"Gort na Mona"

It was an 8.30pm finish and got to Aughrim and yet another wonderful day...
We redevouzed on Portumna Bridge, and Mary and Paddy welcomed myself and Cronan to Connaught and onto the Hymany Way.
Our first stop was Mellick and our walk took us along the banks of the Shannon. We were joined along the way by Gibson who was so kind to share in local knowwledge and led us for some miles. Four hours later we arrived to a wonderful welcome on the banks of the Shannon. We were entertained regally and revived with the "uisce beatha" and it hadn't come from the Shannon!! How can one return the kindness is my dilemma.

WE then took a walk back in history and it was to the Franciscan church which dates back to 1414 and the adjoining cemetery is the resting place of a hurler who played in the first All Ireland Hurling Final at Birr in 1888.
We then made for Clonfert, renowned for its religious importance.
So back on the road and as Mary and I walked the roads we were greeted with a "Failte" so special by all and passing the site of the Battle of Aughrim we arrived at the townsite and another wonderful reception hosted by Josephine, Kevin and Mary. Josephine a member of the OSullivan Clan was so interesting in recounting the stories of OSullivan Bere in the area.
Mary and Paddy and the people of the Hymany Way could not of been more generous as hosts, leaders and good fun and I cannot finish without making special mention of my travel companion, Cronan who was so kind, patient and enthusiastic, my sincere thanks.

The Shannon Crossing

Our task to day was to make the Shannon crossing and set out from Ballingarry at 9.30am led by Christy Madden. By the time we stopped at Aglish National School for a break we had the whole school community as an escort. Next stop was Lorrha where we were hosted at Mahers who put on a wonderful spread for us.

It was then on to the Shannon and
Connaught was in our sights. Made final preparations at Poll na gCcapall for the crossing(at this place OSullinan bere had to dispense with many of his horses and used the hides to make the currachs. They ate well that evening!!
Launching our boat and the next stage of our journey was in hand and farewelling and acknowledging the wonderful people of the Ormond Way for their kindness and hospitality.

The Last Gaelic Chieftain

A wonderful day ended in attending a play written and directed by Aidan Dooley named "O'Sullivan Beara The Last Gaelic Chieftain". He certainly captured not only the essence of the story but also imagination of the audience and well and truly brought the story alive.
We had earlier in the day navigated the route from Templederry to Ballingarry to be greeted by Christy Madden whose family so kindly provided us with dinner.
Special thanks to Matt who led from the front for the past two days and appreciation to Mary, Bernie and Sandra together with Sean, Jim, Gerry and our own Ger who arrived up from Cork to join the party for the day.
O'Sullivan Bere looking down would surely be envious of the welcomes we are receiving, not to mention the ongoing additions to our traveling party