Revisiting The Beara Peninsula

It doesn't feel like nine years since hubby and I rented our holiday home in Allihies, Beara, West Cork along with our two sons who were then middle and late teens. It is to this same house we have now returned, minus the sons who will be visiting at some point during the vacation.

At the time of booking the house I was a little apprehensive because I worried that perhaps there would be too many memories of when we were a complete family there (including Sandy, our deceased golden labrador) and that I'd miss the boys terribly. Somewhere along the line I've realised that they've grown up and are now living quite independent lives, so, three whole days into the holiday I'm completely happy with just hubby and I enjoying this lovely time together.

The house is exactly as we remember it except for one or two minor furniture changes and the views haven't changed at all!

I will update this holiday diary every few days as I'd like to share with you what I feel may be one of the most important trips we've undertaken in a very long time. This is more than just a holiday, it's a spiritual journey for both of us.

Top image: Babbling brook, back road to Allihies Village.
Bottom image: View from our hall door.

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Gerry Ryan - Much Loved, So Sadly Missed

Irish radio listeners will this morning be trying to come to terms with the fact that they will not be hearing the familiar voice of one of their favourite morning DJs, that of Gerry Ryan. Gerry, broadcaster with RTE radio 2FM died last Friday aged just 53, his untimely death throwing the whole country into a state of complete shock.

My own reaction when the news first filtered through was "it can't be THE Gerry Ryan", seconds later my worst fears were realised. Sometimes when a person dies before their time it makes you angry, you ask why? Why is it always the good people who are taken from this world?

Gerry was not only a great radio and television presenter he was someone the public felt they knew personally. During his morning radio shows listeners would call in to discuss many topics including sometimes a most intimate and painful event in their lives. Gerry would listen with all the listening and empathy skills usually associated with a trained counsellor, he was completely there for them, a confidante. Another side to his big-heartedness was of course his involvement with many charities, including UNICEF.

Who knows what the future held for Gerry? Ironically, the day before he died he had just signed contracts with RTE (Ireland's national radio and television network) to extend the running of his radio show and begin a Saturday night television talk show, the latter fulfilling a long held dream.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues whose grief must be immeasurable. Gerry, may you rest in peace.

Image via: storyuken.ie

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