Lettercrack

Bus trip coincided with the Ireland-Italy match, which proved to be a blessing in disguise. Dumped everything at the Old Monastary Hostel and proceeded next door for a rehearsal in the Church, which was small, cold but had a nice warm tone A sculpture dedicated to the boys who lived and died in the infamous reformatory was terribly poignant. An hour or so later we went back to the hostel with our host Leo and his lady wife Claire and had a wonderful veggie meal. We then went to tog out and went back to the Church, which had been heated and transformed, fresh flowers and candles on the windows. The concert went really well, the energy we got from the crowd was palpable, Mick Kinsella played south american tunes, gospel tunes, a Scottish tune and Amazing Grace, during which a lovely lone voice rose up from the audience to join him.
The gig finished, we hit the Bard's Den for a great shit-kicking bluegrass session with Nial Toner, his band and a few friends. Cans were purchased and the session in the hostel went on till half past oblivion.
Next morning three of us made 9.30 mass, had our throats blessed in honour of St Blaise (where was the fecker at 4.30am?). About 8 of us struggled through the snow up to the top of Diamond Hill. The walk is absolutely wonderful and the views make it worth the effort. the trip back was one of those surreal experiences where everyone was in exactly the same state of hungover nervous exhaustion and thing which were probably mildly amusing became hilarious, with people rolling around their seats holding their sides, with tears running down their faces.

Go To Letterfrack! there is an amazing sense of healing about the place and an enthusiasm about arts and music which is totally infectious. Long live the Prince!