A lot of you have heard about the shootings over the last few days in Northern Ireland. I wanted to let you know that although it's tragic and shocking news, everything remains safe in the Republic where I live. All the shootings--which the "Real IRA" has taken responsibility for--are in the North targeting UK armed forces. It is a horrible and regrettable backslide of the progress that has been made over the last decades and everyone is hoping it can be quickly quelled.
The most recent shooting, which occured last night, was in Craigavan Co. Armagh. Craigavan isn't too far from Stephen's family's home (some of you have met my flatmate), and Armagh was one of the epicenters of sectarian violence in the 80's and 90's. I have been through Craigavan which is a nice community, and it is saddening to hear that it is once again affected by a resurgence in tensions. I hope this is quickly rectified, and once again everyone I know is safe, I am safe, and the Republic, where I live, is NOT the focus of these attacks at all.
Things are quiet around here on the lead-up to Paddy's Day. As it's the national holiday of Ireland, everyone has Tuesday off, and I'm taking Monday as well. I'm going to Budapest in Hungary with Tessa. I can't wait! We're going to visit the many hot springs, mineral baths, massage and mudbath spas and more around the city. A weekend of decadence and R&R: just what the doctor ordered. And a vast improvement over sitting in Dublin watching my countrymen and the Irish alike drink themselves out of their minds. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment