Ireland 22

The focus, nay even the purpose, of a visit to Ireland was to visit the grave of Jeremiah James Murphy, aptly nicknamed the 'Piano Man'! So, who was he?

There had been a plan for 2021 but, like so many others, it got delayed because of the pandemic. Hugh, Colin, Russ and myself all served our time with Cable & Wireless, criss-crossing the World during our careers as foreign service staff. Russ was on point in Glengarriff to coordinate plans and book accommodation and restaurants as the only resident of County Cork, so the rest of us were the 'seagulls' - flew in, ate the food, drank the beer & wine, and flew out again! Well not entirely.

We converged without hiccups or delays - Hugh & Tammy flew in first to Dublin for a stopover, and then in Adare before driving to Glengarriff & Casey's Hotel.

Casey's Hotel, Glengarriff

I travelled by car by ferry from Fishguard to Rosslare, then a stopover in Waterford. Colin & Sue flew into Cork, as did Jean a few days after the rest of us. Meanwhile, Russ got the tent (read marquis) and, importantly, the draught Guinness and Carlsberg, the lamb and the pork organised at his.

Immediately, the craic and friendliness of Ireland was all around. Even Donal in Casey's Hotel was up to speed about Piano Man and the story you couldn't make up. So, who is the 'Piano Man'? He was Hugh's 3xGreat Grandfather, born 1795 died 1851, and was part of the Murphy family who started Murphy's Stout and Irish Distillers, which morphed into Jameson among others over the years.

He was in Pisa when he unexpectedly died, reasons unknown. Italian sailors refused to ship his body home to Ireland for burial for fear of bad luck, so the family arranged for him to be put in an upright piano and shipped that home. He was interred in it in Carrigrohane in the suburbs of Cork according to records and the account has been widely reported. All credit to Russ for his forensic detective work in finding its precise location in St Peter's Church graveyard. And what a spectacular tomb it is:

In its dedicated plot in the corner of the graveyard and surrounded by its fence, albeit both being rather in need of some TLC, it is enormous. And so it was there that we (less Jean not there yet), convened to pay tribute. Tots of Jameson Black Barrel were dispensed from a hip flask for the gentlemen, Russ mixed up Black Velvets (Champagne & Guinness) for the ladies, and so we toasted Jeremiah James in the appropriate manner.

Tots at the ready

Russ prepares

Russ presents

A fine Irish pose!

Tammy & Hugh

I took Jean to have a look before we left, as she had missed the toast:

This one really shows the scale!

We did a few things other than just pay graveside tributes, drink Guinness and eat!

Lady Bantry's Lookout

Garnish Island Italian Garden

Hugh, Sue, Tammy, Colin

The Ewe Experience - artistic, sculpture & ecological

Russ & Gail's terrace outlook across Bantry Bay

Tammy, Sue, Colin, Hugh, Russ, Gail

But, we did sup and eat

We returned for a party at Russ & Gail's with their friends and neighbours for our last evening together:

Russ has gave me bar envy!

Chef Mark in charge of the bbq lamb

with two hangers-on

The lamb is readied for carving

Jean & Hugh

After that fine evening at Russ & Gail's, Colin & Sue headed home while Hugh, Tammy, Jean & I headed for a few extra nights a short distance away at Seafort Hideaway overlooking Bantry Bay.

We found a dry window to walk down to Mizen Head, the most south-westerly point of Ireland, but a wet window caught up with us while we were there and while walking back!

At Gougane Barra the wet ground seemed to enhance the colours and ambience of the forest trails and running streams:

For our last night with Hugh & Tammy, we once again visited Donemark West restaurant just a short walk from Seafort.

It was entirely appropriate to finish off a fine dinner with Irish Coffees, while not forgetting those other memories of:

&

As if we could! Till next time, maybe next year, and thanks for those memories Jeremiah James!

Hugh & Tammy Visit 22

Following on from our visit to Hugh & Tammy in France, they spent some time with us at Pilgrims Hatch as another part of their Europe 22 expedition.

A few steps from Michael & Dan's in Inkberrow is the Old Bull, famed for being featured in the long-running radio series. After drinks and being joined by the boys, we then stopped by theirs for a wander round their vast garden (and some more tipple).

The Old Bull

By the Archers storyboard

Then there was a brunch at a local hostelry, where we were booked to be in the school bus, but took the option to dine in the open air with the bus rather stuffy as the temperature headed for 30deg:

Michael, Dan, Cathryn & Andy joined us for a takeaway curry in the evening and we were able to sit out until dark and late to make the most of the weather.

Next day, however, the weather threw a curved ball, much cooler and wet. A visit to the gardens of nearby Rous Lench Court saw most of the exhibitors had declined to come, as had many visitors, so it was a disappointing event for the organisers, although I did find an ale!

Back at base later, the rain came and the wind strengthened at the moment of barbeque, but resolve and true British Grit prevailed:

Just need to get this brolly right side out

There we go, under control,

 sausages and asparagus first, steaks next,

and it all turned out ok, albeit inside to eat

Next day was Father's Day and we were joined by Cathryn, Michael & Dan for a lovely Sunday Roast at Arrow Mill nearby:

Replete!

In between, it was relaxing on the patio and in the rural:

The reminiscences flowed from decades ago once more, as did some decent claret, and a fine time was enjoyed together before Hugh & Tammy headed off northwards to continue their European Itinerary.

But, southwest Ireland is yet to come, including the search for the "Piano Man"!