Petals by Paraig

Over on my other blog, I have updated several garden articles.

Here's the link Petals by Paraig

Faith of our Fathers: West Waterford Bus Tour

August 12th, 2016: Our bus tour began in Dungarvan at the Park Hotel.

Kay nee Hurley McCann, Michael's mom and Anthony Hurley "Tony", Michael's uncle, had visited these places in the past. We were actually walking and touring our Irish family heritage trail. We were viewing and visiting the Irish hills and valleys and lovely rivers and streams which our ancestors walked and crossed "long ago".

Knock boy Cemetery: First stop was Knockboy Cemetery were Michael McCann's ancestors are buried. This church was built around 1700s. The ruins of the church is still standing. The thatched roof is gone. Local people perhaps worshipped here for centuries before these ruins were built. There are Ogham stones in the church building. (Look up Ogham stones of Ireland. Google says "the earliest inscriptions in Ogham date to about the the century AD.") One Ogham stone was standing in the corner of the church. I saw two Ogham stones in the construction. One Ogham stone was the support for the door we entered.

Fourmilewater Church: Helena nee Walsh Burke and her sister Noirin nee Walsh Kelly welcomed us and explained how they practiced their faith here. This church is where Johanna Walsh, Michael McCann's great grand mother and his great grand father Michael Hurley were married on February 21, 1871. (Most likely Michael McCann was named after him.) From 1830s and 1840s Johanna Walsh and her siblings were baptized in this church. She was born three miles away in the farm house in Barrranshinane, Ballymacarbry, County Waterford. For the last 150 years, Walsh and Hallinan family members are now buried in the Fourmilewater Church grave yard. They are our family. (Marriage certificate of Great grandmother Johanna Walsh says, Patrick Walsh is father of Johanna and Maurice Hurley is the father of Michael and both fathers are deceased. Their profession on the certificate is "farmer".)

Barranashinane, Ballymacarbry: Our third stop was the farm house and farm yard of Johanna Walsh where Patrick Walsh met us all. Here in late 1840s Johanna Walsh was born. The Walsh family have farmed here for over two hundred years. They presently farm dairy cows and dry stock.

Aughavolimane, Ballinamult, County Tipperary: Our fourth stop was to meet Theresa Hallinan and her niece Katie Hallinan at the restored 250 year old home where they served us cupcakes and drinks and we were able to use the bathroom. Theresa gave us a warm welcome and a tour of her property and explained the history of the house and family. Theresa and Katie are cousins because "long ago" Walsh women married Hallinan men. Theresa showed us her old home fully restored. (Her brother Bernard Hallinan just "down the road" farms dairy cows and dry stock. Bernard was at the Mass and reception in Lawlors Hotel, Dungarvan.)

We then traveled across the picturesque Knockmealdown Mountains of County Waterford to Mount Melleray Abbey. Where the Trappists monks have lived since 1835. From time to time, The Walsh, Hallinan and Hurley families went to Sunday Mass at the monastery. The Abbey was a spiritual center of the area. My grandmother Mary Hurley , at 24 years of age, consulted a monk in 1899 to see if she should leave home and sail of America. She did leave home.

Lismore, County Waterford. On the bus, we passed by the large Lismore Castle were Kathleen Kennedy, John F. Kennedy's sister, once lived with her husband. She died in a plane accident.

After lovely lunch in Lismore, we drove to St. Mary's Abbey, Glencairin, County Waterford to visit the grave of Sister Imelda Power, who was a relative of our Hurley family. However, the Abbess Mother Mary would only allow a few members of our bus group to enter in the cemetery and visit Sister Imelda's grave. We all visited the lovely chapel of the monastery. (Sister Imelda lived for twenty years in Saint Mary's Abbey, Wrentham, Massachusetts before returning to Ireland.)

The final stop of our bus tour was Killishal, Cappagh where the Shine family prepared a marvelous reception and we celebrated our heritage for some time. Where Michael McCann's grandfather Anthony Hurley in 1880 and my grandmother Mary Hurley in 1875 were born and raised. Years ago there was an old mill with a thatch roof which ground barley, corn and wheat. Anthony Hurley ran the old mill until he left home, Killishal for Boston Massachusetts in 1913. (Dick Lincoln wrote a piece entitled, "Killishal Mill and the Key". I read the story to the bus tour crowd.) Anthony's father was Michael Hurley and his mother was Johanna Walsh from Barranashinane. Michael Hurley's father Maurice Hurley married Mary Cashin around 1830 whose family owned this farm which today raises sheep and dry cattle. Today our cousin James Shine with help from his brother Robert run the family farm. We had a wonderful celebration with Shines in Anthony Hurley's old home stead which is 250 years old. It was once a thatch house.

Ballinameela Church: On Saturday, we celebrated my 50th of ordination and Maureen and John Dolan 50th wedding anniversary at Saint James Church, Ballinameela. Outside the church door is the large Hurley Family grave. Johanna nee Walsh Hurley, Michael Hurley, great grandparents and their descendants are buried in that grave. Other family members such as Maureen, Sham Shine and their son James are buried behind the church. In this church our ancestors have worshipped for nearly two hundred years.

A plaque on the Saint James Church outside wall testifies that Cathaldus was born near this church on townland of Canty. He evangelized the area of Taranto, Italy in 650 A.D. And he became archbishop and is buried in the cathedral of Taranto. He is venerated as Saint Cathaldus, an Irish Saint from Canty. He fouls be a relative too!!!

Fr. Leo

Link to Ballinameela Graves on Historicgraves.ie

Link to Hurley grave in Ballinameela


Return to Main story: Fr. Leo's Golden Jubilee

Mystery Bus Tour

The day had finally arrived! 12th August 2016. This was the day we were going to meet Fr. Leo and all the American cousins.

What would they be like? Would they really be interested in visiting graveyards, churches, monasteries, convents and old houses? What would we do if it rained all day and all the windows of the bus fogged up? Would there be enough food and drink for everybody?

Well there was no need to worry….all went well from beginning to end and a memorable day was enjoyed by one and all.

We met Hurleys, McCanns, Dolans, McCarthys and Ciampas/Sheas. It was difficult to remember names at first but it was clear that they knew each other well and enjoyed meeting up. Everybody was in the mood for a good day out and with Fr. Leo coordinating everything it was easy to relax and have fun. The children were amazing – no moaning about being bored or complaining – they were just super!

The party boarded the bus at The Park Hotel, wearing their green “Family Reunion” t shirts which had been especially commissioned for the occasion. The sky was grey and rain seemed likely but miraculously the day brightened and many enjoyed the stroll down to Knockboy Graveyard where The Walsh ancestors are buried. We explored the remains of the old church there and were amazed to see an Ogham stone within its walls.

Next stop was Fourmilewater church and graveyard. Here Helena told us about The Walsh and The Fitzpatrick connections. The concept of The Mass Rock was explained and how deeply the people of the area valued their faith and traditions.

Now we were travelling through a maze of narrow roads to bring us to Barrashinaun, the townsland Johanna Walsh (Fr. Leo’s greatgrandmother) left to move to Killishal when she married Michael Hurley in the 1870's.

Everybody was charmed by the old world cottage in Aughavoulivaun. There were stunning views of the mountains from each window so all the cameras were out. While cupcakes and lemonade were being enjoyed, Therese explained how people used to cook over the open turf fire using the fire machine.

Though our time schedule had gone out the window at this stage the bus brought us through the Knockmealdown mountains where the sheep continued grazing oblivious to us as we headed for Mount Melleray. There was also a convoy of four cars as some members of the group stated they were bad travellers and I am sure they enjoyed telling their friends back home in USA what it was like to drive on the wrong side of these narrow roads!

Food was next on the agenda so a stop at The Spire in Lismore was appreciated. The owner actually closed the restaurant to facilitate the group! Some ate upstairs while others preferred to sit downstairs or outdoors in the garden.

Sister Kathleen and Sister Máire greeted us in Glencairn and made us all feel very welcome. Fr Leo and Sister Kathleen said a prayer at Sr. Imelda Power’s grave and chatted about colleagues both had met while carrying out their missionary work while others visited the beautiful church.

Everybody boarded the bus once more for the final leg of the journey – Killishal.

It was from this house that Fr. Leo’s grandmother Mary Hurley emigrated in 1900 to be followed by her younger brother Anthony. It was then we all realised how much history is attached to the house and the mill. If only the walls could talk and tell us some more of the family history! Refreshments were enjoyed by all and the familiar banter began between all the cousins now – both Irish and American. Fr. Leo had completed the circle; bringing back the Hurleys, Sheas, McCanns, Dolans and McCarthys to visit their ancestral home. You have united us Fr. Leo and helped us to forge new links with new generations. The ancestors must be very pleased and we are very grateful to you for organising this wonderful celebration for us.

Fr. Leo has added his personal account of the day here.

Return to Main story: Fr. Leo's Golden Jubilee

Golden Jubilee of Fr. Leo Shea

Fr. Leo Shea was ordained in New York in June 1966, and fifty years later he returned to Ireland to celebrate his Golden Jubilee. A ton load of advance planning came to fruition in August 2016 as 41 of Leo's relations from the United States arrived to celebrate with their Irish cousins. For some, it was their first visit to their ancestral base in counties Limerick and Waterford.

Here in County Waterford, the occasion kicked off with the Magical Mystery Bus Tour on Friday, 12th of August. It was an emotional rollercoaster for many, rolling back the years through Knockboy, Barrnashinane, Fourmilewater, Melleray, Glencairn, Lismore and Killishal. Family history jumped out over every ditch, townland and homestead. Stories told brought this history alive.

Later that evening a social gathering at The Local in Dungarvan provided an opportunity to continue these stories. Many of the cousins from Killishal joined with them to the background of wonderful Irish music. I think that I would not be doing an injustice to the music by mentioning that it really was not the focus of the evening, because our American cousins really just wanted to meet with us, share their stories and hear ours. Of particular interest was the fact that the younger generations met for the very first time, and ensured that the Hurley History would continue, for the first time via social media.

Ballinameela Church, Saturday 13th August 2016

On Saturday, 13th August, a very special mass was celebrated in Ballinameela church to mark Leo's 50 years. Very special also was that his sister Maureen and her husband John celebrated their Golden Jubilee on that very day. Once again, the Irish cousins arrived from all corners of West Waterford and beyond to be together with their cousins from across the Atlantic.

Later, everyone retired to Lawlors hotel in Dungarvan for a celebratory meal and reception. Traditional music was provided by "Glothach", and an evening of cultural exchange followed until midnight. Many of the over 30's retired after a long day, whereas for others the nightclub scene in Dungarvan was the scene of the after-party.

"We arrived at Lawlors Hotel earlier than expected and there was nowhere to go but the bar. Not a problem for this crew. Soon the room was filled with smiling faces and the din of many warm conversations. Then Father Leo arrived - the man of the hour. While the ties of blood and marriage connected us, it was Father Leo who united us. Over the course of the reunion, I heard this sentiment echoed by all. As such, a sense of gratitude for the unerring direction of our cousin's "compass" pervaded the gathering. 

The crowd drifted into the banquet hall and the Irish family began to show their American relatives how to celebrate Irish style. The family gamely overcame the afternoon's disappointment on the hurling pitch, and joined in song and dance. From the Shines' broom dance to the musical multi-talented Walshes to those memorable waltz lessons, it was an evening to remember. And, lest we forget, how about that American rendition of "When Irish Eyes are Smiling?" (Actually, it might be best if we do forget that). But the thought was a good one, and perhaps the song provides the best description of the Americans' feelings upon meeting their warm and welcoming Irish relatives: "When Irish hearts are happy / All the world seems bright and gay / And when Irish eyes are smiling / Sure, they steal your heart away." 

Some family history

To be updated asap...

Killishal and The Mill c. 1898

Johanna Walsh (Christmas 1900)

Mary Hurley Shea

Mementos of Weekend

Names of US Cousins in Attendance

• Fr. Leo Shea
• Maureen Dolan
• John Dolan
• to be completed asap

Links to other weekend family stories:

• The Mill Key
• Bus Tour Friday
• Fr. Leo's account of the West Waterford Experience
• Link to online digital archive: Hurley grave, Ballinameela. Thanks to Eddie Cantwell
• Photographs Saturday August 13th, 2016

Garden 2016

Flickr Garden 2016

The Mill Key

The mill at Killishal, (also spelt Killeeshal in the ordnance survey maps, grid reference X 192 956 ); was in existence from 1800 onwards. The mill probably predates that time. Earliest memories say, it was known as Maura Cashin’s Mill. Maurice Hurley, a farmer from Canty, married Mary Cashin, and they worked the mill. They were the parents of Michael Hurley (1829 – 1888). His grave stone is outside Ballinameela Church, facing the main entrance. The mill was fed by a stream known as the Douglas River. This stream was augmented by a water supply from the Finisk River. A man-made channel was dug via the lakes just one km north west of the mill site (north of N72 road). This canal has since fallen into disrepair.

The mill ground wheat, barley and oats for farmers, within a ten miles radius. The grain was roasted and also milled. The charge included payment of money, and a gift of ‘moonshine’, (‘one gallon of mountain dew, 190 proof’).  Anthony Hurley (1882 – 1969), (son of Michael), of Revere, Mass. USA, left a hand written description and sketch of the mill. In this, he describes the operation and billing system.  He stopped working there in 1910, and left for the USA, in about 1913. Milling ceased in Killishal in 1915.  There was a fire in the mill, and also the management of it (collection of monies owed, etc) was not the best.

In the mid 1950’s, during a visit to Killishal, to see the Shines, Dick Lincoln (great grandson of Michael Hurley 1829-1888), found the key to the mill, within its ruins. Sham Shine (the then owner of the mill) said, ‘keep the key’. Dick cleaned and painted it, and hung it on the wall at home in Tig Álainn, Ardmore.  Anthony Hurley, on a return visit to Ireland in about 1965, saw the key, and was excited at the find. Was it the key to the mill in Killishal?

He described cutting the hole (or gash) in the key, as a young man. He cut it so as to fashion it into a gun. Many pigeons gathered near the mill, to scavenge for loose grain.  During long periods of tending to the kiln fire roasting the grains, he shot the pigeons, and roasted them on the kiln fire, for eating. He described stuffing the key with gunpowder, and filling the front open-end with lead shot. He then lit a match to the hole he had cut in the key; and bang! a dead pigeon.

The key travelled to USA for about five years, so that Anthony could show it to his old friends there. Then his son Tony returned the key safely back to Ireland, as promised, following Anthony senior’s death.  

The key measures 14.5cm long. The internal barrel is 1.5cm in diameter. The internal depth of the barrel is 6.5cm. It weighs 190 grams.

as reported by Dick Lincoln Aug 2016. Picture to follow

Coming Out: I can't Update My Name Right Now

It's time. I've had this post in the back of my mind for the past twenty-nine years, and now the time is right. Time for me to put on paper my long regret, in order for me to move forward.

I refer to who I am, deep down. Who am I? In short, I am Pat Burke. Since 1985, I have used the Irish version of my name. I like the Irish language; in fact, I like it very much! However, the reason behind my decision at the time is filled with confusion, and as the years rolled by I continued to be haunted.

Journey back with me, please. I had been teaching in Dublin since 1978, using my given name, Pat Burke. Mr. Burke. I started my second teaching job in West Waterford in October 1985. . A strange thing happened on the day I was signing my contract. A certain local priest, who shall remain name nameless, visited my home. As I was ready to sign the agreement, he mentioned that he had a favour to ask. He said that he would like it very much if I were to use the Irish version of my name, Pádraig de Búrca. Now, it needs to be said that I applied for the job as Pat burke, and I was informed in writing that I was successful. The letter is in my name, Pat Burke. I feel certain that he was flying a kite; that this suggestion came from him alone, and was not in any way associated with the Board of Management of the school.
Fast thinking time...and to my regret I agreed. I felt really that my choices were limited. In 1985 Catholic Ireland, what the priest wanted he usually got! So, I started 22 years teaching in West Waterford as Pádraig de Búrca. Immediately, I discovered that I was in reality two persons! My parents and family knew me as nothing other than Pat. In fact, all of my schoolboy fiends did likewise! I was a schizophrenic! Monday to Friday at work I was Pádraig, and everywhere else I was Pat. Shortly afterwards, in order to rectify the situation, I changed my name officially to the Irish version. Within months, Pádarig de Búrca was on all my correspondence, and as I began to integrate back into Dungarvan life, I became known as such. Many many people became very confused.
I joined the Dungarvan Badminton Club as Pádraig, met my future wife as Pádraig, and as the years again rolled on I joined Dungarvan Cycling Club as Pádraig. Understandably, the transition was a difficult one for my parents, siblings, cousins and school friends.
Interestingly, my wife and I adopted a slight variation. I did not like Pádraig, as it has a very rough gutteral sound (for anyone unfamiliar with the language the phonetic pronunciation is "paw-drig"). The d in the middle really bugged me, and so we used Páraig (paw-rig) at home! More split personality issues now.

In or about 2010, my family brought up the anomalies with me, and I was glad that they did. I was happy once again to be called Pat by my mam, and my brothers and sisters (dad had passed on). Some had a tough time getting used to the initial change, and equally found it easier just to stick with Pádraig. Some rowed in with my Páraig variation , while some were more comfortable with Pat. Today, Mam calls me Páraig, as does Maire and Ber and Elaine. Ray calls me Pádraig, and Michele calls me Pat. Micheál calls me sham, but if pushed to decide, he'd likely go with the majority. My nephews and nieces are completely confused.

So, let me put this to bed. I have long-standing regrets about my 1985 choice. My name is Pat Burke, always was, and always will be. The Irish version of my name really is not me. So, what happens now?

Realistically, I am not going to change my name back again. I know so many people through teaching, friendships and local involvement with several clubs and organisations that it would be very impractical. My darling wife calls me Páraig, and this I like almost as a term of endearment as it originated only between both of us. I have several close friends who call me Páraig, and this too pleases me. I am 100% more comfortable with Páraig as opposed to Pádraig. But, the time is right for me to be called Pat by my family. Full circle....in fact, several interconnected loops...

Footnote: I started using Facebook in 2010. Since then I've used so many variations that even Facebook itself is at its' wits end: Pádraig de Búrca, Pat Pádraig Burke, Pádraig Pat Burke, Pat Burke, Paddy Burke (don't know how I thought that up!) and currently Páraig Pat Burke. and a lovely story to finish: I joined Tried & Tested Triathlon Club, using my official Pádraig de Búrca  title. The club uses Facebook for messaging. When a member of the committee met me recently, she mentioned that she does not know what to call me, and was sure that my Christian name was Páraig Pat, as in persons using two Christian names e.g Paddy Joe or Mary Ann (should that be Mary Anne, I wonder?). I appreciated her curiosity, and confirmed that Páraig is my favourite name. Earlier today, I tried to edit my name on Facebook to "Páraig de Búrca" and use "Pat Burke as a nickname, and here is the error message that came up: "You can't update your name right now because you've already changed it too many times. Facebook is a community where people use their real identities. We require everyone to provide their real names, so you always know who you're connecting with. This helps keep our community safe." I wonder perhaps would it make a difference if I were to email / share this with Mr. Z. Perhaps I'll launch a campaign to force FB to allow more than six name-changes, without undermining safety issues! I think ten would be an acceptable number.

If you were able to follow all of that, I'd love to hear your slant on it! If you are completely muddled, that's understandable.

An Tobar Ardmore 5

Race number 4 in the Ger Wyley Sports/Skins West Waterford AC Summer Series took place in Ardmore last night, Friday May 23rd at 8pm. I took a lift up with Tom & Ray, and had a good pre-race warmup.

Mile 1: slightly downhill. I felt ok, and settled in to a nice rhythm with Kate Organ and Catherine Condon. Time 8:12

Mile 2: Going through the village, I felt the effort to stay with them too much, and they opened a gap of about 30 metres. Time: 8:39

Mile 3: I knew that this one was going to be slower as there was quite a long uphill section. I was happy to take it very easy for about 500metres before the hill, and when I got there, I pushed really hard. I was a bit surprised that I did have strength in legs to push uphill, and by the top I had closed the long gap to 10 metres. Time: 9:29

Mile 4: when I got back with both ladies, we settled in to a nice pace and kept it going. Time: 8:37

Mile 5: Just at the corner, I pushed on a little and again. I knew that there was a short tricky hill coming up. I pushed really hard again here, and even though I faded a bit on the last half mile, I was focused and able to catch three runners ahead of me by the time I got to the village. The last 100 metre sprint was a really hard effort, one that gave me great satisfaction. Time: 8:01

Overall, I am very happy with my running. In January I was at 47 minutes for the Kilmac 5, and I had very little stamina. three weeks ago in Portlaw I ran 43:21 for 5 miles, but the first mile was on a steep downhill course so it really was not a true time. Tonight, for the first time this year, I realised that my training  is paying off.

Touraneena 5k next week, and it will be interesting to get back to the shorter distance.

Photographs courtesy of Dave Coleman / John Coleman

Endurance Challenge 2068

I'm sitting in the car at Ballyduff Lower soccer club grounds, near Waterford My nephew Gary is training with the Waterford Development Squad and I've a bit of time to kill.So its my chance to do an Endurance Challenge 2068 update. The event takes place over 22 days in August and when you read what's involved it will give you that gasp factor!Here goes: 120km swim of the river Shannon, 4 marathons (one in each province) and 1780km of biking taking in each of the 32 counties. This is truly the triathlon endurance event of the year! A small number will participate in the entire programme

I will be going to the start line in Armagh for the three-day Tour of Ulster section. This comprises over 470km in the saddle as the expected 350 cyclists travel to Derry on day 1, down to Enniskillen on day 2, and returning to Armagh on the final day.
Online sponsorship charity page is up and running (two, in fact): MyCharity.ie and JustGiving, and I want to take this chance to thank those who have sponsored me already. Go raibh míle maith agaibh!

I've had several requests to include payment via Paypal. This is a very simple option if you have a PayPal account. simply send a donation of your choice to pmm5pla@gmail.com Some funds have been donated here already. Again, my sincere thanks. I intend updating my charity pages when I get a chance later.

Finally, for now, why not take the opportunity to follow my blogging for this event? Simply insert your email address on the homepage to get instant updates; or check back here whenever you want.

I'm off now to watch the rest of the training session.

Sponsorship card arrived today from head office.

Aquathon: Tried & Tested Club

I think I'm gonna lay an egg

Giro d'Italia comes to Dublin

Report to follow...

I made it to the Irish Times. Check it out. Watch for the Pink Wig at 28 seconds in!

Portlaw, Pieta, Clonea & Giro d'Italia

In the space of just over twelve hours, I've completed a trio of important firsts, and I feel that this deserves a blog post! Firstly, at 7.30pm yesterday (Friday 9th) I ran the Portlaw 5, went to the Dungarvan Darkness into Light walk at 4am, and finished it all off with an invigorating swim in Clonea to baptise my new wetsuit. In between, I grabbed a few hours shut-eye, and several hours good sound sleep after midday! 

The Portlaw 5 mile event was very well organised. Very thoughtfully, the organisers Carrick AC had us running downhill for the first mile, and this contributed in no small way to my PB time 43:55, beating my previous best by nearly two minutes. However, I am going to give myself some credit for this, as I gave it socks all the way round, finishing well satisfied with my efforts.Then, onwards home in very heavy rain after delicious food & coffee provided by the organisers. My goal now is to lose about ten pounds in an all-out assault on a possible season best in July or August. I'm taking bets on 42:00, to complete my first full season running.

I arrived home to further heavy rain and got a few hours sleep (interrupted by a mini-dream of running 41:00 later in the summer). On then to event two: my family & friends descended on St. Augustine's College for the 2014 Darkness into Light walk at 3:30am, and to listen to Conor Cusack speak about the importance of seeking help when one's mental and emotional state requires it. Help is out there, quite often from a close friend or family member; but it is important to take the brave step of unmasking and being somewhat vulnerable. Furthermore, Conor  spoke of the duty we have to be aware of the small signs that a friend or acquaintance is trying to reach out for help, and perhaps just on the verge of being unable to so so. And then we walked the 5k route back to Abbeyside, returning along the beautiful Deise Greenway to Barnawee and a cup of hot coffee at Duckspool. The dawn had come, and ready we were to face a new day! I felt the great solidarity that comes with being part of something so important, something bigger than myself, a symbolic gesture of commitment to the aims of Pieta House and those persons who my need to avail of the help they provide. I am conscious that I am not immune from such a situation, as should we all. For tonight, I was grateful to be able to lend my moral support to this wonderful cause, so much so that when I arrived home just after 6am I resolved to write about it and share my thoughts. It is this sharing of thoughts and words that is helping to lessen considerably the stigma once associated with suicide and mental illness here in Ireland. In this respect many thousands of people and several good organisations are to the forefront in encouraging a cultural sea-change. I'm thinking specifically of the Cycle Against Suicide group who are nearing the end of the massive 14-day, 1400km circuit of Ireland, speaking to teenagers at every stop along the way. Shoulder to Shoulder...

Two down, one to go. So, after a further few short hours of sleep, I embarked upon my first sea-swim with Tried & Tested Triathlon Club at Clonea. Blustery conditions awaited us for our dip at 10:30am, but in no way lessened our enjoyment of the time in the waves. There was very little swimming, because of the rough conditions, but I succeeded in baptising my new wet-suit, and had lots of fun in the process.

Home. Food. Sleep. Feet up. Tomorrow the Giro d'Italia arrives in Dublin and I have every intention of being there with my pink wig!

Footnote: Yes, the pink wig got another outing as the Giro d'Italia came to Dublin.

Feet stuck to the road

Picture copyright @FriaryCollege

I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples

.Mother Teresa

Neverending...

Again, it's been quite a while...

Tasks today included powerwashing the driveway and washing floors. Washing floors is a first for me after 25 and a bit years! Quite proud of myself, even if I am a slow learner!

Picture from2012, last time I tackled this job.

Getting there

Gorgeous mild November Sunday morning. Temperature actually got to 13c, but at 9am as I headed off for my pre-ride warmup, it was still quite nice at about 8 or 9.

This was my second week with group 2, and I was really happy with it. The route was really lumpy, with a tough till at the mid-point where I really did suffer! However, the rest of the spin was very enjoyable. Of course, I had to work harder than usual because of the faster pace, but i'm pleased to say that I'm able for it. 

I had run 10 miles on Thursday, rested well until today, and obviously was well-recovered. Important too was my decision to drink lots of water last night!

Here's the link to the spin, my first 30kmph since early august. Group of 13.

http://app.strava.com/activities/95652387

I decided also to do a thirty-minute warmdown after the spin, bringing the bike-time to approx. four hours in all. 

The Colligan

Walking towards Dungarvan on the Causeway this morning, I noticed beautiful new signs erected by Dungarvan Town Council at either end of Devonshire Bridge. They replace the older brown river signs.

Crystal Palace Win Promotion to the Premiership

From the Crystal Palace website:

A Kevin Phillips penalty in extra-time was enough for Crystal Palace to be promoted to the Premier League after they saw off the challenge of Watford in the Championship Play-Off Final by a single goal.
At the start of the season promotion seemed like a pipe-dream to even the most optimistic Eagles fan but Ian Holloway delivered the ultimate prize of Championship action after a nerve-wracking 120 minutes at Wembley.
Just like the classic cup-finals of the past, the two sides emerged onto a pristine Wembley pitch basked in sunshine to a rapturous welcome with the Eagles fans creating a carnival-like atmosphere thanks to hundreds of red and blue balloons which bobbed around their half of the stadium in the early stages.
However the 15 minutes was a cagey affair with neither side managing to test the goalkeepers but Palace suffered an early blow when Kagisho Dikgacoi picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Stuart O'Keefe.
Soon after though the lightning pace and trickery of Wilfired Zaha came to the fore. On 20 minutes he ghosted past Nathaniel Chalobah and cut the ball back into the path of Owen Garvan but he saw his attempt blocked by Lloyd Doyley.
Opportunities to shoot had eluded the Hornets until the 33rd minutes when a slick passing move allowed Matej Vydra a sight of goal, but he was thwarted by a magnificent sliding tackle by Damien Delaney.
Indeed it wasn't until deep into the first-half when a shot finally headed towards goal but Ikechi Anya's drive flew well over from 25 yards when a corner was cleared to him as a first 45 filled with tension but not much action drew to a close.
The second half was a much more open encounter and Chalobah shanked a shot wide before Aaron Wilbraham used his chest to control the ball in the box and hit a strike on the turn but again Palace saw an attempt at goal blocked.
However the big striker had a great chance to put his side in the lead when he broke onto a loose ball after an Owen Garvan tackle in midfield and did well to put Manuel Almunia on his backside but that allowed Joel Ekstrand to get back and get in the away of his shot.
Palace continued to carve out opportunities and had three fantastic chances within 60 seconds. Firstly a great run from Zaha set up O'Keefe whose drive from just inside the box was saved by Almunia, and then when the resulting corner was lofted back into the six yard box it somehow found its way to Wilbraham who again tested Almunia. From that corner Danny Gabbidon found himself unmarked at the back post but couldn't control the ball and the opportunity went begging.
The Eagles were dictating play and Garvan saw an effort bounce wide after a swift counter-attack and the same player saw a half-volley head straight towards Almunia after a knock-down from substitute Kevin Phillips with 10 minutes remaining.
Four minutes later and Wilbraham could have sealed promotion when he was one-on-one with the Watford keeper but hit the ball straight at him and at the other end Troy Deeney saw a couple of mis-cued efforts go well wide of the target.
In injury-time Palace again pressed and created a couple of opportunities when Zaha again got down the left and saw an effort deflect into the side-netting, and from Andre Moritz's corner Mile Jedinak headed towards goal but it was caught by the diving Almunia as the game went into extra-time.
Only two minutes into the allotted 30 Julian Speroni had to be at his best to claw the ball away from the feet of Deeney a couple of yards from his line and Cristian Battocchio could only find the Argentinian custodian with a blast from 25 yards.
However in the final seconds on the first half Zaha broke into the area and a tired-looking tackle from Marco Cassetti tripped the winger, and Martin Atkinson was fully justified in pointing to the spot. Phillips stepped up to fire the ball into the top corner and give his side the advantage against his first professional club.
The second half saw the Hornets throw players forward in an attempt to rescue their promotion dreams and Anya saw a free-kick comfortably collected by Speroni and Abdi missed the target with an attempted curler, but in the final minute Joel Ward headed off the line after a shot from Fernando Forestieri and Deeney saw a deflected shot trickle wide as the Eagles booked their place in the Premier League next season.

Palace: Speroni, Ward, Gabbidon, Delaney, Moxey, Jedinak, Dikgacoi (O'Keefe 18), Garvan (Moritz 84), Williams (Phillips 66), Zaha, Wilbraham. Subs not used: Price, Richards, Ramage, Bolasie.
Watford: Almunia; Doyley, Ekstrand, Cassetti; Anya (Forestieri 86), Chalobah (Battocchio 74), Hogg, Abdi, Pudil; Deeney, Vydra (Geijo 46). Subs not used: Bond, Hall, Briggs, Yeates.

The winning goal by 39-year-old Kevin Phillips from the penalty spot

From the RTE News / Sports website: 

Kevin Phillips grabbed the golden goal to fire Crystal Palace into the Barclays Premier League with a 1-0 win and end his play-off final hoodoo. he evergreen striker, who turns 40 in the summer, kept his nerve to blast in an extra-time penalty and dash his former club Watford's dreams of promotion. It was a special moment for Phillips, who had lost all three of his previous play-off finals. It was special too for Manchester United-bound Wilfried Zaha, the young winger who signed off as a Palace player by winning the penalty and ensuring they will join him in the top flight next season. Special too for manager Ian Holloway, whose Blackpool side were beaten by West Ham in last year's final, and who has been the fiercest critic of Watford's controversial use of loan players. And it was special for Palace chairman Steve Parish and his co-owners, who saved the club from going bust three years ago and can now look forward to a windfall in the region of £120million.

Those high stakes seemed to overwhelm Watford, whose key performers this season simply did not show up at Wembley. The Championship's player of the year Matej Vydra, one of the 10 players Watford borrowed from sister clubs in Italy and Spain, endured a miserable first half and limped off at half-time. Instead it was Zaha who caught the eye throughout, and he lured Marco Cassetti into the clumsy lunge which ultimately settled the match in the 104th minute. The 20-year-old, Alex Ferguson's final signing for United, created Palace's only chance of the first half with a scintillating run down the right, leaving Nathaniel Chalobah and Cassetti chasing shadows before pulling the ball back to Owen Garvan, whose shot was blocked.

Watford, the top scorers in the Championship this season, were strangely subdued and caused few alarms in the Palace penalty area. Troy Deeney crossed to no one when he should have shot, before Vydra was denied by a superb last-ditch tackle from Damien Delaney on the edge of the area. Chelsea loanee Chalobah, with his prospective new boss Jose Mourinho in the stands, fizzed a low cross into the box but no one could get a touch.

Injuries did not help the flow of the game either - Palace midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi succumbed to a calf problem early on and Vydra spent most of the first half limping around forlornly before failing to emerge for the second. It took almost an hour for the first shot on target to be registered, and Alex Geijo's grasscutter did not pose Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni any problems. Palace did create a clear opening moments later but unfortunately it fell to Aaron Wilbraham, the player filling the void left by injured top scorer Glenn Murray and with one goal to his name all season. The striker did not look confident as he bore down on goal and, having opted to turn back inside rather than shoot early, the opportunity disappeared.

But the game was at last opening up, and Zaha went on another mazy run before playing in Stuart O'Keefe, whose shot was saved by Manuel Almunia. The corner fell to Wilbraham, with Almunia blocking again, before Danny Gabbidon's poor touch in front of a gaping goal from another corner left the defender with his head in his hands. Almunia, having spent the first half as a virtual spectator, was now keeping his side in the match with fine saves from Garvan, Wilbraham and Mile Jedinak.

In extra-time it was Speroni who was forced into action to claw the ball from underneath Deeney as he chased Almen Abdi's cross. But the breakthrough came when Cassetti, by now dizzy having been twisted and turned by Zaha yet again, brought the winger down in the area. Referee Martin Atkinson pointed to the spot and Phillips crashed the penalty high into the net. The drama did not end there with Joel Ward clearing Fernando Forestieri's shot off the line in stoppage time.

But it was Zaha, Phillips and Holloway who were celebrating moments later as the Eagles secured their return to the top flight after an eight-year absence.

Tour de Conamara 2013

Wet, but very enjoyable event in Clifden yesterday. Route & details

Buncrana

More to follow...

God Is Not Where You Think He Is

There once was a little boy who wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six-pack of root beer, and he started on his journey. When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old woman. She was sitting in the park, staring atsome pigeons. The boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase.

He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old lady looked hungry, so he offered her a Twinkie. She gratefully accepted it and smiled at him.

Her smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered her a root beer. Once again, she smiled at him. The boy was delighted. They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, yet they never said a word.

As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave. Before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old woman and gave her a hug. She gave him her biggest smile ever.

When the boy opened the door to his own home a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, “What did you do today that madeyou so happy?” He replied, “I had lunch with God.” But before his mother could respond, he added, “You know what? She’s got the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen!”

Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy, returned to her home. Her neighbor was stunned by the look of peace on her face, andshe asked, “What did you do today that made you so happy?” She replied, “I ate Twinkies in the park with God.” But before her neighbor responded,she added, 

“You know, he’s much younger than I expected.”

Will someone see God in your smile or kind deeds? Maybe they’re not even looking for God, but may see Him in the kindness you show. Isn’t that what we’re here for? It might be a stranger, someone you work with, a family member or friend. Let them see God in you. Show His love in all you do today.”