I forgot to mention that I took part in AFRI's 10 mile walk to commemorate the famine in Mayo last Saturday. The walk was last Saturday, that is. The famine was some time ago. We walked from Doolough to Louisburgh, a crazy mix of locals, schoolkids, Dutch tourists and blow-ins like myself and my Dad (who spend weekends there and think we can lay some claim to the place). For company we also had Gary and Jeanie White Deer, who represented the Choctaw nation of Oklahoma. They told us of how the Choctaw donated $172 in famine relief to the Irish people (a massive sum for them at the time) and reminded us that we wouldn't be walking alone, for the ghosts of the famine dead walked the road with us. The kids were thrilled at this. We then had a very bizarre but nonetheless touching moment when some chap sang Dylan's 'A hard rain's a gonna fall' unaccompanied (that is, bar the tuneless oul wan standing behind me) before we set off purposefully on our hike, Gary and Jeanie leading the way. It was nice. People got a real sense of community involvement, social history and social responsibility. There was no fundraising, it was just a gesture to commemorate and to make people aware of what happened there, what happens elsewhere and how our actions in times of crisis are remembered.
Cynic that I am, my fond memory of the 3 hours we spent on the road is of Gary and Jeanie scooting by in their car, a mile or so into the walk. You were right, though, Jeanie, I wouldn't have done it in those moccasins either.
We all got certificates upon reaching Louisburgh to prove that we'd taken part, which was a nice idea and gave the kids (my Dad and I included) a great sense of accomplishment. Unfortunately, we left ours behind in the pub. You never know, Jim McNamara might frame them, to commemorate our achievements.
Cynic that I am, my fond memory of the 3 hours we spent on the road is of Gary and Jeanie scooting by in their car, a mile or so into the walk. You were right, though, Jeanie, I wouldn't have done it in those moccasins either.
We all got certificates upon reaching Louisburgh to prove that we'd taken part, which was a nice idea and gave the kids (my Dad and I included) a great sense of accomplishment. Unfortunately, we left ours behind in the pub. You never know, Jim McNamara might frame them, to commemorate our achievements.
