We are back once more
The sun is shining, the sky is blue and we are back on Achill island,
this beautiful place where people are friendly and kind and go a long
way to make us feel at home. It's almost become a yearly routine to come
here in February, we said we would be back and here we are. This year
there are twice as many of us with a much wider age range, a fact that
has contributed to our creative interaction with the local community.
A quick glance at the list of the workshops taking place during our stay
shows the extent to which the local people are participting in our activities.
Moreover, nature has been really kind to us giving us plenty of sunshine
and fine weather allowing us to make the most of our stay here. Looking
at the view of the bay near Craoghaum (my favourite spot on the island)
is indeed a humbling experience. The sheer beauty of the mountains in
the background and the reflection of the sky in the water is just indescribable.
The beauty of the island and the warm reception of the islanders is an
experience never to be forgotten. We will always remember the warm welcome
we have been given by people from all walks of life, especially by Anne
McCarthy, the Mayo County Arts Officer, Shiela McHugh, school teacher,
Sean Cannon, artist and photographer, Maurine O'Mally from Spar, Tim Dailey
from the Outdoor Education Centre,Sorcha Dailey from the Wayfarer's hostel
and Teresa from the Achill Cliff House Restaurant. Special thanks to the
organisers at the IT Centre and Maria Robinson for her kind gift of freshly
homemade bread and smoked salmon.
Lili Wilson (Brighton group coordinator)
"The train ran along the coastline, offering
a marvellous view of the sea and the beach..."
"...we were all excited to meet the
islanders..."
"Once upon a time in the drizzling middle
of Ireland..."
"Yepeeh! - that´s it - the most important thing is to be happy !"
"Three shepherds and their dog were found dead on the other side of Slievemore..."
"Pool games were won and lost..."
