Liz, our Irish holiday tour guide, was with us yesterday as we travelled from Bantry in County Cork to Killarney in County Kerry…
The Past: Irish history is filled with wars and battles, many linked with the British and religion. Yesterday we saw Ross Castle in Killarney – the last place in Ireland to hold out against Oliver Cromwell…
We passed a well, a shrine to St Gobnait, a medieval female Irish saint. Liz said that that recent troubles in Ireland have turned young people against formal religion. However, they’ll still bring their prayers to a place considered holy.
The Pride: There is a pride in being Irish. Traditional sports – hurling and Gaelic football – Irish music and dancing are part of the culture. The Gaelic language is taught in all schools. There’s a pride in Irish history, Irish whisky and Guiness… coming from Cork or Kerry. There’s pride in the family.
In Killarney we rode in horse-drawn carriages, known as jaunting cars, a family business with a two-hundred-year+ history. Our jaunting car was driven by Patrick. He’s proud to be the fifth generation in his family business.
The Price: We’ve heard traditional Irish songs. One of Liz’s favourites, ‘How do you buy Killarney?’ tells of a rich American who came to Killarney, saw the beautiful hills and lakes, and wanted to buy it:
How can you buy all the stars in the skies?
How can you buy two blue Irish eyes?
How can you purchase a fond mother’s sighs?
How can you buy Killarney?
Musing… Ireland’s past discredits religion, but has produced a culture that still believes in the spiritual and the Greater Power… Irish people are proud of their differences, their culture… Ireland’s land and people are beyond price…
This morning’s reading… David, who’s also been through past civil war and religious conflict, says, ‘I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever. I will praise you for ever for what you have done.’ He’s proud of his identity and his God’s priceless love.
malcolmsmusings.org 