From Westminster Abbey to Westmeath: meet Clochfada, the crossword compiler
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The mystery man who has been compiling the Westmeath Examiner’s crosswords for the past three years is not a native of this area at all.
In fact ‘Clochfada’ is not even Irish, being a native of Solihull in the UK; and he has no Irish ancestry. He moved to Ireland six years ago to take up a job in Dublin, and within a year, made the move to Mullingar. Something to do with a woman, of course.
That he’s not even an Irishman may come as something of a surprise to fans of our crosswords, who will regularly find the answers to his clues can be placenames of Westmeath; businesses or personalities from Mullingar, or sports heroes from the GAA fields.
Niall Horan, Joe Dolan, Niall Breslin, Conor Quinn, John Joe Nevin are among the local names that have featured in the crosswords composed by “Clochfada” – a nom de plume that gives a hint at the real name of the crossword compiler who now calls Mullingar “home”, and who declares he loves living here.
So who is Clochfada, and how did he end up compiling crosswords?
In summary, he’s an IT professional, a deadly Scrabble player, a talented pianist, and an avid cricket follower.
Not just that, but he spent his childhood living in Westminster Abbey:
“Following in the footsteps of my grandfather, who sang there in the 1920s, I became a chorister at Westminster Abbey, which meant I lived and went to school in the grounds of the Abbey,” he explains.
This meant meeting notable figures such the Queen of England a number of times, playing football in the garden of Lambeth Palace (the Archbishop of Canterbury’s house); and singing before all the big names from English political and church life.
“It was a wonderful experience, and as well as getting a great education in music, with some of Britain’s greatest classical musicians as tutors, we got to sing at most of the major ceremonies at the Abbey, and in fact, we were chosen as singers of the soundtrack for the film ‘Amadeus’,” he says.
His love of crosswords is another link to his grandfather.
“When I was young boy, my granddad and I used to complete The Telegraph simple crossword during lunchtimes, and I’ve always loved Scrabble and word puzzles.
“It was when I moved to Ireland, and discovered the Irish Times ‘Crosaire’ cryptic crosswords that I became a cryptic fan, although at first I found when it was an answer that related to something specifically Irish, I would find it difficult.
“For example, ‘Achill’, was often an answer – and my Irish geography wasn’t strong at the time, although I’ve since been to Achill several times.”
While Achill has its attractions, Clochfada is more of a Kerry enthusiast, and whenever he gets the chance, he holidays there – still faithfully emailing up his crossword to the editor of the Westmeath Examiner.
“I love Ireland: the people are so friendly – when you’re out walking, everyone nods or says hello; everyone has time for each other; the roads aren’t as busy, the trains are better; the scenery is spectacular. I’ve walked most of the Westmeath Way, and I’d love to see more walking routes opened up – especially around the lakes; although the Canal routes have greatly improved recently.”
Starting within a matter of weeks, a prize is being offered for the weekly crossword in the Westmeath Examiner, Clochfada will be making his crossword a little bit more cryptic.
“We’ve all to keep those cogs working!” he laughs.