Goodnight and Joy Be With You All
- Aug 19, 2016
- 3 min read
Our last full day in Bansha is a great one! We split off into different factions, with each group eager to fit in just a few more experiences before departing this glorious country tomorrow.
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Neil, Padraic, Greg, Kaylin, and Dan spent the day playing golf at The Tipperary Golf Club (?). The weather was everything we've come to expect here in Ireland- a little rain, some clouds, a spot of sun. No complaints from this hearty group! With the assistance of a helpful dog, they navigated the course easily, albeit slowly.
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David, Dawn, Meara, Julia, Maggie, Carrie, Sally, Sarah, Steve, and I all set off for Cahir Castle. Very cool. The 13th century castle sits in the middle of a quaint little town on an island. It is one of the largest and best preserved castles in Ireland, quite beautifully situated, complete with a swan-filled moat. Cahir Castle was granted to the Butler family in the 14th century, who perhaps are ancestors of the Butlers who retired at our Bansha Castle, Sir William and Lady Butler, the artist.
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The Lord and Lady Cahir (Richard Butler and his wife from Blarney Castle) commisioned the architect Richard Nash to design a Swiss-styled cottage for them about a mile down the river. The ten of us hiked along the trail, or the Coronation Walk, to see this beautifully restored cottage. We took a guided tour and learned of the family's day trips by carriage to this lovely getaway by the river. Compared to the castle, the scale of the cottage is tiny and cozy. Two bedrooms upstairs were used for naps. All details reflect the beauty of nature, careful to avoid symmetry. The roof was restored to its thatched splendor and the interior work is rich with detail. Quite a magical place!
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Rich and Carrie chose to relax at the castle for most of the day. Later in the afternoon, they found their way back to Nellie's where Carrie continued her knitting and Rich enjoyed a pint of Guinness. They were eventually joined by a larger group in search of a pre-prandial themselves.
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Steve and I had a lovely visit with the butcher, Paul, at O'Connor's. Here we experienced a common occurrence of the Irish generously engaging in friendly banter. Even the truck driver who stopped in with his delivery simply stood by to listen and eventually join our conversation. No rush at all. Fully engaged and engaging. Meanwhile Dawn and David made the grocery store run for the rest of our dinner needs for the evening. Tonight's menu is salad, garlic bread, pasta, and Paul's meatballs.
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We set up the tables on the patio to accommodate all 16 of us. The evening became a bit cool so we were happy to make use of the heat lamps. We arranged fresh flowers and candles and created a lovely and inviting bistro on this our last night together. The meal was delicious, the conversation lively, and laughs abundant.
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We count our blessings and toast to our good fortune here in the land of our ancestors. Slainte all!
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On this night, we recorded Carrie's arrangement of "The Parting Blessing." The lyrics say it all:
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Of all the money that e'er I had I spent it in good company And all the harm I've ever done Alas, it was to none but me
And all I've done for want of wit To memory now I can't recall
So fill to me the parting glass Good night and joy be with you all
So fill to me the parting glass And drink a health whate'er befalls Then gently rise and softly call "Good night and joy be with you all"
Of all the comrades that e'er I had They're sorry for my going away And all the sweethearts that e'er I had They'd wish me one more day to stay
But since it fell into my lot That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and softly call "Good night and joy be with you all"
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