I recently spent three days in Waterford and Wexford, two coastal counties that are among the most scenic in Ireland. Affectionately known as “Sunny South East”, these counties, as well as Carlow, Kilkenny and South-Tipperary, reputedly have 300 more hours of sunshine than the rest of the country. Over recent years I have taken a short break in Waterford in June, to coincide with the Viking Waterford half-marathon, and have also haven taken the opportunity to cycle the spectacularly scenic Waterford to Dungarvan Greenway. Voted ‘Ireland’s Favourite Adventure’ in the Irish Independent Readers Travel Awards – the greenway takes in views of the Comeragh Mountains, passes the popular resting point of Kilmacthomas, and sweeps around Dungarvan Bay and onto Clonea Beach before reaching the lively harbourside town.
I was all set for running the half marathon and cycling the greenway again this year, however it was not to be. An unfortunate fall I had after training 10 days before the race meant an enforced break from running for a few weeks. I was just after enjoying a lovely jog in the evening sun on the Athlone Greenway when I fell, resulting in a one centimetre incision across the back of my head which required the insertion of seven medical staples to heal. As I was being brought by ambulance to hospital I was counting my blessings that the injury was not more severe. I was truly grateful to God for saving me and my Guardian Angel for protection. This experience reminded of what truly matters in life, our health, and not material things. It was a blessing in disguise because I feel it forced me to slow down and live life at a much slower pace – perhaps the Spirit was prompting me I was doing too much.
My trip to Waterford allowed me to press the reset button and I feel I gained a lot as a result. While I missed out on the excitement of taking part in the race and the enjoyment of cycling the greenway, I was renewed in other ways. I stayed in a nice hotel situated in the tranquil rolling countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and I spent some relaxing social time with my friend who was running the half-marathon. I also made a trip to Tramore, a lovely seaside town, where I played a leisurely game of pitch and putt by the coast and walked a loop of the town and pier, taking in the splendid views. One of my favourite ways to relax in the longer summer evenings is to go for an evening walk observing the sunset, and while I was in Waterford it was particularly peaceful walking alongside the harbour and on the greenway during one of the hottest weekends of the summer.
For me part of slowing down also has a spiritual connection. I related my weekend away to going on a retreat; taking a step back from the busyness of regular daily life to reconnect with God. As it happened, and providentially, it was the Solemnity of Corpus Christi [The Body and Blood of Christ] the Sunday I was in Waterford. I went to a beautiful Vigil Mass on the Saturday evening in St. Saviour’s Church on Bridge Street, which was under the care of the Dominican Friars, but is now under the care of the Servant Priests of the Home of the Mother. Servant of God Sr. Clare Crockett, from Derry was a member of the Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother. She was a young woman who gave up a promising career in the world of film and television to give herself to God as a religious. Her life was marked by a joyful spirit, a total dedication to others and a testimony of faith that impacted many. She died on April 16, 2016 in an earthquake in Ecuador. On the 5th anniversary her death, an extended version of the film about her life All or Nothing was published on YouTube.
I decided to attend the Corpus Christi procession in Waterford on the Sunday as an act of thanksgiving to God that I had survived my fall, and to pray in gratitude for the paramedics, nurses and doctor who treated me. Taking part in the procession was a moving experience. It brought back memories of walking in solemn Eucharistic processions around the town of Castlerea, where I spent my childhood, and later in Mullingar, during my teenage years. The procession in Waterford, which commenced at the Sacred Heart Church in The Folly at 4pm, was led by Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan. It was a great witness to the Catholic faith as hundreds of parishioners, young and old, from across the diocese joined in convoy, walking the distance of approximately one mile to the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in the heart of the city. As the procession approached the cathedral it went through the thronged pedestrianised streets where locals and tourists stood by, many taking photos or videos with their phones.
On the Monday I drove to Ballyhack in County Wexford, crossing the River Suir via the Passage East car ferry. I went on a guided tour of Hook Lighthouse, the oldest intact operational lighthouse in the world. This was a very enjoyable experience as the knowledgeable tour guide shared fascinating stories and facts about this unique medieval building, including from the 5th century when St Dubhán and his fellow monks spent perishing nights warning sailors against the dangers of the peninsula with a beacon they kept alight on the headland. Afterwards I went to the seaside fishing village of Duncannon and spent a few hours of rest and relaxation on the mile long golden beach. I walked the beach a few times, giving thanks to God for the gift of a wonderful and blessed holiday being and for the healing he has been accomplishing in my life. Before I left the beach I was led by the Spirit to share a short video reflection about my few days vacation in the “Sunny South East”.
