The short article that caught my attention was entitled “New Year’s Day Swim”. I discovered it while flipping through The Mayo News. Its first sentence read: “The annual charity swim in aid of the Achill Island Lifeboat will take place on New Year’s Day at the Blue Flag Silver Strand Beach, Dugort at 1 pm.” I had often heard about this special event and knew immediately that I would take part this year.
Ireland
About Ireland
A week on Achill Island
In the West of Ireland, in County Mayo, there is a holiday paradise for hikers, bikers and water sportsmen: Achill Island.
The Fields of Athenry
The UEFA EURO 2016 in France is over. Portugal is European football champion. For the first time ever. European football fan champions in my opinion are the Irish. Again. With their merry and creative singing and activities, they showed the world how wonderful and entertaining it can be to support and celebrate your own team with full dedication. One song out of their repertoire woke up very special memories: The Fields of Athenry.
The Easter Rising of 1916
100 years ago today, on 24 April 1916, a minority of Irish men and women led an armed insurrection against British rule to gain independence. While the series of events, that are now known as the Easter Rising, were neither the start nor the end on the long path to a free Ireland, they have a very special place in Irish history and the hearts of Irish people all over the world.
A very special Hallelujah
Two years ago to the day, Father Ray Kelly gave a remarkable performance in his parish that significantly influenced his life and touched the hearts of millions of people worldwide. I’m delighted to commemorate this illustrious event here with some of his thoughts and experiences that he shared with me especially for IrishBayrisch.