Travels in Eire #7

Cailin was almost afraid to turn around. She was embarrassed about crying, but also a little hesitant to find out who was there.
“I see you found the family,” a strong smokey voice stated. And Cailin whirled around to see Rorey.
“What?” she queried indignantly, totally surprised to see Rorey standing behind her.
“You needed to find them on your own. I just couldn't tell you. This was your discovery to make. I'm glad to feel so attached,” Rorey explained.
“How...how, did you know? What am I missing?” she asked.
Rorey went on to explain that after talking to her in the cafe, and hearing the story of her grandmother, seeing what she looked like, he knew she was part of the O'Neill family. And so was he!
Rorey's great-grandfather was Nial O'Neill, the brother of Cailin O'Neill, Cailin's great-grandmother. So that made Rorey and Cailin third generation cousins. Cailin now understood why she felt so comfortable with Rorey, and not in a romantic way. They were family.

“But why send me on this journey?” she asked.
“I knew if you were interested, you would take the time to examine the tombstones when I sent you to Ardboe,” he explained. “I figured that you would be here today, so I made the trip from Mullaghmore. I needed to know how you felt about the family. So many people come here looking for a connection and don't find it. You did.”

As they talked Rorey filled her in more about the O'Neill family. And as the afternoon came and went the wind came up off Lough Neagh, and the air became chilly. Rorey could see that Cailin was getting cold and suggested they return to Coalisland to O'Neill's pub for some warm soup and soda bread. And yes, he explained, O'Neill's was owned by another family member.

This was hardly the vacation that Cailin was expecting, but she suddenly felt very connected to this country and the people. Her family had been here for hundreds of years. After more discussion with Rorey, he encouraged her to continue on this trip and return to Mullaghmore where he would be waiting.

Cailin and Rorey parted ways and Cailin headed to Magherafelt for the night. She found another great B&B with a pub close by. More music and great conversation met her here. She realized that she really didn't feel alone anymore.