Yesterday Doc and Dick rang from Oughterard to let us know that they were coming to Shannonbridge today and intended going to see the play “Da” by Hugh Leonard which is running in Birr at present. So five tickets were booked and Pat Mick and myself joined them to see a most enjoyable production. It was made even more enjoyable by the brilliant performance of Michael Donegan our ex-teacher in Shannonbridge. They announced that tomorrow night is booked out like it was tonight but there are some seats available for Sunday night. Visit their website www.birrstageguild.com

In the afternoon Doc Dick and I visited the Old Quarries at Clerhane which looked magnificent.Doc brought along her camera to capture some of the views and no doubt will be putting them to use in creating a painting or two in her own style real soon.

Today Richard Berger and his wife Ruth Ann Killeen from Centreville, Virginia arrived in Shannonbridge. Richard and Ruth are celebrating forty years of marriage by visiting Ireland on a ten day trip made up of golfing and sightseeing. Ruth spotted a mention for Killeen’s Bar in her guide book so they detoured off the Galway to Dublin road and called in for a visit. We persuaded them to visit Clonmacnois and then continue on to rejoin the road to Dublin.

The river level this morning was 2.46 Metres according to Brian from The Barge. It rained a fair amount last night and it may rise some but it is at a very low level at present.

The weather is mild but has been a fair bit overcast in recent days. Temperature 55F.

The Ireland versus Australia annual football international played the first of two matches today in Perth, Australia under agreed rules. Australia scored 100 Points which was about 40 points more than Ireland. Better say a prayer for Ireland for next Friday.

Good news on the wild mink. Aidan Kelly has shot another one. Well done Aidan.

Eugene Carty and his son have returned to Boston after attending the funeral of his Aunt.