Kyle O'Brien

Monday, June 01, 2009

Welcome to Ireland!



Good afternoon and "how've ya been keepin'...


Working with Dr. Tim Campbell at the St. Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland one will find themselves hearing these words often.


I left La Crosse on Sunday morning at 8:30 AM to drive to Allie Donnegan's house, (one of the Minnealopis Youth Ambassadors). Allie's parents then took us out for lunch and finally to the airport for our flight to O'Hare. We left Minneapolis around 3:50 and arrived in O'Hare aroundn 4:15


Then we met up with the rest of the crew in O'Hare for our 7:15 PM flight to Dublin. After a short layover we started boarding a very packed Boeing 767. After a 7 hour plane ride, we arrived this morning in Dublin around 8:30 AM local time (2:30 AM CST). The flight wasn't too bad and the crying babies were definitely kept to a minimum.

After arriving inn Dublin, we found an airport that didn't seem too busy at all...until we got to customs. We waited for a little over an hour to get through so they could stamp our passport. When I walked up to the counter and handed over my passport, the gentleman behind the counter said, "So ya know where your O'Briens are from...hey young lad?" I knew then and there that it was just the beginning of a great trip!


Dr. Campbell and Adam picked us up from the airport in a passenger van. We drove up to Downpatrick from Dublin, going past Oldbridge Village where the Battle of the Boyne was fought in 1690. Driving along the M1 Northern Highway we went through many small villages and towns. Schoolchildren were out and about everywhere...all in school uniforms.

We then arrived at the St. Patrick Centre in Downpatrick to receive a briefing on Northern Ireland history and the conflicts that still exist in the country today. We were also welcomed by Jack Ferris, Chairman of the Board for the St. Patrick Cenntre.

Next we went to our waterfront townhouses in Dundrum, a small village on Dundrum Bay. We first got to go see the Dundrum Castle as well as the Mountains of Mourne. We checked into our rooms and then went on an excursion to Newcastle which is a small coastal town just south of Dundrum. There is a fantastic beach there as well as a view of the entire bay all the way to the Isle of Man. The downtown life in this area seems to be very prominent and the group is looking to go down there somewhere later in the week.

One of the funniest moments of this day was when two young guys came up to Dr. Cambell in a desperate need for help. The one gentleman had on a yellow safety vest with 'Enforcement Officer' written on it. The other had a t-shirt with the County Down symbol. The second man asked Dr. Campbell if he had seen a "woman wearing a white overcoat with a large husky". Dr. Campbell politely said no sorry I can't help you. We all looked at Adam and he says, "Chasin after her because her dog pooed on the trail". Apparently, dog's using restroom on the walking trails has been such a huge problem that enforcement has increased and there is a $50 fine for letting your do do it. It was a great moment...one of those that you probably had to be there to see how funny it was.

Next, we came home and I slept for about 45 minutes...and it was one of the best naps of my life. I was so extremely tired....and a fresh shower and clothes felt fantastic.

Later tonight we went back to the St. Patrick Centre for a reception for the Young Ambassadors as well as the hospitality folks in the area (B&B owners, etc.)

Finally, we came home and went to bed. It was an exciting day and I'm very much looking forward to working with Ms. Margaret Ritchie from Northern Ireland's Parliament.

For now goodnight and see you tomorrow!

3 Comments:

  • At 7:44 AM , Blogger DANDMAN said...

    Looks like your having the time of your life over there. Nice propaganda. However we all know the real reason for your visit. What sort of militant WELS Brother would visit the homeland and not slash into a secret meeting with the IRA. C'mon protestant boy, those catholics that read that paper are probably just "champing at the bit" to kick your zealot ass off of their potatoe starved island. Anyways, a little friendly advice, don't kiss the Blarney Stone. The locals are known for pissing on it after a night pouring down warm crappy pints at their local pubs. Have fun, Dan.

     
  • At 5:05 PM , Blogger Kyle T. O'Brien said...

    Always good for a laugh my friend...wish ya were here with me. The Sea Bass is fairly expensive in the restaurants...looks like an opportunity for a lucrative business venture...

     
  • At 8:32 AM , Blogger Unknown said...

    Kyle, What a wonderful trip. There's an openness and humor in the Irish communities that is so welcoming, that it's hard to leave. (We want you to come home.) It appears that you're have the same experience. Our summmer house guest from the Ulster Project, Sara Campbell lives in Derry. Will you be visiting that area? Enjoy every minute, we're looking forward to seeing you when you get home.
    Love the blog.
    Aunt Sue

     

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