10-08-2018, 02:20 PM
9258
Re: Leisurely Scribbles (part 5)
Norra lorra people know that we had a talking lion in Dublin Zoo back in the 50’s, yes Frank was his name and he was a great attraction and asset to the Zoo.
That was a time in Ireland when the church practically ran the country and it wasn’t long before the archbishop heard about Frank the talking lion, his first question was to know if Frank was a catholic or a protestant, he assumed he was catholic and he instructed the parish priest in the Phenix Park district to go and hear Franks confession.
Now Frank was not only popular with the public, all the Lionesses in the Zoo were crazy about him too, it was no wonder he was badly in need of penance.
When father O’Dea arrived at the Zoo it was closed and an attendant at the gate directed him to the managers office, a Michael Murphy at that time. The manager explained to the priest that all was not lost and not to forget that Frank was a talking lion who had several telephones installed in his enclosure, he could hear his confession over the wire. Good idea said the priest and he rang the number Murphy gave him.
Frank’s keeper answered the call.
“ Hello, Frank the talking lions keeper here, what can I do for you?”
“I’m father O’dea the local parish priest, Could you let me talk to Frank please, i’d like to hear his confession?”
“I’m very sorry father, but he’s on another lion at the moment”