDT

Well now, I can understand the gentleman's fondness for his memories of that event and perhaps even his attachment to the physical connection to it, but I'm afraid his gift and the sentiment attached might not be appreciated the way he hopes. Perhaps he should have just kept it for himself and his heirs and shared his story with friends. Sad chance he'll be hurt by the lack of understanding.

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