Day 12: A Day of Reflection in Cahersiveen

I really haven't taken a day where I haven't done much of anything. There was always driving or something that need to be seen. I started the morning in town looking at the old Abby of the Holy Cross which is in the back of the town. It's really quite a beautiful sight but unfortunately people have thrown a lot of old tires around.

I also went up to Sugreana and visited the old work house and the old cemetery. I am convinced that this is where Ma Ruane's father was probably buried. A couple of her brothers may also be very here too as it is said they died young. There is a Patrick O'Connor who died in the 1950 and I wonder if that is one of Ma's brothers.
Next I stop to see Joan O'Sullivan. She and her son Brian own a small store across from the church that specializes in handmade pottery and ceramics. She really did not know where the house was but she could tell me about people who lived up there. I've been your back up and I believe I finally found the house. Unfortunately because of barbed wire and fencing, I wasn't able to get close to it but I do believe I have the right house. They have put a new roof on it since I saw it last but other than that it remains the same. I took pictures the best I could and hopefully they will be ok.

Couple of things I've learned from the people that I've talked to who have lived here a long time, is that there is really little here and they truly understand why people don't stay. I told them how my grandmother and grandfather never really spoke about Ireland and if you ask them about it they would say,  "what do you want to know about that for". They said that chances are they were ashamed of where they came from and how they lived. People were so poor that they didn't want anyone to know. It's hard to see there is such sadness in such beauty.

This afternoon I went to the beach at Kells. {t was so crowded that I just decided to go right past it and move right along the road took me to such beautiful scenery period I need to stop and take pictures which meant to hit the block the road but it was worth it at least to me. When I got to the end of the road it turned out it was the end and I had to turn around and go back the same difficult road that I traveled in but again, it was worth it.

Tonight was the big music festival in Cahersiveen. Everybody was all dolled up. Although it was 55 degrees out many women were without coats are wearing low cut in sheer outfits. Lots of Daisy Dukes and mini skirts. One mini skirt was made of lime green vinyl. The music was mostly American country. The first woman who went on was quite good but she only staying for about a half hour and the headliner's name escapes me as did his talent!
Tomorrow I head for Castlebar. Before I leave in the morning I will stop at my favorite bakery pick up some scones. I can't wait!

The Abbey

Cahersiveen Work House

Sugreana Cemetery

The O'Connor Home

Kells