G’Day from Melbourne

Back to Ireland BY MIKE BOWEN

After my recent interview with Qantas CEO Alan Joyce (Irish Scene, Vol 24 Issue 1) , my son Jonathan and I took his advice and booked a holiday back to Ireland, and an outing to the Uk. The A380 with its double deck was the perfect plane to fly on with its comfort, quietness and space. Melbourne via Dubai to London and then, an Aer Lingus flight to Cork. Wearing masks was not as troublesome as expected, no problems going through check-ins or checking out on the other side. First morning we woke with the perfect view from our hotel window of the sun shining on the iconic Shandon. After reacquainting with some friends and catching up with Catrina Twomey at the Cork Penny Dinners who I promised to help in some way, we headed for Carrigrohane to visit the very unusual graveside of Rory Gallagher, Irelands greatest blues guitarist. Jimmy Hendrix was once asked what it was like to be the best guitarist in the world, he replied, ‘you should ask Rory Gallagher that’. With the sun still shining we drove to Kerry over the Cork and Kerry mountains, singing ‘Whiskey in the jar’. Our first stop in Kerry was to visit another friend, Cork man Pat Falvey, in his lofty home the Mountain Lodge in Beaufort. Pat was the first Irishman to climb the seven tallest mountains in the world, twice. Arriving in Tralee, it was time for a feast of bacon, ribs and cabbage along with smooth creamy mashed potatoes prepared by our host, Karl and Sheila Bullman who are very dear friends from way back in the late 60s. Later we sat back in the local to watch the Munster V The Dragons rugby on their big screen and enjoy some Bulmer’s and Guinness just to wash down the scrumptious dinner. Rising to another fabulous sunny morning the four of us headed out the beautiful scenic peninsula to Dingle, then on to Dun Caoin at Slay Head, to visit the Old School from the famous movie (Ryan’s Daughter). While my traveling companions were wondering around the area, I spent a few hours writing and shed some tears at the beauty of this place and bore another heart ache at leaving my favourite place on this planet. A leisurely lunch and coffee back in Dingle and then another pitstop at the Connor Pass to be amazed by its beauty. Back in Tralee it was time to catch up with another old friend Ritchie Houlihan at his quaint little bar in Rock St. Surprise surprise Pat Falvey decided to join us for dinner at one of Irelands finest top-class restaurants

Cassidy’s in the heart of Tralee. I give them a 100% for food and service, a must go to and eat place. Saturday produced another sunny day as we bid farewell to friends and Kerry. With the new roadways the drive to Galway was a breeze. Galway must be the in place in Ireland with its many great restaurants, Bars, Coffee cafes and shopping. If you visit Galway, be sure to call in to Mc Swiggans for the best Seafood Chowder in Ireland and I promise, you will drop in again and again for more. On March 7th Jonathan and I were dinner guest at my long-time Journalist friend, Charley Brady birthday along with his partner Paula M. O Carroll who is the Director of Sales & Marketing at Ashford Castle also joining us was Francis Casey, a board member of Hand in Hand Children’s Cancer Charity, who do exceptional work, supporting families through childhood cancer. One of the many highlights when strolling through the crowded streets of Galway is, to watch and listen to the amazing talents of the many buskers, filling the air with such joyous music. After our three days stay in Galway we head for Cork to catch a flight to London. Waking up to a sunny day in London we visit Abbey Road Studio and walk on the famous crossing, just me this time no Beatles. Next

stop a ‘quick’ lunch at the world’s first Hard Rock Cafe that opened in 1971. The only rain we get (two hours) in three weeks falls at this time and turns out to be a blessing in disguise. We get talking to Delia Lees, an amazing lady and one of the original Hard Rock waitresses who knows all its stories and secrets. She loved to dance to the music of Marvin Gay when she started at the restaurant and at 84 she is still light on her feet. Her late husband was from Sydney and they have a son Toby, once a lawyer now a divestor priest. Where do you get your energy and wonderful personality from I asked her. ‘I’m of Irish stock, from Kerry,” she said.

Atube from Paddington to Euston to catch a train to Liverpool, but not before dropping into Paddington Bears den to pick up some of his siblings for some grandchildren back home and in Japan. I couldn’t avoid the temptation of a special photo of yours truly, to show that sometimes I can behave like a child myself. Liverpool used to be known as a slice of Ireland with the many Irish who migrated there over the years. All that changed when the Beatles emerged and gave Liverpool a new identity.

Jonathan and I visit Strawberry fields, Penny Lane and The

Cavern to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the musicial memories off my youth. The Magical Mystery Bus Tour was the

Paddington Bear time

perfect way to visit all the iconic Beatles spots, a true Bucket List item ticked off. Next is Old Trafford to watch Manchester United play Tottenham Hotspurs. Expectations weren’t high as United had lost 4-1 to their crosstown rivals Man City the previous week. Thankfully this game turned out to be one of United’s best games of the year, beating Spurs 3-2. Jonathan and I feel lucky and thankful to be there for a hat trick by Christiano Ronaldo, a win for United and another magic golden memory for us. We returned to United’s home ground to watch them play Atletico Madrid but sadly, the magic of the previous Saturday ended badly One nil against a boring defensive Atletico side. Next day, St Patrick’s day eve and we catch the train to London for a flight back to Cork and dinner with old friends. Another late night turned into early hours morning reminiscing of old times. St Patricks day in Cork was an opportunity to make up for the last few years of lost celebrations and the city and its people grabbed the chance. Later it was time for a train ride to Dublin for Saturdays Triple Crown game decider, between Ireland and Scotland at Aviva Stadium. Our front row tickets are thanks to our very good friend Jim Geraghty, Heineken’s marketing manager, who got them from a friend for us. We deeply appreciated this act of kindness and to see Ireland slam Scotland 26-5 to win the Triple Crown. Another amazing memory for our treasure box. After a panicked two hours to get to Vicar Street theatre from the stadium we arrive two minutes before George and Eddie Furey take to the stage. The boys had two front row balcony seats waiting for us, fine seats for a fine performance. They had the crowd in the palm of their hands from the first note struck. Unhampered by the need to wear masks the audience sang through the entire concert adding an electric atmosphere to the night. Encores were called for many times. Spending some quite time with the George, Eddie and the other members of the band after the show was the perfect way to end an amazing day. With a bag full of amazing memories from a totally perfectly planned holiday, all credit to Jonathan for his patience in making this, a holiday wish of a lifetime happen. When leaving Ireland, I always hope this won’t be me my last time. My near-death experience of February 22 last year gave me a reason not to waste time thinking of what might happen later. Take time to live, before time takes you. Until next time be good to those who love you and Slainte from Melbourne.