I am happy to have found Wild Geese and another way to connect to others of similar interest.

I am Irish by descent and American born.  I have (like millions of others) several Generations of Irish blood in my veins and have barely begun to trace my roots.  I am of the Patrick and Bridget McCarney line that left on a Famine Ship in 1848 to come to America.  My Great Great Grandfather Patrick Desmond wad 4 years old when Patrick and Bridget took their 5 children to make the crossing with dreams and determination in their hearts.  The more I learn about my family's story the more pride grows in my mind and in my heart.  there are tears for their suffering too but the admiration and respect I feel for their strength and stubborn determination is the most important characteristic of their story. amazed at what they endured and how they built their dreams into reality.  They were originally of County Tyrone - Patrick was a blacksmith who took his family south to get closer to the shipyards where he thought he could be more prosperous.  They ultimately ended up leaving but the stories of the love for Ireland and good times as well as harsh times lived through my family by word of mouth.

My Great Grandmother, Rhoda Elizabeth McCarney and my Grandmother, Cora Arvilla McCarney told me many stories they heard from Rhoda's Mother and father as well as from Patrick and Bridget.  These stories made me dream of visiting Ireland from the time I was a child.

I am not 54 and I have just returned from a short (12 day) visit to Ireland.  We rented a car and drove around the country on a package that allowed us to stay in some of the fine Castles that have been converted into resorts.  These accommodations were very nice but we have fallen in love with County Mayo and will be returning to rent a house for a month or so in the next year or two.  We drove over 1700 KM during our 12 days and met many wonderful people and saw things that were very exciting and moving but the best part were the people we met.  We had so much fun and laughed, ate and drank with people like we had known them for years...it was the best trip we have taken in our 37 years together!

I will post pictures and I look forward to reading and sharing stories and information with other members!

I am also on Facebook where I also have alot of pictures of our trip as well as my life in Alaska.