June 25, 2009

Our last day in Dublin and Ireland. Not too sad though 'cause tomorrow Carrie and I leave for Munich. Carrie is excited to see Florian and his family. Ronda is happy to leave the busses in Ireland. Today, Father Seher celebrated 11:00 am Mass at St Mary's Pro Cathedral where the boys also sang. Since 1903, the Pro-Cathedral has been the home of The Palestrina Choir, an all-male choir of boy choristers and Gentlemen of the Choir. In 2009, a Girls’ Choir will be set up, based at the Pro-Cathedral, and co-existing with The Palestrina Choir. The church serves as the Cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin and was constituted in 1825. After Mass, we had more free time for last minute shopping and lunch. Carrie and I ate in a haunted pub, The Blarney Inn. While we were waiting for our lunch, a small brass pot came hurling from a corner. There was no one even close to that corner and the owner told us it was "me Grandmother" (and we think we believe him!) He set the pot on the bar facing us until we were through with our meal. What a strange incident! After lunch, we visited the Guinness Storehouse to learn how Guinness is made and sampled the brew. The boys also gave a short concert at the Storehouse. After our Guinness visit we went back to the hotel to pack and enjoy our farewell dinner. -- Ronda and Carrie