Pat Kilboy's Posts - The Wild Geese2024-03-28T18:21:05ZPat Kilboyhttps://thewildgeese.irish/profile/PatKilboyhttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/57439680?profile=original&xn_version=202403260758&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1&xj_user_default=1https://thewildgeese.irish/profiles/blog/feed?user=0ejcaoynev35b&xn_auth=noRavensdale and Lordship in the Wee Countytag:thewildgeese.irish,2014-01-18:6442157:BlogPost:730062014-01-18T19:00:04.000ZPat Kilboyhttps://thewildgeese.irish/profile/PatKilboy
<p><a href="http://www.stpatricksgfc.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/aerial.jpg" target="_blank">The Pats Football Club, Lordship. Co Louth</a></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Sometimes I think I’m the oldest swinger in town. In spite of the rain and the cold there were 6 cyclists at Felda serious about going for a cycle this morning. 2 were past pupils and one was the wife of a past pupil. The others were also in the prime of life and had a gung ho look about them which depressed me. Then it…</span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.stpatricksgfc.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/aerial.jpg" target="_blank">The Pats Football Club, Lordship. Co Louth</a></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Sometimes I think I’m the oldest swinger in town. In spite of the rain and the cold there were 6 cyclists at Felda serious about going for a cycle this morning. 2 were past pupils and one was the wife of a past pupil. The others were also in the prime of life and had a gung ho look about them which depressed me. Then it occurred to me that there might be someone at the Bridge also so I knew we had to leave.</span></p>
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<p class="p1"><span class="s1">There were 4 at the Bridge! Have ye no homes to go to! I suggested a coffee in Strandfield House but no one bit. In fact they were half way up the Old Newry Road while I was still trying to think of ways to shorten the cycle. I suggested to Una that we head up the Deerpark Road and cut them off at the pass. I knew there was only one way down from Dromad and sure enough we met them at the Black Gate.</span></p>
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<p class="p1"><span class="s1">It’s not too often I’m off my bike waiting for the fast group so I felt spectacularly smug. However, by the time we turned they were at the Lumpers and had the best seats by the stove commandeered when me and Una (Una and I) reached the Pats. I needed that warmth so badly because in fairness it was a miserable day and we still had quite a ways to go to home. The craic in the Pats was 90 and the staff gave us several refills of coffee. This act of kindness makes a huge impression on me whenever I encounter it because there are places which charge you full price for every round. This is not a commercial for the Pats but I like the place very much for the warmth, the location and the kindness of the staff.</span></p>
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<p class="p1"><span class="s1">There was no let up in the rain but it was time to go. There were embarrassing puddles under each chair as if something had happened, and our gear was sodden and cold outside on the verandah but sure it was great to be alive and out, I think? Every truck that passed on the way home drenched us with spray, it was too dangerous to swing out at puddles so you hoped it wasn’t concealing a massive pothole and the road was awfully busy. </span></p>
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<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I tried to cycle through the Rock as if I was enjoying it. My face was blue and my lips were bluer and I fooled no one. I had trouble pulling the wet gear off and went straight to the hot shower. The feeling of being slightly normal returned gradually. I put on the gas fire in the sitting room, locked the door (NO), and tried to analyse what I had just done. It defied analysis. It just is. Would I do it again tomorrow. You’re damn right I would (if I have any dry gear left),</span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84703379?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84703379?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>A Bike Ride to County Downtag:thewildgeese.irish,2014-01-17:6442157:BlogPost:728522014-01-17T20:21:07.000ZPat Kilboyhttps://thewildgeese.irish/profile/PatKilboy
<div><div><b> Life breaks all of us and after we are strong in the broken places. Hemingway</b></div>
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<div>It was lovely to meet Adrian today and to find him recovering so well. We all have accidents on the bike but it's how we recover that matters. The one thing that never seems to change is the love of cycling. When I was hit by the truck in 2000 the first and only question I asked Mr Nasser, the Consultant in the Louth, was "when can I get back cycling again"? Mr Nasser didn't know I…</div>
<div><div><b> Life breaks all of us and after we are strong in the broken places. Hemingway</b></div>
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<div>It was lovely to meet Adrian today and to find him recovering so well. We all have accidents on the bike but it's how we recover that matters. The one thing that never seems to change is the love of cycling. When I was hit by the truck in 2000 the first and only question I asked Mr Nasser, the Consultant in the Louth, was "when can I get back cycling again"? Mr Nasser didn't know I had worked in Saudi Arabia and thus had a smattering of Arabic. So I can safely say that the next words out of his mouth can be loosely translated as "headcase"! "Shukran gezilan", sez I, thank you very much.</div>
<div>Anyhow, we had a great old chat with Adrian in Strandfield House. My group, the sensible group, was the first to reach it and find him there. Then the strong group arrived, having done Hilltown, Rostrevor, Warrenpoint and Newry. They had a tough cycle today because the headwind on the way to Rostrevor was brutal (I gather). Newry to Strandfield was a challenge as well because we took that route down from Meigh. (I abandoned the idea of going around the Peninsula as it would take too long).</div>
<div>I heard some very positive feedback about the loveliness of County Down and of course that made my day. It's a county we rarely visit but having spent years hill walking with the Wee Binnians I must admit I am very fond of it. In fact, after the lake in my home town Loughrea, Tollymore Forest Park near Newcastle is probably the second love of my life. I've gone to that Park, in good moods and bad moods, walked through the woods and sat beside the Meeting of the Waters (Shimna and Spinkwee) and always left renewed. It's one of the most beautiful places I know.</div>
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<p>So it was good to hear that everyone enjoyed the cycle today because the forecast was not good. The balmy summer weather is well and truly gone yet 10 of us pulled out from Felda today and picked up another 3 at the Bridge. It's just great to get out every Saturday, regardless of the weather. I did find out today that some people think we only cycle from Felda to Strandfield, drink coffee and then cycle home again. One look at my records should prove otherwise as we range from 40k to 60k, and there are some who will take you for 100k. We are a serious bunch, most of the time. Allahu Akbar - God is Good.</p>
<p>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4M_0Bvk10Q&w=560&h=315]</p>Autumn cycling in Cooleytag:thewildgeese.irish,2014-01-16:6442157:BlogPost:727622014-01-16T20:07:04.000ZPat Kilboyhttps://thewildgeese.irish/profile/PatKilboy
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<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">15 of us headed for Bush and the Long Woman's Grave today. We got a window of good weather, as predicted by my new, favourite weather channel, …</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">15 of us headed for Bush and the Long Woman's Grave today. We got a window of good weather, as predicted by my new, favourite weather channel, </span><a href="http://www.yr.no/" style="font-size: 13px;">www.yr.no</a><span style="font-size: 13px;">. Hard to believe but it was actually blue skies and dry as we wended our way up Glenmore. It was even good enough to stop and take pictures several times in that beautiful valley and when I got a puncture we had an even longer stop for pics of me being handy. Which will stun a few people but there you are - the camera doesn't lie. At least it didn't before Photoshop.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">We came down the other side of the valley, by Slievenagcloch, which is as beautiful a road as you can cycle. You can see right across the valley to the road you have come up and that imposing, scree covered mountain is to your right. There are little pastiches of rural bliss all round - a field of calves, gentle horses, little farmsteads and quaint farmhouses and the Irish Sea beckoning you as you descend to Lordship.</span></p>
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<div><p class="separator"><span style="font-size: 13px;">We went straight in to the Pat's for coffee in the Cafe. The others were there before us, even though I thought suggesting Davys would give us a chance. It must have been the puncture, but then they said they had a puncture too. I really do think someone is trying to wind me up. Anyhow, we sat outside the cafe, the staff made us totally welcome and said they liked cyclists (15 Newry Wheelers had been there earlier). They came around with refills and we sat and chatted for ages on a day when you had no right to expect to get out at all.</span></p>
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<p></p>A Bike Ride in Louth and Monaghantag:thewildgeese.irish,2014-01-15:6442157:BlogPost:725582014-01-15T15:01:28.000ZPat Kilboyhttps://thewildgeese.irish/profile/PatKilboy
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><p>The Poet's Rest</p>
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<div><p>We cycled over to Inniskeen today from Felda. It was a gorgeous Spring day, blue skies, dry and a little bit chilly. We got off the main road almost immediately and didn't hit it again…</p>
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<div><p>We cycled over to Inniskeen today from Felda. It was a gorgeous Spring day, blue skies, dry and a little bit chilly. We got off the main road almost immediately and didn't hit it again except for a few miles on the 'Blayney Road. These little roads in Ireland are a pleasure to cycle 95% of the time. The other 5% is dogs and hills but I'll take my chances. So we went over the Marlbog Road to Dunmahon Cross, on to Milltown Cross, right for Walterstown Cross, cross the N52 for Fane Valley, Corderry and Louth Village.</p>
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<div><div><p>At Louth Village the strong group left us for Killanny and we turned right for Channonrock. When I say we, I mean 4 of us. There were 8 or 9 in the other group and I was glad to see them go, although I am very fond of them. The loveliness of the land and the scenery, and the presence of it all, was a gift on this frosty spring morning. Field after field was ploughed and ready for the spring sowing (guesswork - we don't do arable farming in Galway). We came up the 3 little hills from the Fane Valley and turned for Louth at Corderry fruit farm. Left Louth by the ruins of that old Abbey on the road to Inniskeen. It's such a quiet 2 miles from there to Channonrock, cross the Carrick Road and another lovely couple of miles to Inniskeen.</p>
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<div><div><p>The river Fane is with you here to, on your right hand side, and as you come nearer there seems to be an old Mill on the river, in good repair. There's one last hill before the drop down to our favourite café, the Poet's Rest, beside the Kavanagh Centre. The riverside walk is across from it and it looks just lovely, but we were dying for coffee and warmth. Plus we don't often get to the café before the strong group so we went in and ordered. Everyone likes the coffee here and I often wondered how we put up with machine coffee from filling stations and supermarkets. There is no dear doubt (love that Dundalk expression) that the women have had a very elevating influence on the whole scheme of things.</p>
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<div><div><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kAvjGHYreK8/UUTWgksnS1I/AAAAAAAABMc/PcED6lkKNWw/s1600/Kavanagh_grave2.jpg"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kAvjGHYreK8/UUTWgksnS1I/AAAAAAAABMc/PcED6lkKNWw/s200/Kavanagh_grave2.jpg" width="145"/></a>To this day I still remember the old Cuchulainn warrior, Sean, looking at us in total disgust when we flopped down on the wall in Carlingford to eat our bananas. He never got off his bike but put one foot on the ground, "Will ye be much longer" he said before we got half way down our bananas. Then he took off for the Long Woman's Grave when he could stick it no more. Ah yes, I miss those days! Anyhow to get back to Inniskeen, the lads came in the door about 10 minutes after us. Not bad considering they went to Killanny, Essexford and the café, while we went straight from Louth. There must be something in fresh air because the craic was 90, and the good vibes were a tonic. If I could bottle it I'd make a fortune.</p>
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<div><p>Meself and Una decided to go into the graveyard to look for Kavanagh's grave while the rest were having their coffee. It was easy to find - it was the simplest grave in the place. A small wooden cross with P Kavanagh written on it and 1904 to 1967 as his dates. It was covered with slabs which were a causeway on a nearby stream and they added to the simplicity. The effect, in the middle of all the fine headstones, was strangely moving.</p>
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<div><p>O stony grey soil of Monaghan</p>
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<div><p>The laugh from my love you thieved;</p>
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<div><p>You took the gay child of my passion </p>
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<p><font>When we got back to the cafe the posse was getting restless. We had run out of time so Blackstaff was for another day. We went straight to Finnegan's Cross and turned left for Annaghvacky. The strong group quickly dropped us, thank God, because I was losing the run of myself and suffering. Johan shouted, Pat we've dropped someone and I was so glad to go back and wait. Colm was with me, and he's always good company. When we got to HBX, we had a wee consultation and decided to take in Roche Castle, Una, from Banbridge had heard of it but never seen it. We stopped at the top of the hill before the drop, the best vantage point, and on a day like this it was superb. You could see every blade of grass leading up to those magnificent walls. Off down the hills again and on to Skyhill, where I suggested we might do a spin to Creggan and Cross soon, And then finally that lovely Armagh road, which slopes all the way into Dundalk. A lovely Spring day and a lovely cycle, thank God.</font></p>
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<p></p>Flagstaff, the Long Woman's Grave and Magic Hilltag:thewildgeese.irish,2014-01-14:6442157:BlogPost:726052014-01-14T15:00:00.000ZPat Kilboyhttps://thewildgeese.irish/profile/PatKilboy
<p><img class="align-left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qWc6UEgpUhA/UTIdXTp7RlI/AAAAAAAABKA/U74glz1SWTo/s400/flagstaff.jpg?width=450" width="450"></img></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-7" style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">W</span>e cycled to the Flagstaff today.</strong></span> We took the easy way, up the Old Newry Road to the Sportsman's Roundabout. Then because we felt like doing a bit of work, but not too much,we went into Ravensdale Park and continued to Dromad. After the Carrickdale we turned right and were met with a sharp hill initially, but it was not impossible and we were…</p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-7" style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">W</span>e cycled to the Flagstaff today.</strong></span> We took the easy way, up the Old Newry Road to the Sportsman's Roundabout. Then because we felt like doing a bit of work, but not too much,we went into Ravensdale Park and continued to Dromad. After the Carrickdale we turned right and were met with a sharp hill initially, but it was not impossible and we were soon on our way to Clontygora and the Flagstaff, without any difficulty. We got to the Flagstaff, comfortably chatting to each other, and 2 of the group went in to the viewpoint while we sat on the wall. 10 cyclists from Emyvale came up the steep side, from Cornamucklagh, looking disgustingly comfortable and smug. They smugly informed us that they had 80k clocked up at this stage while we had 20k and were flaked out on the wall. Everything is relative, I thought to myself.</p>
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<p>After the 2 came down from the viewpoint we went down that very steep hill that the Emyvale people had come up. It's a long 5 miles from there over to the Long Woman's Grave and the road doesn't do you any favours. Seemingly flat, if you stop pedalling for an instant you'll come to a halt. But the scenery makes it all worth while, Carlingford Lough on your left, Slieve Foye in front and Annaverna to the right. And I've seen the spot for my picnic - a wee bridge and a gorge running down to Omeath - Far from the Madding Crowd. But we may have to draw lots for the picnic bearer. At the Long Woman's Grave we stopped again, because we had to read the inscriptions on the various plaques. The Long Woman seems to be getting longer ever time I visit. Either the council or the locals are stretching that grave every year. In fact Cooley seems to be a mysterious place, with Magic Hills, Leprechaun Hunts and sheep that have the gift of bilocation,</p>
<p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LKCiQBtr7rc/UTItFaDzHfI/AAAAAAAABKQ/_THHkhgYeAc/s400/Clontygora+Court+001L.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LKCiQBtr7rc/UTItFaDzHfI/AAAAAAAABKQ/_THHkhgYeAc/s400/Clontygora+Court+001L.jpg?width=400" width="400" class="align-right"/></a>After we had everything taken in we set off again on the last stage in Cooley. 3 little hills and then the descent down Jenkinstown. At the cross we continued to Bellurgan and on to Strandfield for our coffee. It was busy but we had our own little group, glowing with health (I like to think) while we analysed every mile of the road the way a golfer does every shot. In fact a game of golf would probably take less time because when I asked the time it was 1.45pm. So it was time to move, Racecourse, Point Road, Red Barns, and the Rock. Don't know what distance it was (must ask Rosemary) but it was 4 hours spent utterly alive. Thank God.</p>
<p></p>Flow Gently, Sweet Aftontag:thewildgeese.irish,2014-01-12:6442157:BlogPost:720932014-01-12T13:30:00.000ZPat Kilboyhttps://thewildgeese.irish/profile/PatKilboy
<div><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tA7hWC4u8BI/USFHC2JhaNI/AAAAAAAABGU/imQCIj3ZYEA/s1600/richardstown.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-tA7hWC4u8BI%2FUSFHC2JhaNI%2FAAAAAAAABGU%2FimQCIj3ZYEA%2Fs400%2Frichardstown.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*&width=425" width="425"></img></a></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-7" style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">T</span>welve of us set off from Felda</strong> at 10 am. I led the group as far as the Greengates, then pulled in to encourage them to go to the front. The strong group pulled away rapidly and I was happy to see them…</span></p>
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<div><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tA7hWC4u8BI/USFHC2JhaNI/AAAAAAAABGU/imQCIj3ZYEA/s1600/richardstown.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-tA7hWC4u8BI%2FUSFHC2JhaNI%2FAAAAAAAABGU%2FimQCIj3ZYEA%2Fs400%2Frichardstown.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*&width=425" width="425" class="align-left"/></a></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-7" style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">T</span>welve of us set off from Felda</strong> at 10 am. I led the group as far as the Greengates, then pulled in to encourage them to go to the front. The strong group pulled away rapidly and I was happy to see them go. Four of us now took up the rear and had a very leisurely cycle down to Castlebellingham. I didn't know that another 2 riders had been dropped up the road and decided to wait for us at Dorians. Unfortunately, they didn't know where Richardstown was, and when there was no sign of us after 10 minutes, they assumed we must have turned for Annagassan. So they decided to continue to Ardee.</span></p>
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<div><p><span class="font-size-2">Now I know 10 minutes is insignificant. I know that in 10 minutes the best time trialists can do Felda to Castlebellingham. But you'd be surprised how slow I can go and how I can drag out time. So Tony and Janet missed us and we never knew we were so close behind them. To make it worse we stopped in Ardee for a wee snack at that lovely bench provided for us between the two roundabouts. So really it was a chain of errors,or a comedy of errors, if you like, but that is how most confusion arises.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Anyhow we were completely oblivious to all of this and having the time of our lives on a gorgeous Spring day, doing what we loved in the sweet County Louth countryside. "Úr Chill an Chreagain"; to be buried in the sweet sod of Creggan was the wish of Art McCooey, one of my 3 poet friends from Creggan, and after 17 years of cycling I understand fully this love of the Irish land. Richardstown, Tallanstown, Mullaghcrew (little bit of suffering here), they all have their tale to tell and a history often going back to the Stone Age and beyond.</span></p>
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<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hFay-BAt77I/USFIJx0s0kI/AAAAAAAABGg/HKTNWlEakaE/s1600/Stephenstown+Pond.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-hFay-BAt77I%2FUSFIJx0s0kI%2FAAAAAAAABGg%2FHKTNWlEakaE%2Fs400%2FStephenstown%2BPond.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*&width=400" width="400" class="align-left"/></a><p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">To get back to the present, we were making solid, if not spectacular progress, and eventually were glad to see Stephenstown Pond. This is a very pretty facility in the county and there is a cottage which once belonged to Agnes Burns, sister of Robert Burns, the Bard of Scotland. I don't seem to be able to get away from Poetry, in any language, and it seems to be all around me here. My dad wasn't a smoker, but he always bought 10 Afton, on a Fair Day. Even as a child I always thought it was a bit of a pose, maybe to face down the hard dealing men from Crossmaglen and from up this side of the country that we needed all our wits to handle. I loved the wee verse on the packet "Flow gently Sweet Afton among thy green braes, Flow gently I'll sing thee a song in thy praise" and even though I didn't speak Scottish, I was moved by the loveliness of it and took up smoking myself.</span></p>
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<div><p><span class="font-size-2">Burn's Cottage has been turned into a Coffee Shop and we had a very welcome coffee and scone here. The speed merchant's were getting ready to leave, having been there 10 or 15 minutes before us, as we were informed. I'm a bit on the slow side, but even I noticed the group was smaller. "Where's Mick?" I said. "He turned left at the Stonetrough". OK. 5 minutes later - "Where's Janet?". "Is she not with ye". "No, she was with ye". She never was". Oh jaysus, this is like the time the child disappeared off down to the Arbat in Moscow and left me sitting sick with nerves in the hotel all day.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Finally just when the coffee was nicest - WHERE'S TONY? Who's Tony? He was with ye. No he wasn't, never saw him. This is when I was most glad for 35 years teaching experience and 30 bringing brats up and down to Mill Road for a game of Rugby. It stood me in good stead although just for an instant I wished I was up in Mill Road with the Under 18's. To cut a long story short, Tony rang me as we cycled across the Marlbog Road to say they had a lovely cycle, we had a lovely cycle and the speedy group were grinning like cats that got the cream.</span><i style="font-size: 10pt;"> </i></p>
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<div><div class="tab-content active" id="poem-top"><h1><span class="font-size-2">Afton Water</span></h1>
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><font class="author" color="#4D493F" face="Arial">by <a href="http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/robert-burns" target="_blank">Robert Burns</a></font></span></p>
<div class="tab-content active" id="poem"><div class="poem"><div><p><span class="font-size-2">Flow gently, sweet Afton, among thy green braes,</span></p>
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<div><p><span class="font-size-2">Flow gently, I'll sing thee a song in thy praise;</span></p>
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<div><p><span class="font-size-2">My Mary's asleep by thy murmuring stream,</span></p>
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<div><p><span class="font-size-2">Flow gently, sweet Afton, disturb not her dream.</span></p>
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</div>The Coast of the Wee County by Biketag:thewildgeese.irish,2014-01-11:6442157:BlogPost:721492014-01-11T14:30:00.000ZPat Kilboyhttps://thewildgeese.irish/profile/PatKilboy
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<tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption"><p> Dawn Annagassan</p>
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<p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PF33ZxIHwho/URZkRu23S6I/AAAAAAAABFA/y3oUBu8Jpkg/s1600/Dawn,+Annagassan.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-PF33ZxIHwho%2FURZkRu23S6I%2FAAAAAAAABFA%2Fy3oUBu8Jpkg%2Fs320%2FDawn%2C%2BAnnagassan.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*&width=320" width="320"></img></a></p>
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<p>Had a lovely spin to Clogherhead this morning. The rain threatened to be a spoilsport but it never troubled us at…</p>
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<p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PF33ZxIHwho/URZkRu23S6I/AAAAAAAABFA/y3oUBu8Jpkg/s1600/Dawn,+Annagassan.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-PF33ZxIHwho%2FURZkRu23S6I%2FAAAAAAAABFA%2Fy3oUBu8Jpkg%2Fs320%2FDawn%2C%2BAnnagassan.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*&width=320" width="320" class="align-center"/></a></p>
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<p>Had a lovely spin to Clogherhead this morning. The rain threatened to be a spoilsport but it never troubled us at any stage.I was anxious however because I had a couple of new guests coming out and I wanted them to see this lovely route at it's best. I needn't have worried and at the end they said they'd be out next Saturday.</p>
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<p>Really, once you turn off in Castlebellingham, the road is yours all the way to Clogherhead. It's time to get into the zone and enjoy the Wee County as it unfolds for you. Annagassan is a treat with it's little harbout and that lovely bridge over the Glyde. Annagassan owes its origins to the Vikings and apparently at one stage it was a toss up between here and Dublin for the Viking capital of Ireland. Annagassan lost because of the shallowness of the harbour but archaeologists have found very extensive remains from that time at a place called Linn Duachaill and there is a Viking festival there every summer.</p>
<p><a href="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-4eeU8pz6xhM%2FURZoVpteIwI%2FAAAAAAAABFM%2FBCUK8yX9d3s%2Fs320%2Fbridge%2Bin%2Bannagassan.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*&width=320" target="_blank"><img src="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-4eeU8pz6xhM%2FURZoVpteIwI%2FAAAAAAAABFM%2FBCUK8yX9d3s%2Fs320%2Fbridge%2Bin%2Bannagassan.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*&width=320" width="320" class="align-center"/></a></p>
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<tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption"><p style="text-align: left;">Leaving Annagassan we quickly caught up with the breakaways who had taken that lovely detour along </p>
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<p>Salterstown. I avoided it today because it's a road that can let you down, but fortune favours the brave and they enjoyed it. They dropped us for the second time on the way down to Port but I didn't mind as we were having a great chat and getting to know each other.</p>
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<div><p>We passed Togher Church, which is an impressive looking building and has sheltered me on occasion from rain. The roads get even quieter now as you approach the beach at Port and the cycle beside the beach is a pure joy, unless the winds are south east. The winds today were insignificant for the entire 50k.</p>
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<div><p>We turned right at St Michael's Church in Clogherhead and headed for Dunleer. The Parochial house is on your right hand side and I only mention this because I got one of the best feeds ever here. We were cycling by last summer, minding our own business, when these ladies came out and blocked the road. They insisted we come in and have cup of tea and some cake. There was a cake sale on for the parish so what could you do except contribute and eat. God love them we were the only support they had then and we tipped them handsomely and ate out fill but it was tough to get moving again.</p>
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<div><p>Anyhow the joys of cycling are not just confined to the physical activity. You never know what will happen when you go on the road. You meet lovely new people, you might have an absolutely lovely spin, which has been my experience over 17 years. Every cycle is an adventure, literally, and we all need a little of that in our lives. I did my first Maracycle in 1996 and I wondered where the buzz came from afterwards. Then I realised those 6 hours from Dublin to Belfast were one great adventure. Anything could happen, and did. At Loughbrickland I clipped the bike in front of me and brought down 3 cyclists.The young lad at first aid in Belfast was disgusted at all the congealed blood and grazing. .</p>
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<div><p>To get back to today, that road from Clogherhead to Dunleer has to be one of the quietest in Ireland. Pure pleasure. You'll notice I don't say we made great speed on it but we had a great chat. I met an old gentleman I cycled with in the past, the mighty Fitzer, and he was sick jealous of our coffee stops and chats. He told me that he stopped bringing even a bottle "because that time if you took even a sip you'd be dropped". Well we stopped in Foleys for our tea and scones and chat and the lovely fire. The only way to do it. The breakaways were there before us, so that made 11 of us on a drizzly morning. One of our guests was from Banbridge so I took her on a wee tour of Blackrock before returning to Felda. A great morning cycling, thank God.</p>
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<p>[All paintings in this post are by a Dunleer Artist - Dahman Hocine of Kabyle Gallery.</p>
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</div>A Bike Ride around the Border Countrytag:thewildgeese.irish,2014-01-10:6442157:BlogPost:720662014-01-10T22:03:12.000ZPat Kilboyhttps://thewildgeese.irish/profile/PatKilboy
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<p>What a beautiful Spring day today, thank God. Blue skies, dry roads and light, blessed light, everywhere. In fact the perfect day for a spin on your bike and a bonus if you have good company, which I had. We set off from Felda on the stroke of 10…</p>
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<p>What a beautiful Spring day today, thank God. Blue skies, dry roads and light, blessed light, everywhere. In fact the perfect day for a spin on your bike and a bonus if you have good company, which I had. We set off from Felda on the stroke of 10 and hit for Knockbridge. The stronger group soon opened up a gap and we didn't see them again until they came into the coffee shop in Carrickasticken. In fact, to my amazement, they arrived at almost the same time as us even though I suggested a loop around Mullaghbane to delay them.</p>
<p>There is no doubt about it but this is a lovely area. North Louth is fascinating as well as beautiful. The Ring of Gullion gives South Armagh a unique advantage. Combined, I could cycle around here forever. It has everything - scenery, history, culture, you name it. You only have to go walking with the Gap of the North club from Jonesboro ( <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/gapothenorth/home">https://sites.google.com/site/gapothenorth/home</a>) and listen to the excellent Seamus Murphy describe the richness of the area to know you are in somewhere special. So please excuse what follows, it's from a Runner from Galway who has picked up bits and pieces in his 30 years up here.</p>
<p>This area, historically, was at the edge of the Pale. That's the area that the Anglo-Normans ruled in Medieval times. Roche Castle, which is on the right as you cycle from Hackballscross, marked the northern boundary of the Pale. Behind it, English rule prevailed. Beyond it was Gaelic Ulster. Hard to believe now that this was the most Irish part of Ireland a few hundred years ago. But there you have it - Irish, Catholic, Brehon Law etc north of Roche; English, Protestant, Civil Law the other. Knowing this makes it extra special for me every time I cycle past Roche, because we think we have a monopoly on Irishness in Galway.</p>
<p>Only a couple of miles from Roche is Creggan and I got some shock when I heard Irish was spoken here until relatively recently. Imagine my surprise when I cycled into it one day and saw something called the Poets' Grave and the Poets' Glen. My curiosity was piqued and I had to investigate. Three renowned Gaelic poets are buried here, from the 18th century. Patrick McAlinden, Seamus Mór McMurphy and Art McCooey all came from this area. To put it into context, at the same time we only had Raftery an File in the West.</p>
<p>This whole area amazes me and if God spares me the health, I intend to spend many years touring on my bike. Of course anyone is welcome to come with me, especially if you can add to my store of knowledge. Apparently, down in Forkhill was another poet, Peadair O'Doirnán and not to far away in Omeath, Seamus Dall McCuarta who made it onto my list of prescribed poets for Leaving Cert, aeons ago. I think it's no wonder, with a literary tradition like this, that one of our greatest and most authentically Irish poets comes from Inniskeen - the incomparable Kavanagh.</p>
<p>Now since I was a geography teacher in a previous incarnation, I have to say something about the Ring of Gullion. It's a volcanic extrusion (nah I'm only joking, you's thought you were back in school again, you can read it all on a plaque in the Courtyard)!! Get in your car, on your bike or leg it. This area will fascinate you for a long time. So you can imagine the scenery or better still view it from almost any stop on your bike or car. Today we admired the views from a new coffee shop in Carricksticken, before the descent to Dundalk. Roche Castle, from an angle we hadn't seen it before, Glassdrummond Church (Dawn whitens Glassdrummond Chapel - Kavanagh) and the beautiful, rolling countryside of North Louth/South Armagh lay before us.</p>
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<p>Finally, once again, this is only a potted guide to this lovely area. I'm sure I left so much out or got it wrong but if it whets you appetite it's a job well done.</p>
<p>Website</p>A Bike Ride to Kavanagh Countrytag:thewildgeese.irish,2014-01-10:6442157:BlogPost:721082014-01-10T14:30:00.000ZPat Kilboyhttps://thewildgeese.irish/profile/PatKilboy
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<p style="text-align: center;"> …</p>
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<p><strong><span class="font-size-7" style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">W</span>e had a lovely spin</strong> on our bikes this morning. Hard to believe really, because the puddles were frozen each side of the Old Golf Links Road, as I made my way to Felda. We sat and chatted for a while. At least there was no one telling us we were mad in the head, as happened last Saturday. I hate to be different from the herd so I feel slightly put out when I hear that. But if there is 3 or 4 of us we can't all be mad, can we?</p>
<p>Anyhow, shortly after 10 we rolled out and headed down the road towards the Coachmans. I don't like that stretch of road and would prefer to go through the 'Rock and come out at the Greengates. But no one else has ever complained, and as I often say to Angela: if it ain't broke don't fix it. In any case we turned right shortly thereafter for the Commons Road. Don't particularly like making right turns since I was hit by the truck at Ballymac roundabout in May 2000. Can't turn properly and depend on ears and an assertive hand signal if alone, depend on other if in group. Anyhow, to get back to the Commons Road, we went to the end, up over the Motorway bridge, the Railway bridge, past Applegreen and left for the N52.</p>
<p>I have to say I'm awfully fond of this next piece of road. This is where I recovered from that near fatal accident, when I couldn't keep up with the group anymore (not a lot has changed I hear you say). No one saw me as I struggled to the 5 crossroads, puffed to Babeswood, and panted to the junction with the N52. It is one of the quietest roads I know except for the day I cycled into the Good Friday procession. For all the world it was like Holy Week in Seville, which was eerily apt since I was going to Spain that June to do the Camino.</p>
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<p>At Parra Bwee's Cross (not even locals know that one) we split into 2 groups. Fast guys went straight to Ardee and us less fast turned at Cluskey's (Duffys) Cross for Tallanstown. Ah, the bliss of it, 4 friends taking it nice and handy, lots of chat, as we strove for Tallanstown with minimum effort. Straight through, out by Denis Smyths, following the Glyde, and off for Killanny. This road is even quieter than the 5 Crossroads and is a pleasure to cycle. The road from Louth Village joins it at the Mills of Louth (that has a ring to it but I've never seen anything there) and the road to Knockabbey shoots off.</p>
<p>In Killaney I was tempted to stop at Top Shop for old times sake but I'm afraid those days are gone. We turned right for Essexford, crossed the Carrick Road and continued on a lovely road to Inniskeen. Once again the Poet's Rest was an oasis of warmth and hospitality on a bracing day. We had hardly sat down when the other group joined us. I couldn't believe it. By suggesting Ardee and Carrick I thought they would be at least 15 minutes behind. Still that's the lovely thing about the group - we start together and we somehow manage to come together for the coffee stop. </p>
<p>After the usual craic and ritual slagging some of the group got edgy and wanted to go. One of my friends hadn't finished her tea and it suited me to have another cup of coffee with lots of sugar so we remained, Finally it was time to go and the 3 of us headed over that lovely bridge on the Fane and on for Finnegan's Cross. If you go left there you head for Annaghvacky and the Blayney Road. Right brings you to Little Ash. It's a gorgeous road and we really enjoyed it. It gave us a chance to work our way back into the cycling after the long rest (Not that there's anything wrong with a long rest OK!). From there it was on to the Stonetrough, another right turn, Knockbridge and home. I think it was probably 50k, I know I told a little lie, but when you're having fun at least 2 dimensions disappear - time and distance. Who's counting!</p>
<p></p>A Bike Ride from Dundalk to Slieve Gullion and Backtag:thewildgeese.irish,2014-01-09:6442157:BlogPost:719752014-01-09T19:30:00.000ZPat Kilboyhttps://thewildgeese.irish/profile/PatKilboy
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_52cef8d0a54f36e27850000"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84703422?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84703422?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="400"></img></a> <strong><span class="font-size-7" style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">T</span><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">he calm</span></strong> <span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">after the storm.…</span><br></br> <br></br></div>
<div id="id_52cef8d0a54f36e27850000" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84703422?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="400" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/84703422?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="400" class="align-left"/></a><strong><span class="font-size-7" style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">T</span><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">he calm</span></strong> <span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">after the storm.</span><br/> <br/> <span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">It might be only the 4th of January but today was like a Spring Day. Totally unexpected after the horror of yesterday. 12 of us headed for Slieve Gullion, with the stronger ones detouring by Fitzpatricks and Ravensdale. We, the remainder, went straight up the Old Newry Road to Dromad. I have rarely seen the mountains look more beautiful, after the catharsis of the storm. The combination of light and cloud, and the heavy mist that came halfway down Annaverna, Clermont and Gullion was entrancing. Ceo draíocht they call this magical mist in Irish and somehow only the Gaelic phrase can convey its mystery and beauty.<br/> <br/> I was glad to see the café open because before Christmas the storms had knocked down trees all over the place and it was closed for 2 days. 2 young ladies from Mourne Cooley Gullion Geotourism went to awful trouble to show me and a handful of others the geological and archaeological gems of this area and really it was a day you wouldn’t put a milk bottle out. We got the usual warm reception in Grounded Slieve Gullion and I must say they really are lovely people, warm and humorous, thank God.<br/> <br/> The other gang joined us shortly afterwards, having enjoyed their spin by Ravensdale. We are just so spoiled for choice around Dundalk that anyone who complains should be banished forever. I think there is nothing like cycling to reveal the countryside to you. Because you have worked to go up hill and down dale the contours and the spirit of the land enters into you and you are with it. You are in touch with it in a way you never will be in a car.</span></span></div>
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<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Needless to say I didn’t share these musings with my buddies over the coffee break. The slagging was of a more earthy nature but I held my own, I think. I was glad all the same when Donal suggested getting a move on. His group went home by Forkhill and Carricksticken. We came down by Roskeagh (new name for me, hope I’m right) and Peter O’Hagens Pub (still have to stand inside that door, on my bucket list). The tide was in full in the Rock and there were as many people as yesterday taking pictures. It was actually dangerous cycling down Main Street and there was nothing happening except an occasional splash over the wall and squeals of children when they got drenched. </span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">It was just an absolutely gorgeous morning.</span></p>
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