Today everyone has a separate agenda which is fine with me. Trying to navigate three cars in a country I have no idea where I am going is frustrating.
Julie, I, Brendan and MaryKate head to a neighborhood in Derry known as the Bogside.
This neighbor is a Catholic strong hold. Many of the problems that were reported in the 70’s and 80’s happened here. Our plan is to view several murals painted on the side of buildings that depict the feelings of the time of the political unrest. Knowing the history as I do, I find the paintings powerful. These murals are also located in the the same location of the “Bloody Sunday” tragedy when 14 people were killed by British soldiers. We stopped into the “Peoples Art Gallery” here are more photo’s and paintings of the times from both the Catholics and Protestants point of view. This gave us some perspective of the feelings of the people. While at the gallery we run into one of the artist of the murals. We pick up a book of his and artist works for our oldest son Sean. The artist is happy to sign a copy. While in the gallery I show the kids a rubber bullet which was used by the British soldiers.
From here we head up the hill (everything seems to be up hill) to visit the Long Tower Church also know as Saint Columba’s. Inside the church is breathtaking. The alter is magnificent. The church is over a hundred years old and its age can only be told from the wear of the wooded floor, from the many people who have knelt to pray. While sitting and taking in all the surrounding and saying a few prayers of my own MaryKate and Julie are up by the alter lighting a candle. I hear Brendan behind me drop a few coins in the poor box. In enters a few young men dressed for a wedding. After a little while we realize it’s time for us to make way for the wedding but before we leave the musicians are practicing and playing “Danny Boy”.
This evening we have all been invited to a cousin of my fathers (Eileen). They only live down the road from where we are staying, in a little community know as Burnfoot. We pull up in front of what seems to be a new home. Later I find out this is Eileen’s daughters’ house and the whole family lives on this road. It’s a handsome piece of land. This becomes a typical Irish gathering after the introductions I make my out the back of the house to the men holding court in the garage. I find myself alone with strangers but after a few minutes I feel I’ve known these men my entire life. They have welcomed me into there houses and I am family. There is a reason the men were sitting out by the garage, this is where the beer is. So I sit awhile and discuss their life and my life, talk about golf and farming. Before long the whiskey comes out. Not one to be rude when offered I accept. What seems like a short time the bottle is empty and night is getting cool? We all move indoors to the kitchen with the rest of my family and others guest. Then someone strikes up a song, an old Irish ballad. This is what I remember from my childhood of family gatherings. People enjoying the company of their family and friends. It’s good to see my Dad smiling with his children and family at his side. I can tell he knows it too. Before we know it it’s 1:00 am and time to go. Good for us we only a short drive up the road.
Julie, I, Brendan and MaryKate head to a neighborhood in Derry known as the Bogside.
This neighbor is a Catholic strong hold. Many of the problems that were reported in the 70’s and 80’s happened here. Our plan is to view several murals painted on the side of buildings that depict the feelings of the time of the political unrest. Knowing the history as I do, I find the paintings powerful. These murals are also located in the the same location of the “Bloody Sunday” tragedy when 14 people were killed by British soldiers. We stopped into the “Peoples Art Gallery” here are more photo’s and paintings of the times from both the Catholics and Protestants point of view. This gave us some perspective of the feelings of the people. While at the gallery we run into one of the artist of the murals. We pick up a book of his and artist works for our oldest son Sean. The artist is happy to sign a copy. While in the gallery I show the kids a rubber bullet which was used by the British soldiers.
From here we head up the hill (everything seems to be up hill) to visit the Long Tower Church also know as Saint Columba’s. Inside the church is breathtaking. The alter is magnificent. The church is over a hundred years old and its age can only be told from the wear of the wooded floor, from the many people who have knelt to pray. While sitting and taking in all the surrounding and saying a few prayers of my own MaryKate and Julie are up by the alter lighting a candle. I hear Brendan behind me drop a few coins in the poor box. In enters a few young men dressed for a wedding. After a little while we realize it’s time for us to make way for the wedding but before we leave the musicians are practicing and playing “Danny Boy”.
This evening we have all been invited to a cousin of my fathers (Eileen). They only live down the road from where we are staying, in a little community know as Burnfoot. We pull up in front of what seems to be a new home. Later I find out this is Eileen’s daughters’ house and the whole family lives on this road. It’s a handsome piece of land. This becomes a typical Irish gathering after the introductions I make my out the back of the house to the men holding court in the garage. I find myself alone with strangers but after a few minutes I feel I’ve known these men my entire life. They have welcomed me into there houses and I am family. There is a reason the men were sitting out by the garage, this is where the beer is. So I sit awhile and discuss their life and my life, talk about golf and farming. Before long the whiskey comes out. Not one to be rude when offered I accept. What seems like a short time the bottle is empty and night is getting cool? We all move indoors to the kitchen with the rest of my family and others guest. Then someone strikes up a song, an old Irish ballad. This is what I remember from my childhood of family gatherings. People enjoying the company of their family and friends. It’s good to see my Dad smiling with his children and family at his side. I can tell he knows it too. Before we know it it’s 1:00 am and time to go. Good for us we only a short drive up the road.
Hey we miss you Jules!! anyways is it cold there? Why does everyone have on a sweater or coat... One more thing it 90 degrees in Ohio!! Miss Yall all see yall soon!!! Kenya and Dee
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