Greetings from Ireland! I arrived into Shannon airport to be met by my sister in law, Jeanne. We drove to Castleconnell which is a village in County Limerick on the banks of the River Shannon. It is 11 km from Limerick city and near the boundaries of County Clare and County Tipperary. It is also the village where Jeanne now lives and where the family, including Maurice, grew up.
Jeanne, myself, Yvonne and Richard had a lovely lunch at the Castle Oaks hotel on the same day.
The following day I walked down to Worlds End, where the rowing club is located. It’s a beautiful walk along the river here in Castleconnell.
My next walk was in the other direction along the river. I also visited the Stradbally cemetery to visit Kit (Maurice’s mum) and Frank’s (Maurice’s dad) graves. I walked through a beautiful forest and across meadows.
Jeanne and I went for a coffee every day to Protea cafe in Main Street. I discovered the most delicious snack called a “Brookie” and it is delicious when heated up! It is a cross between a brownie and a cookie. It’s a great little cafe in the heart of Castleconnell.
And I should mention that I met Jeanne’s group of lady friends for a drink in one of the only 2 pubs still running in Castleconnell. The pub is called “Guerins” (Kingfisher) and is run by a man who is 86 years of age!!
Jeanne and I then went to Tony and Margaret Caseys for lunch. Tony and Margaret are old friends of Maurices and I learnt a lot about Maurice’s early days in Limerick. A great lunch and lots of laughs.
