We rose for 7 am and fed the cats a bit more before heading out. Honey is a 16 year old male who is just lovely and Ginger is more aloof, but definitely food motivated. They sure know how to ‘milk’ the guests for special attention and food!
We were on the road by 9:30 to check out Montgomery heritage. We started at the 16th century church ruins in Killan but unfortunately the tombstones are limestone. Those that were still standing and not split were totally worn out. The most interesting headstone was in Gaelic and English – that of Sean MacCaba – aka Jack McCabe. He died on 30th Dec 1971 in ‘the cause of Ireland’ – he was one of the hunger strike protesters.
Next stop was the old church at Knockbride, north of the town of Bailieborough. It is now an Anglican church, but both Catholic and Protestants are buried there – a mixed cemetery. A ruined catholic church is still on the grounds beside the newer church. We found 2 Montgomery headstones – one for Mary Jane Montgomery and another for the Montgomery’s of Cxxxxx (managed to do a rubbing of the worn out headstone to identify that much). It was a very interesting cemetery and Michael met with the custodian and was able to get into the church. It was built in the late 1820’s – so after his ancestors left Ireland, but could have been attended by those who remained behind (if any).
We were also very fortunate to meet the vicar, Ian Horner, who had stopped by to use the facilities (lol!). We had a lovely chat with him. He has been to Edmonton and Vancouver when he was young and would love to return with his wife and children. She is South African however and that uses all of their vacation time and monies. There are currently no active members with the surname Montgomery, and he is new to the parish and area so couldn’t help much. He did refer us to Wayne – the local knowledge source – who was unfortunately not home according to his closed shed door that could be seen across the fields.
Next we were off to the town of Bailieborough where Dan, Suz, and I did some groceries while Michael headed to the local library. I always enjoy checking out the local grocery shops. There are always little (or sometimes big) things that are just a bit different and unique and beg you to try them out! We picked up breakfast, snacks and drinks but were unable to find a cooler bag. And Suz’s attempt at signing up for a TESCO discount card only resulted in a card which is good in Czechia! The blueberries were sadly bland, but the cheeses superb. The hardest decision was the booze! We passed on Muff Gin and went for Dingle (after several good laughs!) along with some whiskey and beer. When in Ireland, drink like the Irish after all!
Meanwhile, back at the library Michael managed to meet up with Carmel who is the VP of the Bailieborough Heritage Society. She was very responsive and helpful. She took a photo for her colleagues to prove how ancestry draws in tourism – a new spin in Ireland. She generously gave Michael a book about local history. Amazingly, we ran into another couple from Australia who were also seeking Montgomery connections! Michael exchanged info with them so that George can contact them. Their relatives were 2 sisters who went to Australia to hook up with their Uncle Henry (Montgomery). Very possibly a family connection.
Next stop was the oldest bar in Ireland – Sean’s Bar. The Guinness book of world records has validated their claim, and it is perhaps the oldest active bar in the world, but they have been unable to validate that claim. Roman bars were certainly older, but none are active continuously in the same location. We met a young guy from Australia who was a transportation fanatic. He will be checking out the Titanic Museum in Belfast, something we will sadly miss on this trip.
Finally on to our BnB, Bridgies Cottage, in Galway where we had possibly the best organized accommodation in existence! Everything was labelled – including every amenity imaginable. We were also greeted by the most scrumptious biscuits ever!
Gorgeous! Did you see any O’Meara tombstones? 🙂
Sharon