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The Master and his Mistress had reconnoitred this trip during 2005 and it is fair to say that this ensured that all the minutiae of planning was carefully considered before unleashing the programme on to an expectant audience of travellers. And so it was on the morning of 11th May that we gathered at Heathrow Airport to embark on an Air Lingus plane bound for Cork, where Steven (our coach driver and guide) was waiting to transport us to our home for the next few days. Steven proved an excellent choice as there was little he did not know about the area, and what he didn't know he made up for with his witty asides!! Ballymaloe is part of an Old Geraldine Castle which has been rebuilt and modernised through the centuries. It is now owned by the Allen family, who also run the house and their warm welcome is renowned and ensured our stay with them was comfortable and relaxing as well as being most informative. However before we arrived at the hotel we stopped for a pint or two of Murphy's at Blairs Inn and our first excursion – around Blarney. |
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At the Inn we met up with the rest of the party, who had travelled separately and so it was that 25 Paviors gathered in warm sunshine to sample the local produce and then climb the castle steps to kiss the famous stone. All who braved this custom immediately were filled with the gift of the gab, which enabled us to tell some most outrageous stories of our exploits! On arriving at the Hotel there was time to relax before gathering for dinner and a wine-tasting exercise set by the Master and the sommelier – where was our wine expert when we needed him? Most of the team was flummoxed by the first wine and didn't do much better with the others, but all were agreed that it was an excellent way to set the tone for the days to come. The winners of the test were the Upper Warden's wife, Stephanie, and her team partner Ben Laing – many congratulations to both. |
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The team line up |
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In the distillery |
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“Super Chef” - Rory O Connell |