I wanted to include this as part of my blog, as I have found that this is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. It wasn’t even a holiday - more like an extended weekend in Clara, County Offaly. Unlike any of my previous holidays, this trip wasn’t about travelling the world, but more so about family, family who I hadn’t seen for a very long time! There was my Step-Mum ‘Auntie Ree’, my 14 and 16-year-old Brother and Sister Josh and Kyra, and also my Dad.
This is something I have wanted to do for a while, but never really ended up getting around to doing it. While the decision was admittedly a difficult one at first, it was certainly then made a lot easier once Natasha and I had booked our one-way Travelling ticket! My priorities since then have seemingly changed a lot. It’s as if I have created this ‘pre travelling bucket list’ full of all things I have wanted to do, but always had an excuse not to do it. I have found that all these everyday excuses now seem pointless, I mean, if there is something I really want to do, when else am I getting a better time to do it? 8 years it had been since I last saw my family in Ireland - so this was most definitely a ‘pre travel’ priority!
In the end, it was as simple as a phone call with my Auntie Ree, who completely put my mind at rest and couldn’t have made me feel any more welcome. I was then passed over to Kyra and Josh. I couldn’t understand Kyra at first, it was nothing to do with the phone signal or the Manx-to-Irish ‘language barrier’, but more to do with the fact she couldn’t put 3 words together without getting all giddy! I had to keep reminding her to breathe! So, after my chat with the family/hyperventilation telecom, I finally took the plunge and booked the flights.
The cheapest way (c’mon I’m a traveller now) was definitely the most awkward way, where I would have to fly to Liverpool first to get all the way to Dublin. The Midnight arrival seemed to bother no one, however, as the Family had taken the hour and a half drive to be there for me at the Airport (apart from Josh who was keeping an eye on the pizzas for us all at home, he’s a good lad!). The journey to Clara involved a huge catch up from the last 8 years and was then topped off when Josh challenged me to a few games of FIFA after our pizza and chips. 4 am we eventually went to sleep, who knew what the weekend ahead would hold?
Exactly what I wanted and needed, but definitely not what I expected. The weekend as a whole was non-stop and action packed, and I loved every minute.
First, there was golf, the sport that requires a mixture of skill, patience and most importantly holding your nerve. Basically everything we knew we didn’t have, but this didn’t stop us! The Tullamore Course was where it was all 'putt' to the test none-the-less, to which young Josh was the outright winner. I made sure I got my own back though (on Josh’s home turf too) where the scores were evened in Clara. I remember then thinking that I was on more of a golf retreat than a family visit, just as we were on route to the local Driving range. Here – to my surprise - we would be greeted by a flock of sheep, who thought it would be a good idea to socialise at the 150-yard marker. Our first few shots didn’t trouble them one bit, in fact, they were probably laughing at our scuffs and ‘fresh air’ shots! The joke would soon be on them, however, as Josh and I started to find our rhythm, once they realised the talent they were up against they moved back over to their enclosure and left us to it.
Next, there was football, something my Dad and I loved doing together in our earlier years. Within seconds I realised that the “Man or Ball” rules hadn’t changed one bit, this was right after I stuck the ball through his legs to which he replied with a tackle Jan Molby would have been proud of! Kyra and I were too good for him in the end, exchanging neat passes with our Tiki-Taka style of football. I will never forget the image of my Dad flat on his back catching his breath, while Kyra, Josh and I were planning on what we were doing next. "C’mon Dad keep up!"
Now for the best part: delving into the Irish culture with a visit to the famous Clara Bog! I didn’t have a clue what a Bog even was! (is it wrong that I thought it was a toilet? The looks I got when I said that we’re horrifying). I would soon be brought up to speed with a privately guided Tour from my Dad - and it certainly did not disappoint. I remember it being so peaceful, not a sound to be heard anywhere or sign of civilisation. It was the perfect place for my Dad and I to brainstorm our ideas on how to make the Bog into a proper tourist attraction. From extending the walkway all the way to 'Gifford Helicopter Tours'; I promised I’d be back one day to put all these ideas into motion!
As you may have read in some of my previous blog posts, you will know that family relationships are very important to me. Building a relationship with the Family was made all the easier given all of our common interests and similarities, with Kyra and Josh especially;
Kyra is one of the happiest and genuine people I have ever met. She wears her heart on her sleeve. appreciates everyone she has in her life and has an incredible singing voice (unlike me, of course!); these are just a few reasons to why everyone loves her so much. She also has a great taste in the best playing position on a football pitch (RB obviously!).
Josh is a character - absolutely love the boy! He reminds me of me so much in how he is always on the move and never content with staying indoors. It didn't matter that it was Midnight and completely pitch-black outside, we still went out to play some football (which he probably regrets as one of my penalties rebounded off the post and hit where the sun doesn't shine - it was a good save though!)
Both of them are an absolute credit to my Dad and Auntie Ree. I feel they have got a lot of potential in life, I can't wait to see them grow up to achieve all their dreams and ambitions. I hope as their big brother they know I will always be there for them too.
In summary, I absolutely loved my visit to Ireland and thinking about it now, I would put it down as the most selfish and selfless thing I have ever done. Selfish in the way I wanted to see if I could do this on my own. Andrew really wanted to come with, but this is something I felt I had to do for me first (in turn I have helped him arrange to go over and see everyone as I did). I am proud to say that from an emotional perspective that this is something I believe I have achieved; if I'm honest I really didn't think I had this in me. It also feels all the more rewarding to say that I have four more incredible people in my life. On the other hand, I felt that this was also very selfless, making the 'first contact' was something I hope would be good for them as well. I feel that - based on the overall success of the weekend - this is one of the best things I have ever done, not just for me but for Kyra, Josh, Auntie Ree and my Dad especially.
I would like to also take this opportunity to thank my Auntie Ree for everything she has done for me, this trip would have been impossible without her hospitality. Her kindness gave me the chance to be part of their lives again, and for that, I will be forever grateful.
I am very confident and hopeful that this will be the start of something new.
PS. I can't wait to show Kyra and Josh what the Isle of Man has to offer one day!
