Tramore, Co. Waterford

We arrived in Waterford just in time for the rugby match between Munster and Toulouse. Bronagh met us at the bus stop (she had come home a few days earlier) and we immediately dropped our bags and ran to their favorite local pub called “The Victoria House” — known to Bronagh et all as simply “The Vic.” The place was electric as we walked in. Munster had just tied up the match to 13-13… and there were only minutes left on the clock. After several turnovers and even more tension, Munster sealed the deal and the place went crazy. The rest of the night hinged on that win, and people filled the streets later that night due to the buzz from the big Heineken Cup win.

The one and only Bronagh MacManus – she is probably about to say something like, “Aw c’mere Luke, leave me alone, will ya?”

Bronagh knows everyone in Tramore. I suppose it’s a small enough town, but it’s great to see how close everyone there is. I had to snap a picture of this beautiful rose that Mabel (Bronagh’s lovely mother) had growing in her garden.

Also, the word on the newsstands is that aliens do exist. Fascinating.

And on the very same street – an American tourist forgets to pack lightly – and gives himself away with this horrendous vehicle. (I don’t know if it was actually an American tourist… it’s just the knee-jerk reaction most Europeans have to this type of extravagance). This stretch Hummer is larger than the bed & breakfast it’s parked outside of.

We took a walk down to the shore and grabbed some french fries with salt and vinegar at one of the local “chippers.” Bronagh’s friends are great people and we ended up spending most of our time in Tramore with them.

Later on we stopped by what they call “The Park.” Basically it’s a permanent amusement park set up right along the shore. It was fairly busy, even on a rainy day, and we had a good time.

We spent the rest of our time in pubs and walking around — enjoying the cliffs along the coast and the easy life of unemployed summer. The weather wasn’t great but Tramore was wonderful, and I miss Bronagh already.

~ by lukeconnolly87 on June 2, 2008.