Mayo Alive - 2 July 1996
Fond Memories
by
Jane M Kelly
It is summer again here in America. I live in the Midwest and the weather is warm for about three months. Farmers are busy planting, harvesting, and chasing behind the rain. Every year at this time I fondly recall my several trips to Ireland. I have relatives living in Cork, Ballinabearna, and Ballineen. One family are dairy farmers, and I recall the summer we spent harvesting the hay. Here we were, city folks learning to harvest hay. But that is a different story.
The summer weather always reminds me of the lush rolling green fields, the winding narrow roads, the gentle swaying of the trees, the pale blue sky, the sun's rays dancing upon the ocean like stars, and the gentle, and yet sometimes rushing movement of water lapping upon the shores. When in Ireland my family has always traveled to County Mayo. Last time we explored Knock, Castlebar, Westport, Croagh Patrick, Newport, and Mulrany. Each place has forged special memories of fondness.
One of our favorite places is Knock. My children and several of our relatives made a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Knock. We traveled from Cork City where upon arriving we stayed at one of the camp sites. This trip is another story. Our visit touched my young children very much as they still remember their experiences with fondness. We brought back a picture of the Apparition scene that hangs upon our dining room wall reminding us of that great historical day, and our expereince. We also brought back a statue of Our Lady of Knock that has a prominent place in our home, and is always adorned with fresh flowers.
Our trip to Mayo was also a trip in search of any relatives of mine. My maiden name is Mc Hale. Me brother has traced our ancestral line back to Mayo, and perhaps to Bishop Mc Hale. Our relatives here in America have passed on, and our genealogical information is limited, but we will continue to search for more information.
My grandfather always talked about his family, childhood, and growing-up on the family farm. He came to America with his brother to find work. He married and never returned back home. He always wanted me to travel to Mayo and experience his Mayo. He never lost that special twinkle in his eyes when talking about his childhood in Mayo.
Everytime I return to Ireland I recall the stories my
grandfather told me as I was growing up. I always tell my
friends to visit County Mayo. They will discover friendly
people, warm welcomes, and if luckly a tale or two.
E-mail J Kelly irish7@niia.net
The Nallys of Rockstown in County Mayo, Ireland
