Dublin

Our final day began with ... rain! The first time genuinely we've had soft weather as they call it. It only lasted an hour or so though. 

We visited the Mercy International Centre and the home of Catherine McAuley. 

The water jugs on the wall above all carried holy water from the respective nations which now flows in the well and fountain outside as in the other image. 

It was a symbolic moment. All the nations coming together in one place. We spoke to a few US visitors and some fellow Australians. All of us in Ireland embracing our faith. It was nice. 

A free afternoon followed. To escape the inevitable shopping experience in Dublin I went to Croke Park home of the GAA. We were in the country for the Gaelic All Ireland Final between Dublin and Kerry. 82500 fans watching everyday people IE amateurs represent their county. I was in awe. The way sport should be. 

It was apt I wore the old Wests strip today. The jersey above is from County Leitrim. In the change rooms all the strips from all 32 County Teams were displayed. Our family came from there in the 1850s. A hardworking and honest county. Small in size. Not all that much success on the field. Just like Wests!

It was a great afternoon. A great chance to speak to some people that you wouldn't see in the city centre. It was a good choice. 

Therein ends the pilgrimage. Mass before heading to the Airport for the trip home. I'll put a final post up when I arrive. I don't think I'll ever do the experience justice. Profound. I'll try though. 

Special special mention to my wife. We celebrate EIGHT years married today. I love you. And I look forward to seeing you in just over two days!

EDIT

It wouldn't have been the experience it was without these two likely characters. John and Gerry. Our driver and guide. Brilliant genuine men. Great Craic!