Perspective

Global inner connections come up repeatedly as we hear of prominent Americans with Irish connections and vice versa. One of the leaders of an Irish uprising was born in NY. When all the other leaders were put to death, he was spared to avoid backlash from the US. Many a successful Irish immigrant has returned home and shared the wealth. An unexpected story, though, is that the Choctaw nation sent money to Ireland during the potato famine. To commemorate their generosity there’s a feather sculpture in Middleton. On a tour of Kilkenny our guide pointed out the impact of Christianity on modern civilization, transforming us from a survival of the fittest and might makes right society to one of rules, order and structure. Permanent structure and cities were built on law and order. Irish cities mostly were built castle to cathedral, with the important places up on the hill and not so important stuff down by the river. This penal laws imposed by King Henry when he broke away from the Catholic Church (keeping their assets of course) were in effect over 340 years, making life difficult for Catholics. Obviously they persisted, but Irish Catholic Churches built in the 19th century are of 3 basic designs for economy’s sake since seized assets were long gone. One church, though built by the Dominicans, is rather opulent with many stained glass windows designed to uplift the masses. Evidently the Dominicans were considered rock stars of their day, making use of black robes to market all their wonderful accomplishments during the black plague. Kilkenny was quite a prosperous city back in the day and the original capital of Ireland. Unfortunately being on a river couldn’t compete with a seaport, so the capital moved to Dublin. Interesting factoids, baking and brewing were big business in Kilkenny. The city walls provided safety from marauders like the Vikings, and great military ceremony went into closing the city gates at night , a practice called dusking. We noticed windows in ancient stone buildings that were filled in by stone. Evidently Queen Elizabeth I was in need of funds for military campaigns, so she imposed a tax on windows. Let’s just say that tax evasion is nothing new. After a morning of exploring Kilkenny, we headed back to the hotel where Andi opted for a mini facial (yesssss) while Mike went for falconry. He said the birds were amazing hunters and even had the opportunity to have one land on him. Hopefully all our little song birds back home will forgive him!Read more