After much procrastination I have finally decided to return to Ireland to complete my Captains exam. I took the first part in 1999 so it is high time I got it done, 8 years between well a lot of stuff has happened.
I haven’t been in Ireland for nearly 2 years also so it will be a bit of a shock to the system, a lot of stuff will be familiar but somehow new, the taste of a pint of Stout in a pub, Dennys rashers and sausages, proper Barrys tea, Northern Ireland in the news, AA roadwatch, 2FM, the last word, Tom Dunne on Today FM, reading a copy of the paper version of the Irish Times, Examiner, Independant. Talking about the weather and beating Kilkenny in hurling, seeing rugby on the telly. The sound of the word “Echo, Echo” on Patricks street in the evening, driving on the left hand side of the road. Having euros in my wallet, speaking English with people who speak English, understanding road signs and ads, being able to take the piss and be sarcastic without being taken seriously. Wexford accents, Cork accents, Dublin accents, gaeilge, an mhaca tu mo seamasin? Cute hoors and auld codgers, hearing the phrases “feck this for a game of soldiers”,” I’m not coddin”,” are ya wantin salt and vinegar hon?”
There are things I’m not looking forward too also, studying for the exam and all that stress, but I’m going to get it done for once and for all. I am stressed already……3 weeks to go!
Great stuff out of you Tim.I’ve been catching up with your posts and ,as always,enjoying them hugely (The image of the silent concentration on the bridge during the storm with ABBA as a soundtrack had me in knots laughing!) Now stop acting the maggot and get those books open Skipper…that’s an order.
I’m on it! My application is winging its way to the Department in Dublin, the books are open and I am forcing myself to study………it was hard doing the leaving cert. but this is hell! At least its warm!