This is a test case, 2-5-2015
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Congrats to Merideth and Aaron!!!!
Merideth announced her pregnancy on the trip and now have a beautiful baby girl, Madeline! Congrats to both of them!!!!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Thank you!!!!
A big thanks to the following:
Tiny Tours - Kris and Jack Redden - Thanks for another wonderful trip!!!! There was countless hours of hard work and planning put into this trip and we can't thank you enough!!!
Mannings - especially Tom O'Brian - Thanks for keeping us safe through the travels of Ireland!!! We really appreciate the history and tidbits given about the places we visited!
Woodlands - especially the Fitzgerald family - Another pleasant stay at the hotel. You made us feel at home once again!!To everyone on the trip!! Thanks for everyone's patience and good humor! This is what makes a large group trip like this fun!!
So, Tiny, again in 5 years??? :)
Limericks
There once were two men from Limerick
One named Tom and the other named Mick
They took us on tour
And they were never a bore
But our trip ended way too quick
On the bus with Tiny we sat
Frank and Tom would have a fun chat
It was called Tiny’s Tours
Cruising Ireland’s shores
Tiny thanks for the awesome hat.
Our touring group went to Killarny
The next day we’re off to old Blarney
Some folks kissed the stone
While others ate scones
And the men drank like the Simpson's, Barney
There once was a woman named Kris
Who is a fine Polish miss
In her cute little bag
There’s a book she did flag
And oh! How we are thankful for this
All my Euros, Dollars, and cent are spent
We do not know where it all went
Jewelry for my ear
The price is so clear
With shopping they all have been spent
There was a young boy named Ron
His turtle he gave to his mom
He rode on a bike
The Cliffs he did hike
To Ireland they will have gone
There once was a man named O’Brian
He had a heart as big as a lion
He was known for his crack
Not the one on his back
His theme was to not stop trying
Black and white puddings, eggs and beans
Passing the valley’s and fields of green
With dots on the sheep
And Matty fast asleep
In ten days most of Ireland was seen.
We traveled the roads of Erin
One of our stops was the Burren
We climbed on the rocks
And drank at Red Fox
And at the Woodlands we turned in
From Dublin City to the Giants Causeway
With stops in Donegal, Knock, and Galway
Cong, Burrens, and the Cliffs
The Ring and Killarney not missed
And Kinsale, the Rock, we did it our way
There once was a girl from old Derry
Who moved down to Blarney to marry
She kissed the old stone
And took a boy home
With all the germs she could carry
Because birds can’t fly on one wing
At Red Fox we found a sure thing
With James and or Bailey
We drank almost daily
So now we have more than one wing
There once was a man named Jack
For energy he did not lack
We went across the pond
For this we are so fond
Hey Tiny! When will we come back?
There’s a man in Killarny named Mick
Who pledged his love to Beck
He called her Ducky Duck
But he was out of luck
With Michael in the States she will stick
We traveled the land of Eire
With a driver who wasn’t for hire
With a crack in the windshield
While traveling through the field
Frank made him want to retire
There once was a lass pale and purty
Who dreaded the day she’d turn thirty
But she needn’t grump
‘Bout her birthday slump
In Ireland all ages are flirty!
“Sound of Music” did drift in the air
On the road from Killarney to Clare
Please Julie, please stop!
Once more and we’ll pop!
Oh, thank Jesus, we’re back in Adare
For eight days Tom, he drove our bus
But one day big Mick was with us
With these guys at the wheel
We could certainly feel
Much safer than if it was one of us
Whilst tooling around Galway Bay
And touring West Ireland all day
The Burrens on the tour
And the dark Cliffs of Moher
As the bus goes a-bumping away
A large rowdy group from New York
Did travel from Dublin to Cork
They drove all around
Through city and town
Spending Euros on Guinness and Port
In fair Galway City, one day
A pedicab stopped by the Quay
Some men, three in all
Bob, Tiny, and Paul
Scared that frail Irish Colleen away
While listening to “The Sound of Music”
I thought that some list’ners would get sick
Of hearing the tunes
That Ms. Andrews croons
In that old classic, well, ‘chick flick’
In Ireland I wanted to go shop
But prices they just made my eyes pop
So tanked has the dollar
Desire I did swaller
To buy crystal, a sweater, or a harp
While touring the Emerald Isle
I noticed that many a smile
On faces would creep
Despite lack of sleep
I hoe that they linger awhile
A transportation engineer named Tom
Drove our bus as we relaxed nice and calm
From coast to coast
He was our host
In the hood he’d be named ‘The Bomb’
The wheels on the bus go round and round
With Frank on the bus we had stereo sound
Robbie can sing
The girls got a ring
Sadly tomorrow we’re homeward bound
You should give up cause its over
There is too much weight on your shoulders
You should quit if you can
Cause you’re not a strong man
Better off finding a clover
Most Humorous
It happened at Becky’s Hen Party
None of the girls were tardy
We all bought our glasses
And sat on our Asses
And we drank our Bailey’s hearty
Most Humorous
The Driver was an old fogey
He stepped out to have a stogie
Frank said without tact
“Hey your windshield is cracked”
It must have been hit by a bogey
Most Humorous
Some went on a Jaunty Cart tour
Despite what Tom said it did pour
We got soaking wet
And you better bet
We’d take his advice nevermore
Encapsulates the Trip
In Ireland we traveled each field
The coach not once had to yield
We ate some great food
And discovered new sights
Even with a crack in the shield!
Most Bus Related
Thomas was driving the bus
But Frank was concerned about us
“The windscreen is cracked!”
“Good God I know that”
“Sit down and stop making a fuss!”
Best Overall
There once was a tour guide named Tiny
His smile was as big as his hiney
He had a big bus
For all forty-nine of us
And the weather was mostly shiny
Booby Prize
Beaman Campell Filippone Swider Britton
Goetze Hogan Ross Ivacic Toughy Gleeson
Howard Quigley Slawek Kato
Redden Ryan Kovacs Basso
Salazar Schneider Bruno Zlotkowski Swanson
One named Tom and the other named Mick
They took us on tour
And they were never a bore
But our trip ended way too quick
On the bus with Tiny we sat
Frank and Tom would have a fun chat
It was called Tiny’s Tours
Cruising Ireland’s shores
Tiny thanks for the awesome hat.
Our touring group went to Killarny
The next day we’re off to old Blarney
Some folks kissed the stone
While others ate scones
And the men drank like the Simpson's, Barney
There once was a woman named Kris
Who is a fine Polish miss
In her cute little bag
There’s a book she did flag
And oh! How we are thankful for this
All my Euros, Dollars, and cent are spent
We do not know where it all went
Jewelry for my ear
The price is so clear
With shopping they all have been spent
There was a young boy named Ron
His turtle he gave to his mom
He rode on a bike
The Cliffs he did hike
To Ireland they will have gone
There once was a man named O’Brian
He had a heart as big as a lion
He was known for his crack
Not the one on his back
His theme was to not stop trying
Black and white puddings, eggs and beans
Passing the valley’s and fields of green
With dots on the sheep
And Matty fast asleep
In ten days most of Ireland was seen.
We traveled the roads of Erin
One of our stops was the Burren
We climbed on the rocks
And drank at Red Fox
And at the Woodlands we turned in
From Dublin City to the Giants Causeway
With stops in Donegal, Knock, and Galway
Cong, Burrens, and the Cliffs
The Ring and Killarney not missed
And Kinsale, the Rock, we did it our way
There once was a girl from old Derry
Who moved down to Blarney to marry
She kissed the old stone
And took a boy home
With all the germs she could carry
Because birds can’t fly on one wing
At Red Fox we found a sure thing
With James and or Bailey
We drank almost daily
So now we have more than one wing
There once was a man named Jack
For energy he did not lack
We went across the pond
For this we are so fond
Hey Tiny! When will we come back?
There’s a man in Killarny named Mick
Who pledged his love to Beck
He called her Ducky Duck
But he was out of luck
With Michael in the States she will stick
We traveled the land of Eire
With a driver who wasn’t for hire
With a crack in the windshield
While traveling through the field
Frank made him want to retire
There once was a lass pale and purty
Who dreaded the day she’d turn thirty
But she needn’t grump
‘Bout her birthday slump
In Ireland all ages are flirty!
“Sound of Music” did drift in the air
On the road from Killarney to Clare
Please Julie, please stop!
Once more and we’ll pop!
Oh, thank Jesus, we’re back in Adare
For eight days Tom, he drove our bus
But one day big Mick was with us
With these guys at the wheel
We could certainly feel
Much safer than if it was one of us
Whilst tooling around Galway Bay
And touring West Ireland all day
The Burrens on the tour
And the dark Cliffs of Moher
As the bus goes a-bumping away
A large rowdy group from New York
Did travel from Dublin to Cork
They drove all around
Through city and town
Spending Euros on Guinness and Port
In fair Galway City, one day
A pedicab stopped by the Quay
Some men, three in all
Bob, Tiny, and Paul
Scared that frail Irish Colleen away
While listening to “The Sound of Music”
I thought that some list’ners would get sick
Of hearing the tunes
That Ms. Andrews croons
In that old classic, well, ‘chick flick’
In Ireland I wanted to go shop
But prices they just made my eyes pop
So tanked has the dollar
Desire I did swaller
To buy crystal, a sweater, or a harp
While touring the Emerald Isle
I noticed that many a smile
On faces would creep
Despite lack of sleep
I hoe that they linger awhile
A transportation engineer named Tom
Drove our bus as we relaxed nice and calm
From coast to coast
He was our host
In the hood he’d be named ‘The Bomb’
The wheels on the bus go round and round
With Frank on the bus we had stereo sound
Robbie can sing
The girls got a ring
Sadly tomorrow we’re homeward bound
Winners!
Most PoignantYou should give up cause its over
There is too much weight on your shoulders
You should quit if you can
Cause you’re not a strong man
Better off finding a clover
Most Humorous
It happened at Becky’s Hen Party
None of the girls were tardy
We all bought our glasses
And sat on our Asses
And we drank our Bailey’s hearty
Most Humorous
The Driver was an old fogey
He stepped out to have a stogie
Frank said without tact
“Hey your windshield is cracked”
It must have been hit by a bogey
Most Humorous
Some went on a Jaunty Cart tour
Despite what Tom said it did pour
We got soaking wet
And you better bet
We’d take his advice nevermore
Encapsulates the Trip
In Ireland we traveled each field
The coach not once had to yield
We ate some great food
And discovered new sights
Even with a crack in the shield!
Most Bus Related
Thomas was driving the bus
But Frank was concerned about us
“The windscreen is cracked!”
“Good God I know that”
“Sit down and stop making a fuss!”
Best Overall
There once was a tour guide named Tiny
His smile was as big as his hiney
He had a big bus
For all forty-nine of us
And the weather was mostly shiny
Booby Prize
Beaman Campell Filippone Swider Britton
Goetze Hogan Ross Ivacic Toughy Gleeson
Howard Quigley Slawek Kato
Redden Ryan Kovacs Basso
Salazar Schneider Bruno Zlotkowski Swanson
From Kris and Jack to all
O Ireland we may never be back
Without you our lives may be black
We’ve made some new friends
Our tour is at end
Thanks to all from Kris and ‘Tiny’ Jack
Without you our lives may be black
We’ve made some new friends
Our tour is at end
Thanks to all from Kris and ‘Tiny’ Jack
Sunday
Sunday was the day for departure from the Woodlands and Ireland. An early start for the Swansons as their flight was 7:30. The rest of the group loaded up at 7:00 and we were on our way to the airport. We sang for the last time
Don't Give Up Till it's Over:
Don't give up till it's over, don't quit if you can
The weight on your shoulder will make you a stronger man
Grasp your nettle tightly, though it will burn
Treat your failures lightly, your luck is bound to turn
Look at the autumn flowers how they wither and fade
With nature's hidden powers, next year they'll be re-made
Watch the full moon rising, like a ghost of the sun
Oh, dawn will be more surprising, when a new day has begun
For those looking for the song, here is a video on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTmFXnWAy4w
Tom also sang the Irish National Anthem in both Irish and English. We left off the singing with the US National Anthem.
We thanked Tom and Mannings for making sure we had safe journey's throughout all of Ireland. Tom did make one final request for us to leave the loose change for him so he can donate it to the cancer fund in Ireland in memory of his brother who lost his bout with cancer 2 years ago.
It was then off to the Duty Free shop. The credit cards were burning again as there was a 10% discount for using an American credit card or USD.
We did see our American Soldiers at the Shannon airport. They were getting ready to ship off to Iraq. Godspeed and good luck was wished upon them.
The East coast group then departed first off to JFK and then the Kato/Slawek/Salazar group then went off on Aer Lingus to Chicago. This entry is being written now at JFK as the Phoenix Kato's will embark on their second 24 hour up days. We will land in Phoenix at 7:00 PM Phoenix Time (3:00 AM Ireland Time).
Don't Give Up Till it's Over:
Don't give up till it's over, don't quit if you can
The weight on your shoulder will make you a stronger man
Grasp your nettle tightly, though it will burn
Treat your failures lightly, your luck is bound to turn
Look at the autumn flowers how they wither and fade
With nature's hidden powers, next year they'll be re-made
Watch the full moon rising, like a ghost of the sun
Oh, dawn will be more surprising, when a new day has begun
For those looking for the song, here is a video on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTmFXnWAy4w
Tom also sang the Irish National Anthem in both Irish and English. We left off the singing with the US National Anthem.
We thanked Tom and Mannings for making sure we had safe journey's throughout all of Ireland. Tom did make one final request for us to leave the loose change for him so he can donate it to the cancer fund in Ireland in memory of his brother who lost his bout with cancer 2 years ago.
It was then off to the Duty Free shop. The credit cards were burning again as there was a 10% discount for using an American credit card or USD.
We did see our American Soldiers at the Shannon airport. They were getting ready to ship off to Iraq. Godspeed and good luck was wished upon them.
The East coast group then departed first off to JFK and then the Kato/Slawek/Salazar group then went off on Aer Lingus to Chicago. This entry is being written now at JFK as the Phoenix Kato's will embark on their second 24 hour up days. We will land in Phoenix at 7:00 PM Phoenix Time (3:00 AM Ireland Time).
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Friday
The day started off a bit chilly for the group photo. It's now on to Kinsale and Blarney.
The town before Kinsale was where Henry Ford was born. Kinsale is a quaint boating town. Lot's of small shops and hilly roads. Everyone split up for a couple hours to get a bite to eat and enjoy the atmosphere.
It was then off to Blarney Castle. A few went up to the Castle to kiss the stone, while others went shopping. There is a trail next to the castle called Witches Trail which leads to the witches stone.
While in Blarney Woolen Mills, a few credit cards were burning through the credit card machines. Tom opened the bottom of the bus to put the excessive bags!
We then went back to the hotel after a false stop in Adare. We enjoyed a nice private dinner in a private room because there was a wedding going on.
The younger crowd decided to take a trip into Limerick and hit the pubs. They went to Nancy's, Flannery's Bar, and Smythes. Matt had to use the toilet and decided to visit the ladies room first.
The older crowd decided to throw Becky a small Hen Party. A few bottles of Bailey's was flowing as well as a few Limericks.
The town before Kinsale was where Henry Ford was born. Kinsale is a quaint boating town. Lot's of small shops and hilly roads. Everyone split up for a couple hours to get a bite to eat and enjoy the atmosphere.
It was then off to Blarney Castle. A few went up to the Castle to kiss the stone, while others went shopping. There is a trail next to the castle called Witches Trail which leads to the witches stone.
While in Blarney Woolen Mills, a few credit cards were burning through the credit card machines. Tom opened the bottom of the bus to put the excessive bags!
We then went back to the hotel after a false stop in Adare. We enjoyed a nice private dinner in a private room because there was a wedding going on.
The younger crowd decided to take a trip into Limerick and hit the pubs. They went to Nancy's, Flannery's Bar, and Smythes. Matt had to use the toilet and decided to visit the ladies room first.
The older crowd decided to throw Becky a small Hen Party. A few bottles of Bailey's was flowing as well as a few Limericks.
Saturday
A small group of us when went to The Rock of Cashell. The castle was known as the Castle of Kings. Brian Boru once sat here. After a while, the king didn't want to live there anymore and then donated it to the church. It then became the place where the bishops lived. The other group hung around the hotel for a bit recovering from the previous night.
Saturday night was hopping again at the Woodlands - 2 soccer teams, 2 birthday parties and another wedding reception.
As we were waiting for our dinners, we had our Limerick contest. So, the teachers of the group proposed a few nights before that we come up with Limericks. There were 5 categories that were judged including most poignant, bus trip, Ireland, humorous, and general (?). There were over 30 entries posted. There will be a separate post with all the Limericks.
(Geri, please type them in word and email to me!!! )
We called it a fairly early evening since we had to get up early. Plus, the pub and reception area was very crowded.
Saturday night was hopping again at the Woodlands - 2 soccer teams, 2 birthday parties and another wedding reception.
As we were waiting for our dinners, we had our Limerick contest. So, the teachers of the group proposed a few nights before that we come up with Limericks. There were 5 categories that were judged including most poignant, bus trip, Ireland, humorous, and general (?). There were over 30 entries posted. There will be a separate post with all the Limericks.
(Geri, please type them in word and email to me!!! )
We called it a fairly early evening since we had to get up early. Plus, the pub and reception area was very crowded.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Thursday
Thursday was an early day with the Ring of Kerry and Kilarney. A few stayed back at the hotel, of course, Tom K to golf with George, and others due to spa and fatigue.
There were a few stops on the Ring including the Red Fox Inn and others.
Golf started out good and ended wet.
The dinner was again very good and afterwards was Karaoke night.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Wednesday
The day started off with the Irish mist. We also were informed we had a new driver for the day, Mick. I guess Tom's been working a bit too hard and needs a 24 hour break from driving the bus. Everything works out good since Mannings is based in Limerick. So, Tom will join up with us on Thursday.
Mick has set the ground rules stating that he has been known for evicting people off the bus. For some reason, Frank has been very quiet on this leg of the trip.
We're off to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burrens. We first stop off at the Burrens. The mist has cleared and it's another beautiful day. Lot's of rocks. And snails. There are a bunch of people quickly up the rocks. Once you go over from the street view, the rocks are amazing.
We then go to the Cliffs of Moher. A few things have changed since we were there last.
First, there are what we call Matt Signs: No climbing over the wall and going to the edge. They also opened up a visitor room that has a video explaining a bit more about the area.
The cliffs are very deceiving from a distance until you look out and see the birds. Once you see them flying around and guage their distance to the water, you know how far up the cliffs are.
Christine decided to try sliding down the hill, but found out it was a bit muddy. Then there were a bunch of people romping around the fields. Supposedly, they were looking for 4 leaf clovers, but we found out after that they had a few drinks before. Somehow, they managed to find some 5 leaf clovers...
Mick was kind of hurt that they felt the need to search for 4 leaf clovers for good luck. He thought they were searching because of his driving. Low and behold, on the way out, we were within inches of running over some street workers.
We then headed out to Ennis and took a short shopping break to get snacks for the next 4 nights. And liquor.
We are now headed to the hotel for our home for the next 4 nights. Everyone is excited to finally get to unpack the bags an air out the dirty laundry from the clean laundry.
As we pass through Limerick, a few Limerick's start coming out. We now see what Tom the driver meant when he said the crane has replaced the harp as the national symbol of Ireland.
Once at the hotel, we settled in. Dinner was at 7:00, which was the best meal we've had since we've arrived in Ireland. A nice 4 course dinner, which was too filling!!
It was a brief nightcap as we are preparing for the Ring of Kerry and Killarney tomorrow. A group was playing that good old Irish game of The Simpsons Uno.
Mick has set the ground rules stating that he has been known for evicting people off the bus. For some reason, Frank has been very quiet on this leg of the trip.
We're off to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burrens. We first stop off at the Burrens. The mist has cleared and it's another beautiful day. Lot's of rocks. And snails. There are a bunch of people quickly up the rocks. Once you go over from the street view, the rocks are amazing.
We then go to the Cliffs of Moher. A few things have changed since we were there last.
First, there are what we call Matt Signs: No climbing over the wall and going to the edge. They also opened up a visitor room that has a video explaining a bit more about the area.
The cliffs are very deceiving from a distance until you look out and see the birds. Once you see them flying around and guage their distance to the water, you know how far up the cliffs are.
Christine decided to try sliding down the hill, but found out it was a bit muddy. Then there were a bunch of people romping around the fields. Supposedly, they were looking for 4 leaf clovers, but we found out after that they had a few drinks before. Somehow, they managed to find some 5 leaf clovers...
Mick was kind of hurt that they felt the need to search for 4 leaf clovers for good luck. He thought they were searching because of his driving. Low and behold, on the way out, we were within inches of running over some street workers.
We then headed out to Ennis and took a short shopping break to get snacks for the next 4 nights. And liquor.
We are now headed to the hotel for our home for the next 4 nights. Everyone is excited to finally get to unpack the bags an air out the dirty laundry from the clean laundry.
As we pass through Limerick, a few Limerick's start coming out. We now see what Tom the driver meant when he said the crane has replaced the harp as the national symbol of Ireland.
Once at the hotel, we settled in. Dinner was at 7:00, which was the best meal we've had since we've arrived in Ireland. A nice 4 course dinner, which was too filling!!
It was a brief nightcap as we are preparing for the Ring of Kerry and Killarney tomorrow. A group was playing that good old Irish game of The Simpsons Uno.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Tuesday
The day start with 18 people going to Connemara Marble and Celtic Crystal. Connemara Marble is famous for it's green marble. The marble is over 600 million years old! They also have black marble which has some fossils in it. They also mine amethyst. All now are used in jewlery and other small tchackies' now but in the past was used in some cathedrals and the Philadelphia Legislature building. They are now controlling the mining to make the marble last. 
Celtic Crystal is known for it's design on the crystal. Their masters must have degrees in art design and then go through a 7 year apprenticeship before becoming a master.
Some of the group went to Corrib Princess Cruise up the Loch Corrib river. Oops, sorry, Loccccccccccchhhhhhhhhhhh. And could you believe the front of the boat had a cracked windsheild????
It was a 60 minute guided boat ride that went past some ruins of castles. There also was rowing teams and a swimmer in the river.
Everyone was on thier own for dinner again.
Celtic Crystal is known for it's design on the crystal. Their masters must have degrees in art design and then go through a 7 year apprenticeship before becoming a master.
Even then, they have to do another 2 years before doing colored vases.
Blue is Cobalt
Red is copper
Green is zinc.
Purple is a trade secret!!!
After that, McTiger got dropped off at Galway Bay Golf Course. Unfortunately it was Ladies only day there, so he took a quick cab ride to Bherma Golf Course, which ended up being a better course anyway! A bit windy, but happy with an 83.
Some of the group went to Corrib Princess Cruise up the Loch Corrib river. Oops, sorry, Loccccccccccchhhhhhhhhhhh. And could you believe the front of the boat had a cracked windsheild????
It was a 60 minute guided boat ride that went past some ruins of castles. There also was rowing teams and a swimmer in the river.
Everyone was on thier own for dinner again.
A bunch of people met up in the courtyard for a bit of desert and a bottle of Bailey's. Tiny was saved from the strong river currents.
We met up with the young crowd at Monroe's for a night cap.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Monday
Breakfast started with a bang. Frank was his normal quiet self, and everyone trickled in for the breakfast. We left relatively on time.
Of course, we started the the ride with the song of the trip:
Don't give up til it's over,
Don't quit if you can
'Cause the weight on your shoulders
Will make you a stronger man.
Stopped in Knock. Knock is famous for the apparition of a lamb with a cross behind, Mary, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangilist.
A bit of Knock and the Sanctuary:The Apparition of Our Lady St. Joseph, St. John the Apostle, the Altar, the Eucharistic Lamb of God, the Cross and adoring Angels took place on the evening of 21st August 1879 at the South Gable of the Parish Church in Knock. There were fifteen official witnesses to the event which lasted for two hours. Church Commissions accepted their evidence as upright and trustworthy. Four Popes have honoured Knock Shrine and Pope John Paul II visited the Shrine on 30th September 1979, its Centenary Year. Mother Theresa of Calcutta visted Knock on the 15th June 1993. Two million pilgrims come to Knock annually which is now one of the world's major Marian Shrines and a member of the European Marian Network.
After Knock we went to Ashford Castle, which is where Pierce Bronsan had his wedding reception. From there we went to Cong, which is where the Quiet Man was filmed. A bit of a respite in the quaint little town.
Off to St. Nicholas in Galway. St. Nicholas is a relatively young Cathedral, built in 1965, but it is very beautiful. The stained glass windows are a sight to behold.
Of course, we started the the ride with the song of the trip:
Don't give up til it's over,
Don't quit if you can
'Cause the weight on your shoulders
Will make you a stronger man.
Stopped in Knock. Knock is famous for the apparition of a lamb with a cross behind, Mary, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangilist.
A bit of Knock and the Sanctuary:The Apparition of Our Lady St. Joseph, St. John the Apostle, the Altar, the Eucharistic Lamb of God, the Cross and adoring Angels took place on the evening of 21st August 1879 at the South Gable of the Parish Church in Knock. There were fifteen official witnesses to the event which lasted for two hours. Church Commissions accepted their evidence as upright and trustworthy. Four Popes have honoured Knock Shrine and Pope John Paul II visited the Shrine on 30th September 1979, its Centenary Year. Mother Theresa of Calcutta visted Knock on the 15th June 1993. Two million pilgrims come to Knock annually which is now one of the world's major Marian Shrines and a member of the European Marian Network.
After Knock we went to Ashford Castle, which is where Pierce Bronsan had his wedding reception. From there we went to Cong, which is where the Quiet Man was filmed. A bit of a respite in the quaint little town.
Off to St. Nicholas in Galway. St. Nicholas is a relatively young Cathedral, built in 1965, but it is very beautiful. The stained glass windows are a sight to behold.
After seeing St. Nicholas, we went to Galway. Everyone was on their own for dinner, and some of the older crowd went to a small place for a nice dinner.
We then walked around town and settled in a bit earlier than other nights.
The rest of the group went off to the pubs during the night. Called it an early evening around 2:00 AM.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Saturday Dublin Walking Tour
These are some photos from the Dublin Walking Tour. This is inside Trinity College.
This is the Parliament Building
The entrance to Dublin Castle
Sunday
7:00 AM start, everyone was on time and loading on the bus. We left on time at 8:00!!!
Some good news was announced: Merideth and Aaron announced that they are with child!!! And the announcement came on Merideth’s birthday!
We’re on the way to Belfast and seeing how the day goes. It’s a bit wet again with the Irish mist.
Got up to Belfast around 10:30 and went through some different parts: the Nationalists versus the Loyalists. Passed by Sinn Fein and the Garden of Remembrance. Went to the loyalist part where they are preparing for the 12th of July.
We went to H&W factory where the Titanic was built. At one time it used to employ over 35,000 people. Now it employs 52 people to just maintain the facility.
Our next stop is at Carrick-a-rede, which is a rope bridge across a canyon to small island. It’s a very steep walk. The weather co-operated. It had been raining all the way up through Belfast and it cleared up. A bit chilly, since we were at the top of the island, but no rain.
After a 10 minute ride, we went to Giants Causeway. This is a place that you could spend a full day at just hiking. Unfortunately, we only had about 1 ½ hours. A few people went to the Bushmills Distillery.
All of Northern Ireland is Loyalists to the Queen. You can see the British flag everywhere along with the old St. George Flag.
We then are going to Derry. Derry was the site of Bloody Sunday. This is where the British police opened fired and killed 26 peaceful civil rights marchers.
It’s a very nice town, kind of quaint.
The trip to Donegal was pretty quick. The hotel is very nice. We had a group dinner upstairs where we sang Happy Birthday to Merideth.
Saturday
Saturday started off for us around 8:00. We started off with breakfast. People slowly trickled in. 
This will be a split day with some people doing the Dublin Pass, some on the bus, and we’re doing the Dublin Walking Tour.
It’s a bit wet out there but starting to clear up. It stayed dry during the Dublin Walking Tour and the sun is still shining!
The bus went to Powerscourt, House Garden and Waterfall, and walked around there for about an hour. However, the waterfall did not fall because the road was blocked and the bus couldn’t get there.
The bus is now departing for Trinity College. Some walked around the college, some went shopping, and others will just walk around the area.
All the groups split up for after being dropped at Trinity. Everyone split up and walked every which way: through the college, around the area, etc.
It started raining around 5:00 which may put a damper on things. However, everyone still went out figuring to be dancing the night away in the bar. They will be suffering tomorrow as we have to be on the bus at 8:00 AM.
We had a handful of non-heathens who attended mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception run by the Franciscan Friars. It was a fast, no singing mass. Some of the heathens decided to run down to Temple Bar area again to go dancing.
The Ryan’s came to Ireland to catch the opening of a soon to be classic Irish film: Hancock.
A few of us were back at the hotel where we ran into 6 hen parties. The Pink Ladies, The Bunnies, the Bow’s, Marilyn Monroe’s, Women in Black, and the Sailors. It was quite lively in the lobby area. This is a slow weekend with only 60 girls here. John I. got a nice surprise with a smack on the lips from one of the brides to be.
Matt and Tim walked up to order a drink and the Pink Ladies are now deciding which one of them gets which one of the boys.
This will be a split day with some people doing the Dublin Pass, some on the bus, and we’re doing the Dublin Walking Tour.
It’s a bit wet out there but starting to clear up. It stayed dry during the Dublin Walking Tour and the sun is still shining!
The bus went to Powerscourt, House Garden and Waterfall, and walked around there for about an hour. However, the waterfall did not fall because the road was blocked and the bus couldn’t get there.
The bus is now departing for Trinity College. Some walked around the college, some went shopping, and others will just walk around the area.
All the groups split up for after being dropped at Trinity. Everyone split up and walked every which way: through the college, around the area, etc.
It started raining around 5:00 which may put a damper on things. However, everyone still went out figuring to be dancing the night away in the bar. They will be suffering tomorrow as we have to be on the bus at 8:00 AM.
We had a handful of non-heathens who attended mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception run by the Franciscan Friars. It was a fast, no singing mass. Some of the heathens decided to run down to Temple Bar area again to go dancing.
The Ryan’s came to Ireland to catch the opening of a soon to be classic Irish film: Hancock.
A few of us were back at the hotel where we ran into 6 hen parties. The Pink Ladies, The Bunnies, the Bow’s, Marilyn Monroe’s, Women in Black, and the Sailors. It was quite lively in the lobby area. This is a slow weekend with only 60 girls here. John I. got a nice surprise with a smack on the lips from one of the brides to be.
Matt and Tim walked up to order a drink and the Pink Ladies are now deciding which one of them gets which one of the boys.
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