They have an air of adventure and a smile on their faces; they must be the Grow crowd arriving for a right good day out”. – And when is a wise old Kerryman ever wrong?
It was indeed a great day out. The sun painted the streets of Killarney a bright shade of gold as Grow community members descended on the town by train, bus, and car. They came from Kerry, Cork, Limerick, Clare, Tipperary, and even Kilkenny. All were welcomed by management and staff at the international as if they were long-lost cousins and were treated to a wonderful spread of morning coffee delights. Everyone’s face was radiant as old friends greeted each other for the first time after a long pandemic-imposed separation. The joy and anticipation of the day’s adventures were evident in each person’s countenance as they left the hotel lobby to engage in their choice of activity. This day was off to a great start; it was squaring up to be a fun-filled, joyful day of friendly banter and good company amidst the wonderful scenic beauty that Killarney has to share with all its visitors.
Having enjoyed the refreshments and renewed old acquaintances, our tourists had two hours to spend as they wished. Some boarded a jaunting car in Kenmare Place and embarked on a leisurely drive around the beauty spots in the company of the inimitable, entertaining, and very informative Denis Doona. Others opted for the open-top bus tour of the town and its surrounding places of note. Another group availed of two hours of retail therapy in the fine Outlet Centre and Killarney’s high street while the more adventurous of the day trippers accompanied Diarmuid on a walking tour of Killarney guided by Killarney man, Richard Clancy. There was no denying it; everybody had a smashing morning. The mood and the atmosphere were electric as the group re-assembled in the International with one thing in mind (or maybe three) – music, food, and fun.
All three expectations were met. As the hospitality staff served up a mouthwatering four-course meal that any chef would be proud to claim credit for, the music duo began to play Barr Na Sráide and followed it with The Rocks of Bán as requested by Aileen from West Limerick. The musicians entertained the group with beautiful music and song right through the meal and continued to play until we ended our day out at 5.00 pm. The delighted diners took many breaks between courses to join in the songs, dance a few two steps, and jive the afternoon away.
Like all good things, the day came to an end too soon. As old and new-found friends bade farewell to one another and to Killarney, all agreed on one point – we had just had a magic day in the Kingdom or, as the old jarvey had predicted, we had a right good day out. Let’s do it all again soon.
