andy-smiths.com

Hello again

 Well what a weekend here in Ireland the whole Lisbon treaty and its coming referendum was debated fiercely over dinner last night with a group of close friends. It raised some very interesting arguments for both sides. But the No side won at the table. With their argument being a reduction in the minimum wage. Less control over national finances for the elected government.

 The conversation then flowed naturally to the all Ireland GAA final championships which took place today between the counties of Kerry and Cork. The influx of people to the city of Dublin from the combatant’s home cities could only be compared to being like a plague of Locusts. The whole city was a wash with the colours of Green and yellow (Kerry) and red and white (Cork). The Guards (Irish police) struggled to control the sea of fans that were spilling all over the streets of the capital. Guards on horse back and cycles were doing their best to herd the supporters off of the roads, to keep them and passing motorists safe. The crowd was very good natured on the whole with no trouble reported.

The result of the game came as no surprise with Kerry wining their 5^th all Ireland title in 10 years. They have won more all Ireland titles than any other county in Ireland and this win was and will be as well celebrated as the first. Because Kerry has won the GAA all Ireland so many times it is jokingly known as the kingdom.

 It was a great day in Dublin and we as a family took off to take advantage of the wonderful sunshine and go to a market in the next county. Whilst listening to the match on the car radio.

We rounded the day off with a nice Italian meal.