Travels in Eire #54

There was something about being in Mullaghmore, that made Cailin's sleep even more restful than usual. She woke as the sun shone through the bedroom window feeling happy and alive. She dressed and was ready to head downstairs just as Brendan was heading up the stairs to make sure she was awake. He saw her coming down and smiled a good mornin'.

“So lassie, will it be one of my special breakfasts with all the trimmings today?” he asked as they reached the bottom of the stairs.

“Actually Brendan, I'd just like some tea and toast, if you have it. I've had a few too many Ulster fries and I need to watch my diet! she laughed back to him.

“Your choice lassie, but your missing a real treat.”

Cailin didn't want to hurt Brendan's feelings, so she acquiesced to a small version of Brendan's special breakfast with a cup of tea. She knew that he would still make a full version, but this way she would still be a gracious guest.

Rorey arrived as Cailin was finishing about half of her meal and stayed for a cup of tea. They then headed off to Ardboe. The road to Ardboe passed by the carvery where Cailin had first met Ryan. As they motored down the road she recognized his SUV in the parking lot.

“Rorey, we need to make a quick stop here please,” she knew Rorey would not refuse. “I want to see a friend and thank him.”

Cailin climbed out of Rorey's small compact and entered the restaurant. As she poked her head in she saw Ryan drinking a cup of tea. He had obviously finished his breakfast and sat alone as he drank his tea. He looked up at the door as she entered, and smiled, surprised.

“HI Ryan, I'm on my way to church in Ardboe and saw your SUV outside. I just wanted to thank you again for the ride the other day.”

“Ardboe for church? Why not here at St. John's?” Ryan asked back. “Actually I'll be singing while my da play the organ today.” Cailin could tell Ryan wanted her to hear him sing.

“Let me check with my ride,” Cailin was hoping Rorey would approve.

Rorey asked Cailin, “Who's this singer again? Did you say Ryan Kelly? I've heard of him singing in some pubs around here. And now he's doing a mass? Ought to be interesting, I'm up for this.”

Ryan came out of the restaurant at that point and Cailin gave him the thumbs up. He walked over and introduced himself to Rorey. They had a few quick words about people they knew in common and the he said they needed to be off to church. St. John's was just around the corner and down the street a bit. It was a small pretty church. It seemed that most of the parish was attending this mass. Cailin wondered if they came to hear Ryan and his father.

Rorey and Cailin were seated about midway back in the pews and noticed the balcony with the organ. Ryan had added a jacket and tie to his dress shirt and stood off to the side at the front. The mass was beautiful and Ryan's voice filled the entire church. His voice had a slight raspy tone at times, and other times pure and true. He was very talented. One song he accompanied himself with his guitar. Cailin was so glad that she and Rorey had this opportunity.

After mass was over, Ryan introduced Rorey and Cailin to his parents. Cailin reminded Ryan that she owed him a dinner the next time he came to Derry and Ryan promised that would be soon. They parted ways and Rorey and Cailin headed for the Old Ardboe Cross to say some prayers for family members who were buried there.

Visiting the Old Ardboe Cemetery was bittersweet for Cailin this time. She now knew so much more about her family tree thanks to Rorey. After a while, they headed down the road to Dungannon for Cailin to catch the bus back to Derry and to see Darren for dinner.