Omey island never fails.
Out and about for sea week.
Mud , mushrooms and moo moos. Today we were down on the edge of the Shannon looking at Droimeann cattle . We had a bonus bucket too.
It was a great evening watching 2 masters at work . Master Farriers Bryan o Halloran Clifden and Johnny Edwards visiting from Canada. In 20 minutes they turned out a traditional hunting shoe from 1/2 inch bar. I really admire craftsmanship and there's definitely something magical about watching steel being struck.
There's Ireland and then there's IRELAND, real,rare and hidden Ireland. Well over 2000 years ago the Celtic farming people here in Ireland reared cattle and sheep, grew crops and fruit as well as hunting and fishing in the hills and lakes of Ireland.
A predominantly cattle rearing culture developed and for centuries cattle were currency. I was delighted to be invited to visit one of the most welcoming and unique places I've ever been . Imagine walking through fields of one of Ireland's rarest breeds of cattle, the Shannon estuary, soft mist, a light rain and breeze to blow the copses of white thorn and enchanting organic orchards. A medieval bawn wall, ring forts and a 17th century planters estate , pears, damson, figs, berries, apples and nut trees. Our host Tom Keane and his brother Michael proudly showing off their organic and very rare Droimeann cattle ' I was simply stunned , a hour visit turned into a five hour one
. Conversation flowed like the Shannon as the history, craic and ideas unfolded. To meet and talk with twi such genuinely dedicated men was one of the highlights of my year . This is a theme I'm going to have to post on in the future.
It is with regret that I have to announce the retirement of my old faithful walking cap. Having served with great distinction in all weather , hills, bogs , island conditions and put up with a lot of talk, sweat and craic it flew overboard on the ferry Friday. Sadly missed.
Interviews and trials are planned for the near future. In the meanwhile the position will be filled by my old Connemara blacks rfc cap.
