Riverside Memories

I was walking down by the Garavogue River in Sligo town recently (from the bank to my car in case anyone gives out that I wasn’t on essential business). It got me thinking about my memories connected to the river.

I remembered the wonderful fireworks at the finale of the Fleadh Cheoil. That event took place in 2014 and 2015 in Sligo town and the place was alive with people, there was music and dancing everywhere you looked. A real carnival atmosphere and something that I was proud to volunteer at.

I thought about a friend waving at me from the other side of the river and us going for coffee and a chat. That friend has moved away now and I miss her.

I remembered the Sligo Walking tours and hearing the history of the river, the people who used to wash their clothes there, and the boating trips that used to take place there. Hearing the dark secrets of the river on the Sligo Dark Tales Walking Tour.

Many meals, hot chocolates and chats were enjoyed at the restaurants and cafes along the river. Special Afternoon Teas for birthdays at Eala Bhan. It’s sad to see the majority of them are closed at the moment, with no guidelines onto when they can reopen.

Enjoying many nights of live music at the Sligo Summer Festival. Bands such as Wheatus, Boney M, Sister Sledge and more played to a packed car park.

Watching the resident heron watching for his breakfast, paying no heed to the people walking by.

The laughter of the children in the Cairde Summer Festival Big Top, marveling at the circus entertainers, or watching Branching Out characters having a tea party.

Taking photos at night, trying out different settings on my camera. Enjoying the lights on the bridge.

All wonderful memories and I wonder if we will ever get back to those days again. At the moment it doesn’t feel like it.