The Final Sprint !

Whilst everyone else was doing there things , I decided to have a ride around the Parish on my bike, taking my time to view what I’d seen during this last 2 weeks..

So, off I went on my bike back to the…Bog ! for a good look round, not just where we’d been ‘cutting’ last week, but more around the area (and realised I’d forgotten my camera, so no photos..), then to Conlons lime kilns,St Fechin’s holy well, and viewing from a distance the remains of Kildermot abbey, with only the gable end now remaining… and becoming in tune with the country, saw the cows sitting down, spotted the clouds on Nephin…and dashed home to bring in the washing !

The afternoon was fun, discovering who could (and who couldn’t) iron a shirt(or dress) ! – I’ll leave it to your imagination the results…

In any event by early evening we were all spruced and togged up, ready for the3 final event of the north Mayo Gathering – a Gala dinner at a big Hotel, with guest speaker Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland

We had our final men's  ‘Gathering’ outside the house and then piled into Lawrence’s van for the journey into town, firstly stopping at a park en route, at which Mary Robinson ceremonially planted a commemorative tree , and where some of us had our picture taken with her..  then down to the Hotel for the ‘Gathering’, taking the opportunity for the brothers to have our final Gathering, before we all head off in different directions..

and on into the Hotel for the dinner, and speeches – a great crowd, and good speech from Mrs Robinson.. and more entertainment from Atlantic Rhythm … phew, the end of a busy 9 days, and now time for me to keep moving , up the west coast of Ireland, across the North Coast and down the East …and return home !

Thanks to all the great people of Co Mayo, and especially the people of Attymass, too numerous to mention.. I can slink into obscurity again now, and meander through the rest of Ireland…Slainte !

and before I disappear ‘Happy Birthday’ to Lawrence, who along with Anthony did so much to encourage and support everyone to take part in the Gathering…we did mange to carry on into his Birthday !