"If you ever want a job done ask a busy person"

Paddy Naughton and Mary Mc Laughlin certainly come under above and after another 7.00pm finish tonight I was forced to ask myself how do above fit so much in. Wonderful hosts, powerful communicators, dedicated workers and above all warm friends and guardians of the Hymany way.

Arrived at Ballygar tonight at 6.30pm, having set out from Aughrim at 9.30am this morn. We had the wonderful company of Pat, Olly, Brendan, Maurice and Kevin as we left Aughrim and our first stop was local St Catherines Primary School where we relived the story of OSulivan Bere to a most enthusiastic response. Four hours later we arrived at Killure and Margaret provided a wonderful lunch. Next stop was St Teresa National School in Killure agus Bean Ui Cearnai and again we were overcome with the students' response. Next stop was St Patrick's National School in Fohenagh agus Mrs Burke where again we got a wonderful reception.

Back to core business and we literally spent the afternoon in the bog as we set upon Ballygar and what a day as we navigated our way and forgive me but it was Seamus Heaney's Bogland that absorbed me in this timeless land.

Another day at the office, a dream job and a special time. To the boys from Killure, a very special group, Dick who again came up again from South Tipp and John and Mary who have been my guardian the past five days and of course Paddy and Patricia and of course Mary thank you all sincerely for our time west of the Shannon.

"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.