Randomness

Four quick unrelated pictures that have nothing to do with anything other than that they caught my eye over the last couple of weeks. The tree is just below Cromleach Lodge in the grounds of the ruins of Ballindoon Friary. The street scene looked like Philadelphia, but is actually Mohill. That same evening, crossing the Dublin-Sligo Line tracks at Ardcarne I noticed how the evening sun was reflected in the train tracks. Finally, a quick panoramic I did for the class I've been teaching in the Enterprise Centre in Mohill. 5 portrait shots stitched together. Unlike the past couple of years, the great run of weather means most of the year's hay is saved already.

Barbara & Patrick

I was back up in Dromahair last week, and conditions couldn't have been more different to my last visit. From wind snow and ice to the hottest day of the year so far. The beach in Enniscrone was like Bermuda before we arrived at the Diamond Coast Hotel. This was a very romantic story - Patrick asked Barbara out on their first date 22 years ago. He was the local publican's son, she was the girl next door. Whatever twists and turns they encountered afterwards eventually led them back to each other, and to their wedding day.

Patrick delivered an eloquent, heartfelt speech that had the crowd ooh-ing & aah-ing and sighing wistfully. His best man, Rory, a man of fewer words, spoke equally well, but surprised any of the crowd who'd bet long on the speeches. Barbara, who has been a beauty queen winner on at least one famous occasion in the past looked as lovely as you'd expect.













This picture shows how hard it is to get Leitrim men to move while the match is still on telly.

Flying High

I was back in Kilronan on Saturday for Zarinah & Cathal's wedding. Cathal and all three of his Groomsmen are aviators. They didn't opt for stripes on the sleeves of their suits, but still looked as dashing as pilots are supposed to. The girls were more than a match for them in the glamour stakes, with Zarinah stunning in a silk dress.

The rain held off all day and we stopped off at Lough Meelagh after the ceremony in Keadue Chrch. Flowers were by La Belle Fleur, Michael Freyne was on video duty, Jason Fallon entertained the guests at the drinks reception in Kilronan and Cathal's good friend, country legend Jimmy Buckley, sang in the church and no doubt later in the night.

An tOileánach

I was back in beautiful Belmullet on Saturday for Mags' & Danny's wedding. I'd been looking forward to this one for a while and it didn't disappoint. Danny is from Inishturk, and practically the entire population of the island had travelled to the mainland for the wedding. Amongst them was Danny's Grandfather, Paddy Faherty, pictured below, who at 93 is the island's oldest resident.

The craic was good and the big bridal party was in great form - Eugene, Aidan, Paraic, Garry, Maria, Sarah, Frances & Stephanie all contributed to the fun of the day. The sun shone, Shraigh Strand was spectacular and there was stunning scenery around every corner on the drive back to Knockranny House Hotel where Clare Concannon met us with a big Westport welcome. Even my adopted County Sligo beating Mayo in the Championship didn't upset the revellers. Much.

Michael Clarke filmed the video, Heather Fair provided the flowers, and The Conquerors got everyone out on the dancefloor. Mags and Danny are heading off on a round the world trip this week, but no doubt they'll be back on Inishturk before too long.