Morning Mass and Donkey's

After an exciting evening out at the pub the night before we were all surprisingly awake and alert quite early, there was an air of excitement about the group. The whole group was together and it was our first day heading out into Northern Ireland for our first adventure. We had been told that we'd be picked up at half past eight to attend mass at St. Patrick's Catholic Church here in Downpatrick and then we'd be headed off to Glebe house to volunteer. Siblings - Eamon and Maureen - picked us all up bright eyed and bushy tailed...well to be fair I was most definitely still cramming toast in my mouth. Eamon is a member of the St. Patrick Centre's board of Directors, and a wealth of historical information about Downpatrick and the surrounding areas. First we headed to church for mass, the church itself is absolutely beautiful. As you walk up the hill towards the rose window -that is only more beautiful inside rising above the historic organ- looking towards your left you can see a great red stone building that was once a convent. As you hear the organ music echoing against the ancient stones joined by the voices of the church you look towards a beautifully carved alter. Raising your gaze above the alter brings a view of stained glass windows featuring St, Patrick, St. Brigid and St. Columba. There was a peaceful atmosphere as mass began, the solemn tones of the priest and answering voices mixed together to create a sound familiar to this ancient site. After mass the other Young Ambassadors and myself walked around the church and grounds admiring the views. Eamon showed us the church's tile mosaic depicting St. Patrick's arrival in Ireland and we stopped to grab a few pictures of the stained glass windows as we heard about some of the history of the church. On our way out of Downpatrick towards our next destination we drove past the old Down Workhouse, Maureen mentioned that it had once been used for the council and recently she had heard it was being considered for a new Primary school location. Strangford Lough was our last stop along the way, as we hopped out of the cars to look at the water we tried to keep one ear focused on Eamon to catch the points of interest we could see and local history.

Glebe House - A part of the Harmony Community Trust, Glebe House is a cross community organization founded in the 1970's based out of Kilclief. The focus of the programs Glebe House provides is bringing together people from different backgrounds to ''live, play, work and relax together'', their goal with this focus is to create an environment where people can acknowledge and explore their differences through respect and acceptance. They cater to all groups but particularly focus on those from disadvantaged and segregated areas of N. Ireland.

http://www.glebehouseni.com

The event Glebe House was putting on was a Fun Day, think old school carnival; darts for 30p, candy floss(cotton candy) and hook a duck. When we arrived we were introduced to Dermott McGarrigle who gave us an overview of Glebe House; kind of what they do and who they are. Introductions were made and assignments given over a nice hot cuppa and sandwich's; then it was time to finish getting set up after we had a chance to look around the farm. Our group was helping with a few different things such as the bouncy castle and darts, Dr. Tim had mentioned to Dermott that I have worked with horse's and so I was sent off with Jessica a teenager who lives locally and regularly helps out at Glebe House to assist with the Donkeys. Ah well I fast found out Donkeys and Horses are much different! We spent a good half hour chasing about four donkeys to catch two of them! After learning how to get the donkeys ready for kids to ride. They use a pad similar to an American bareback pad however it has a hook which goes around the donkeys tail as well..I can tell you grabbing a donkeys tail is definitely a bit of a nerve wracking experience. Once the children started arriving it was good fun, they were all so excited for a donkey ride. Jessica and the other lad helping were both quite nice and we even were photographed by the Down News and Down Recorder. Eventually the Donkeys decided it was break time..you read that right folks the donkey's decided..I quickly learned that donkeys have minds of their own and you just have to hope they feel like doing what you'd like them to!! While the Donkey's had a break I went up to have a delicious burger and of course some chips (Americans read -French Fries) with Brown sauce. Of course there was a bit of a darts competition among a few of us, and we had a great chat with Joel a local lad of 10 years as he told us about his school and quizzed us on our Marvel movie knowledge. It was really a great experience getting to volunteer in the community with a group of people who are working to bring together different communities and people from varying backgrounds.

After Glebe House Maureen and Eemon took us on the Mourne coastal road to give us a tour of the sights in the area. We got to see places like Ballyhornan, Ardglass, Killough and Strangford. All the fresh sea air perked our group right up and you could feel the excitement crackling in the air. Each time doors would open just as we’d stop and the group would be off to use a cliche “frolicking” about the rocks and fields.

We also got to stop by the Ballynoe “stone circle”, containing around 60 stones, two inner circles and an outer formation. Scientist have theorized as to what this sight may have been but like many ancient "stone circles" they don't have anything conclusive, religious sacrifices, meeting place for different communities or something else? What do you think it may have been built for? Standing at the high point you look around to see beautiful rolling hills, dark hedges growing over old walls and views difficult to put into words. You got a very ancient, almost mysterious and mystical feeling as the breezes spun through your hair a light mist falling on your skin.