From the Back Garden

The Folly and the house on a wintery day.
Photo: Peti

Becoming at One With Nature

This abandonned Morris Oxford once belonged to Pirate neighbours Peggy and Hughie Cattigan. Here, it is slowly becoming a part of the landscape.

Another stretch of the same boglands
Drawings by Peti

Thunder Clouds

The weather in Ireland changes every 15 minutes, or so they say...
Photo: Annie

Corraun Diary (5); Taking Over the George

On 15 January 2003, Pirate neighbour Jane wrote: "Our first large event in the bar. A 40th birthday party. It was a great night, lots of music and a great singsong."
Photo: Jane

The Folly in All Its Autumnal Glory

A view seldom seen...
Photo: Peti

Corraun Diary (4); Taking Over The George

On January 6 2003, Pirate friend and neighbour Jane wrote: "Today is the celebration of Oíche Nollag na m'Ban (Women’s Christmas). We made sandwiches and bought our neighbours a drink. So many people came to wish us well with the bar and John Mhikie Gallagher, a respected member of the community and great musician, made a wonderful speech wishing us well and adding how pleased he was that the house and bar were finally back in the hands of a local.

Tonight we felt we had truly found our home, were accepted and surrounded by the wonderful people of our community. We have so much work ahead of us to get the place in order but we're really looking forward to it."
Photo: Jane of Al measuring up.

Pirate Controversy

On 6 September we reported on the purchase of a stove, which would replace the open fire in the downstairs living room. This resulted in much controversy: the traditionalists argued that nothing beats the sight a hearth full of blazing bogwood; the revisionists value their creature comforts and supported the stove's installation by our good friends Ray and PJ. First reports are positive: the stove provides a great deal of heat and it looks cute too.
Photo: Peti

Autumn Colours

The days are shortening; there's a nip in the air. But the trees in the garden are more beautiful than ever.
Photo: Peti. Click to enlarge

Corraun Diary (3); Taking Over The George

On January 5 2003, Pirate friend and neighbour Jane wrote: "Yesterday was Derek Norton's (centre) last night at The George. Locals gathered together to thank Derek for his service to the community over the last 12 years. Bar staff Michael (left) and John Joe (right) have agreed to carry on working for us. Thank goodness - we'll need their help over the months to come."
Photo: Al

Bert's Rockery

Lovingly tended, located next to the Folly.
Photo: Annie

A Typical Irish Holiday; Part 3

I've been sitting here for five minutes...

...without doing anything...
...without thinking of work...

...I should really try to make
a comic strip about it..
By Pirate associate Margreet de Heer. CLICK TO ENLARGE.

A Typical Irish Holiday; Part 2

Gosh...
By Pirate associate Margreet de Heer. CLICK TO ENLARGE. To be continued...

A Typical Irish Holiday; Part 1

By Pirate associate Margreet de Heer. CLICK TO ENLARGE.

Oodles of Mussels

Shells still caught in fishing nets near Ballycroy bay.
Photo: Annie. Click to enlarge.

Mayo Magic

Some people take their Gaelic football very seriously...
Photo: Annie

The Trip to Polranny; From Castlebar to the House

That must be the car.

It's only an hour's drive.

WE'RE THERE!!!

By Pirate associate Margreet de Heer CLICK TO ENLARGE

The Trip to Polranny; Taking the Train from Dublin to Castlebar

By Pirate associate Margreet de Heer. CLICK TO ENLARGE.

Grave Ornament

Photo: Annie