Ali learns to play the drums and Eddie kicks a goal

Since we left Dublin two days ago, we’ve covered quite a lot of southern Ireland, mainly Kilkenny and Cork. The trip down to Kilkenny was characterised by lush green pastures, lots of very fat sheep, and farmers working the land with their tractors. Kilkenny is a typical Irish city, a little larger than Wangaratta with, you guessed it, more than its fair share of very old churches and a very large castle, appropriately called Kilkenny Castle. Much of the castle has been redecorated over a few hundred years, but relatively recently it was handed over to the equivalent of our National Trust and much of it has been returned to its former glory. Suffice to say, it is a most magnificent building, and the grounds are truly remarkable (they might even be a little better than my garden).

 

Kilkenny Castle - part of the new AV Jennings collection

 Kilkenny Castle from the back - I think this would give the Victa 2-stroke a real beating!

That evening, we decided to make our way to one of the local heritage hotels for a meal. Fortunately, there was to be some traditional Irish music playing. What we didn’t know is that there would be a bodhran lesson and the public were welcome to join in. So, as I tucked into my Irish lamb stew, Alison represented Australia in what can only be described as a very multi-cultural jam session. She did show some talent on this ancient instrument, but I wouldn’t be giving away my day job if I were her.

That's Alison playing the bodhran - she's the one in the purple top (not the one with beard)

Kilkenny was also memorable for the fact that I fell off the shallow footpath and twisted my ankle. It is heavily bandaged and I have been a little restricted, but I’m soldiering on as best I can (I’m a real Trojan).

Alison into the Guiness (that's her 12th for the night)

Today it was on to Cork, quite a large city about the size of Geelong. On the way, we called in at the city of Waterford, world famous for its Waterford Crystal factory. As we are both fans of crystal, we paid the pretty exorbitant fee and joined the tour. It was fascinating to see the entire process, and we can now understand why the product costs as much as it does. Most of the items are completely made by hand, and many take more than a day to finish. These craftsmen have the most incredible patience, not to mention skill. It takes eight years of apprenticeship before you’re qualified to cut the crystal.

Some of the more custom designed crystal at Waterford Crystal

We heard on the radio traveling to Cork that there was going to be a game of gaelic football that evening, so we decided to go along. Our lads, Cork, were taking on those pretenders from Limerick in the quarter final. It’s a fascinating game to watch, half AFL, half soccer and a smidgeon of rugby thrown in for good measure (yes, I know that adds up to more than one, but we are talking about the Irish). They are very skilful at the game, but I found it a little frustrating to watch; there are no spekkies, no marks as such, and almost no biffo! The game ended up being very one-sided, with Cork coming out victorious, 6 goals 15 points to Limerick 1 goal 5 points. As Alison didn’t have a clue about the game, I had to provide all the commentary, which means I was Bruce, Dennis, BT, Lingy and Richo all rolled into one. Not too much of a problem, but I really came to fully understand what a boring and pretentious twat Bruce really is!

Hardly The G, I know, but a good game, nonetheless.

It’s onto Killarney tomorrow.