What happens in Bundoran stays in Bundoran… or so we thought. The tales of Paddy’s missing trousers, Hazel’s Brown Eamon, Marina’s thoroughbred cob and Damien’s late night sleepwalk have already travelled north of the gap. So there is no need for Omerta. Louise captured all the memorable moments – or so we thought – on her mobile but we didn’t realise the mobile was as old as Louise and the photographs were all deleted the moment she made a call.
A posse of ten made the trip; Louise, Hazel, Paddy, Francis, Keary and Ann (still not married) Marina, Enda, Pauric and Damien. Libby and Dympna then joined in for the sleepover. As promised there was no white knuckle ride this year through the dunes. Damien steered a safe and easy path in the late evening sunshine though we did have some drama when we headed for the tide, with one of the crew getting an early bath.
Horses tucked up for the night it was time to dine in our regular haunt – the Bridge Restaurant. Four hours and half a stone later we retired to our beach front villa for some late night Coors and chat. Paddy, wearing Enda’s trousers (don’t ask), made a late appearance after his traditional walk-about. Damien also went walk-about in the middle of the night declaring his room mates, Francis and Paddy, both needed wind operations.
There was no Leo for the Breakfast menu but we found another master chef in Francis, who fed the masses along with his sidekick Pauric. While the ladies looked on Damien pulled on the marigolds and took charge of the dishes (knowing that any breakages would come out of his deposit). Another trip around the dunes and into the sea – no fallers this time – and it was time to depart just before the heavens opened.
A big thanks to Steph at Stracomer Stables for looking after us all and to Damien for organising the trip. Maybe next year Hazel will bring Brown Eamon — he might like the sea?
Pictured below: Breakfast time at our seafront villa — just like The Waltons.
Letterkenny Riding Club 