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).