Dear Madam, I waken up and shout “hurray!” Looked forward to this special day Impartial’s in the shops again I start the car, and down the lane I join the crowd all buzzing round The papers aisle in Fivemiletown To glean the news from round about They’ve got it covered I’ve no doubt It’s well spent money that’s a fact The seventy pages neatly packed An education when it’s read Less pricey than a loaf of bread The paper celebrates one hundred ninety Years of news around the county And read by millions over time Five generations of them mine A lot has changed throughout the years New media now with lesser fears I still prefer the feel of paper I cut bits out and file them later Return to home, the kettle’s on I’m sitting down with buttered scone I quickly scan the paper through It really is a wholesome stew Events are covered big and small They get some column one and all The latest quote from those in places Making news with public faces So whether deaths or births or screen Hold your attention will be seen Or maybe nothing of the sort You’re mesmerized by who’s in court The price of cattle in the mart Jobs, views, and how to make a tart Are covered with the business bit The letters page will make you sit The photographs they catch a second Of sporting prowess we all reckon And pictures of the lovely smiles Of those who are out ‘on the tiles’ I like the bit on looking back To see my mother’s childhood track And then I’ll reach it by and by Fermanagh spake I’ll have a try.

So happy birthday to you all And many more I hope will fall May Thursdays always be the day I waken up and shout “hurray!” Yours faithfully, Andrew Barrett Garlaw Cottage, Screeby Road, Fivemiletown Dear Madam, I waken up and shout “hurray!” Looked forward to this special day Impartial’s in the shops again I start the car, and down the lane I join the crowd all buzzing round The papers aisle in Fivemiletown To glean the news from round about They’ve got it covered I’ve no doubt It’s well spent money that’s a fact The seventy pages neatly packed An education when it’s read Less pricey than a loaf of bread The paper celebrates one hundred ninety Years of news around the county And read by millions over time Five generations of them mine A lot has changed throughout the years New media now with lesser fears I still prefer the feel of paper I cut bits out and file them later Return to home, the kettle’s on I’m sitting down with buttered scone I quickly scan the paper through It really is a wholesome stew Events are covered big and small They get some column one and all The latest quote from those in places Making news with public faces So whether deaths or births or screen Hold your attention will be seen Or maybe nothing of the sort You’re mesmerized by who’s in court The price of cattle in the mart Jobs, views, and how to make a tart Are covered with the business bit The letters page will make you sit The photographs they catch a second Of sporting prowess we all reckon And pictures of the lovely smiles Of those who are out ‘on the tiles’ I like the bit on looking back To see my mother’s childhood track And then I’ll reach it by and by Fermanagh spake I’ll have a try.

So happy birthday to you all And many more I hope will fall May Thursdays always be the day I waken up and shout “hurray!” Yours faithfully, Andrew Barrett Garlaw Cottage, Screeby Road, Fivemiletown