As others have said, a Eurogathering that was small, but perfectly formed, which managed to pack in the maximum of music, cultural activity and friendship.

The people of Cork that I met in the music and singing sessions, and in my B&B were most welcoming and hospitable. I even managed to get a song in at the Cork Singers Club on Sunday evening.

As well as being able to participate in the sessions, we were able to take in a very good blues band on the Saturday evening and a bit of blue grass prior to the singing session on Sunday.

On the cultural side, I manage to kiss the Blarney Stone and I found out on the tour of the Jameson Distillery, much to my surprise, that I actually like Irish whiskey. It was great fun tearing round on a speed boat with Skipjack giving me the full low-down on the racing yachts we were passing, using lots of nautical terms of which the only one I understood was "boat".

My journey home took a route through the Wicklow mountains which showed the Irish countryside at its most beautiful, particularly with the gorse in full flower. Got back home a couple of hours ago after a mill-pond ferry trip across the Irish Sea.

Those who couldn't make it this year really did miss out. It was great to see everyone that did attend, and thanks Letty for organising it.

Ah well, back to work tomorrow.


DC