The Trials of Management

Summer eventually came. It began on the 30th of August and ended on the 8th of September.

Under instructions from the farm manager, orders were issued for the hay to be cut.

Once cut, all hands were called to the pump. Neighbours were cajoled, pleaded with, intimidated and even threatened to bring the operation to a successful conclusion. Eventually, having been turned on 5 successive days it was ready for tramming ( also called cocking, piking etc depending on where you come from)

 Of course the obligatory photos had to be taken.

And eventually we ended up with this. A glad sight to the managers eyes, who had kept a very close supervisory eye on proceedings.

 

On Saturday the final destination was reached.
All heaved a sigh of relief.










The manager and his missus could finally relax. The winter menu is sorted.

Now if only somebody would build us a proper shed.

 Still we cant expect miracles.

Sat 11th August 2012. Sat morning 6am in my garden

Took this short clip at 6 am on the outskirts of my garden, looking to the rising sun.

Irish Chamber Orchestra at St. Mary's Clonmel

A few days later I went to one of the best concerts I have ever been at. Junction Festival Clonmel had the Irish Chamber Orchestra playing at St Marys Church in Clonmel.
The acoustics were incredible and the music to match.

One of those magical moments in Dingle.

On the 11th of July I called for a pint to Paudies Pub in Dingle. Crowd was small, a banjo player and a guitarist were playing.  They were joined by a stranger to them ( though it must be said, a very pretty stranger).  Soon they played  in that  universal language that is Irish music.
Talking stopped and people listened. A magical moment.  Sound improves a little way into the clip.

A Grand Soft Day.

Wikipedia please note........ Definition of a "Grand Soft Day" in Ireland.

Taken in the " Summer " of 2012.

"Summer" from the Knockmealdowns.

Last evening while taking my constitutional I recorded this clip.
It may be of assistance to those who have emigrated to sunnier climes in confirming their decision. The clip is taken from the foothills of the Knockmealdowns, looking across to where the sun and clouds fight for control of the Galtees.
Music compliments of a nearby stream.

Travels through Connemara

On the evening of th4 25th of June I went down a little track west of Spiddal, to the coastline.
The evening was cloudy and warm. In the distance I could see the the coast of Clare and the Arran Islands. I took this little snapshot as a beautiful trad tune played on the radio.