After a nice sleep in to shake off last evenings events, I was up and moving. Originally it was planned that Davitt would pick me up at 1, however 1 turned into 4pm. Finally he arrived and our adventures began. Davitt spent a few months in New Zealand at Nelson Suburbs in 2014, and when I was home on summer break in 2014, we were teammates for 4 games. Our friendship had continued and it was exciting to know that I would have a friend not too far away from me here in Northern Ireland.

Davitt turned into a tour guide, as he stated that he got to see all of my hometown, Nelson, so it was his turn to return the favor. We hit the road, crossed the border and headed to the Northwest of Ireland. Our conversations were lovely catching up on everything that had gone on in the last couple of years, but also sharing various life stories, and him telling me about all his time playing in the League of Ireland, with Derry, and with other teams. It was just fantastic.

 

For the first time since I had been here, I w

as on the coast. The sight of ocean was a pleasant surprise and wonderful nonetheless. We drove along the coast for awhile, as Davitt share
d stories about different places along the way. We stopped at a few places in our travels. First was the pier in Rathmullan, where kids were jumping of the wall into the ocean. Onwards we went, with some great cliff views over the Drognawn Lough. We came to the a wonderful look out over Ballymastocker Beach. It reminded me of both home and South Africa, golden sand,
green hills and cliffs, and of course the wonderful ocean. I was in my happy place 🙂 Our journey continued on to a very Northwest point of Ireland, Fanad Head. Fanad Head is home to the Fanad Head Lighthouse, which is made beautiful by it’s surroundings. Rugged coast and cliffs, stormy seas, and also the remains of barracks from the World War One and Two. It was just a magical place, and the weather added to it, although I’m sure it’s even better when the sun is out and the sky is blue, the drizzle and

wind sure made it magical. Our journey continued on into Downings where we had a drink at Harbor Bar over looking the beach. It was a nice spot, and of course the chat continued.
We departed Harbor Bar and headed for Davitt’s home in Kerrykeel. Of course we arrived just in time for the Euro game between Italy and Germany to begin. Davitt is currently living at home, and his family were lovely. He cooked up a nice Irish meal full of meat and potatoes which went down very nicely. Once again, we were on the road again but this time it was to take me home to Derry.

Todays excursion brought so much happiness for me. Seeing the sights Ireland has to offer, which for me has been limited due to my trial commitments, it was just wonderful. And to have had a great tour guide to have shown me around was fantastic. There was never a dull moment, lots of great memories shared, and many beautiful sights seen. Certainly a highlight of my trip so far, and to catch up with an old friend made it all the more special.