To the tune of Lisdoonvarna:

Oh, Lisdoonvarna
Lisdoon, Lisdoon, Lisdoon, Lisdoonvarna!

How’s it goin’ there everybody,
From Cork, New York, Dundalk, Gortahork and Glenamaddy.
Here we are in the County Offaly
It’s a long, long way from here to there.
There’s the sea and the cliffs
And the air and the rest
If it’s enjoyment you want,
You should go to Bundoran

Everybody needs a break,
Climb a mountain or jump in a lake.
Some head off to exotic places,
Others go to the Galway Races.
Some go to the South of France,
Some to the dogs, others to the dance.
A cousin of mine goes potholing,
A cousin of hers loves Joe Dolan.
Summer comes around each year,
We go there and they come here.
Some jet off to Templeoran,
But we love going to Bundoran.

Oh, Bundoran!, Bun…. Bun…Bun… Bundoran

Well, our choice is Villa Nova, Bundoran. May we say thanks to all who arranged the holiday there for us, especially Marie Cox. Eleven of us from Tullamore headed off on 10th June, 2010 and of course we had a great time – but we knew we would before we started at all! (Annunciata, Angela, Assumpta, Brigid Mary, Cecilia C, Enda, Emmanuel, Ignatius, Mildred, Nuala and Rita.)

Srs. Mildred, Nuala, Emmanuel, Bridget Mary, Rita, Assumpta & Annunciata

We had glorious weather and made the most of it. We received a great welcome from Mary Kate and Assumpta and the place was just perfect for us. On Friday we rested and enjoyed the fresh air and scenery. On Saturday, some went to Donegal. Sunday was the only wet day we had – and guess what – we went to Knock – we didn’t neglect our prayers! The following days we visited Drumcliff, Lisadell (which was closed), Glencar Waterfall, Slieve League and the horseshoe drive in Mullaghmore – one place nicer than the other.

Glencar Waterfall

One day, four of us visited the Poor Clare Convent in Drumshambo. (Annunciata, Cecilia C, Enda and Mildred) The Mercy Sisters from the Western Province are helping them out and we were most impressed to hear about all the ministries they help out with – shopping, taking the Sisters to doctors and hospitals etc. It was just great to hear about “Mercy outreach” over the cuppa! Well worth a visit. May God continue to bless their work.

On Sunday, 20th June we went to mass in Rosnowlagh which was a nice change from our daily mass in beautiful Bundoran. We met the lady who used to cook for the Sisters in Bundoran and she had a great welcome for us. This brings me on to Food, Glorious Food – we were extremely looked after by our head chefs – Mildred and Cecilia!! They gave us the very best. To spare them we dined out sometimes – especially on Sundays, but the best visit of all was to our Provincial House in Clogher. The team met us and we had a sherry reception, followed by a lovely dinner. The cook hoped we’d eat all prepared. Well, we did that 100 per cent and then had a guided tour of the Provincial House – beautiful. Our first visit to Clogher was planned years ago but called off because of the Foot and Mouth crisis. So we got our first visit to Clogher in 2010. We always appreciate what the team do for us and more so now that we have visited them. May God bless their work there for all of us.

The ocean, house, surroundings were all so pleasant we didn’t need to be “on the road” all the time.

On the grounds, too, is the most interesting garden. It was a source of never ending joy to visit the garden and see all the different allotments. Such a variety of vegetables! Even though most of us present grew up on farms or in the country, we didn’t know half the plants there. More power to Assumpta, Mary Kate and their staff. They are certainly doing their best for the environment. It was great to see the townspeople arriving early and late to plant or get their produce from their own plots. Furthermore, we heard there are classes for children in the schools and for parents on the grounds. What a wonderful contribution to society especially at a time of recession.

On 23rd June, our last night there, we looked at the “Lotto” on TV. No, we didn’t win anything there, but lo and behold we had our own private lotto (the difference being, we’re Irish) and we all won something! Did you hear us laughing at this time?

We left on 24th June and looked in at Galilee House of Prayer on the way home. We didn’t call in but it was worth looking at the most marvellous scenery. When God asks us on our arrival in Heaven, if we enjoyed creation – well, we certainly saw it all the way between there and here – good, old Tullamore!

Scenery

Thanks to all who helped to make our holiday so pleasant – and to the Sisters, who welcomed us home.  Villa Nova is “5 STAR” and we are booked in for next year!

Bless the Lord, O my Soul
All my being bless God’s holy name.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Annunciata Dillon rsm
Northern Province