Sunday 7 April 2024

Super sauna last night. It got to 65C and Flashy lasted 32 seconds and called it quits. If he could remember the emergency number, he’d have called an ambulance. Lady P emerged after 32 minutes looking just a little pink.

We both didn’t die overnight but it’s a wonder. Off to Mitchelstown today, about an hour south, looking for the Hucksteps, who are relatives of Lady P’s paternal grandfather. No luck with the graveyards, but we got a great feel for the town and in between the showers, took the dog for a walk down the path to the Holy Well of St Fanahan.

Saint Fanahan is the patron saint of Mitchelstown. 1,400 years ago, this warrior saint built his abbey in Brigown (literally “Smith’s Hill” which is quite near where the well is located, just on the outskirts of Mitchelstown). The Holy Well is situated where three streams meet, (Holy Trinity?) which was also considered a very sacred space in pagan, pre-Christian times. Probably as a place of Water Worship. Conjures up all sorts of images!

There are many traditions associated with the well. In decades gone past, cures were associated with the healing properties of the water, particularly if you saw an eel. Saint Fanahan is revered in the locality. His feast day, 25th November, is observed as a special day. On Jo’s advice, we were to throw some money in the well and make a wish. Noting that the well was crystal clear and no sign of any other coins, we assumed the leprechauns had cleaned it out. So, we chucked 20 cents in the stream instead.  Hope it works, Jo.

A cleansing Guinness in the local pub and a chat to Billy the Barman informed us that one of Mitchelstown’s lads is playing for the Adelaide Crows.

In between showers and sunshine, we arrive back home, noting that the talking GPS is still working and unpack the dog and car.


Billy the barman
Yes, love it's open!







Disaster looms.



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