As a child, I spent many fantastic summers on a farm, in the small village of Lecanvey, Murrisk, (near Westport), County Mayo where my mother was born. It's in a spectacular setting at the foot of a mountain and overlooking the picturesque islands of Clew Bay. The mountain is called Croagh Patrick (known locally as 'The Reek') and apparently, the main man himself, St Patrick spent 40 days and 40 nights on the top, doing holy stuff like blessing rocks and casting out snakes and what-not. It's a pity St Paddy wouldn't come back and cast out the biggest snake known to man a.k.a. our fearless leader, Bertie Ahern.
Photo: Croagh Patrick
Photo: Clew Bay
There's a yearly pilgrimage on the last Sunday in July (Reek Sunday) where up to 40,000 people (some of them barefoot!) make the ascent over jagged slate rock to go to the church on the top.
As kids we had the privilege of knowing all the locals, so could cross over private property and climb up the back of the mountain which was an easier route. There was a great pub in the village called T. J. Stauntons or simply Peggy's to the locals. It had a games room in the back and it was here I met my first true love, a pool table. No not on the pool table! (keep your mind outta the gutter now!) I was only 10 years old and developed a passion for playing pool (badly) that continues to this day. b.t.w. it's normal for kids to be in pubs in the country in Ireland because remember it rains a lot, so where else can you go!
Then I developed my first vice, gambling on slot machines. Many vices to were follow in later years but at a young age, I loved the damn slots! The feeling you got and that noise (Clang, Clang Clang!) when that machine paid out even 30 pence was like you'd just won the jackpot. I also perfected my Space Invaders skills in the games room, so am now kitted out with the necessary skills to defend earth should the little green bastards ever invade. Great experiences, great memories, good times!
This will be my first Paddy's Day in South America - and its supposed to be a big one!
For the locals, here's some info on what's going on courtesy of Stefan at B.A. Insider Magazine
Wherever you happen to be, here's wishing you a
HAPPY SAINT PATRICKS DAY! or FELIZ DIA SAN PATRICIO!
