Mission Blog #42

Have You Never Been Mallow.... (I guess that was 'mellow')

Mallow is a town of about 13,000 people located 30km's north of Cork in the Blackwater Valley. Santhosh Prassad of our Branch Presidency lives in Mallow and he invited us to his home for a great Indian meal.

We arrived early so we could walk around the town a bit.

Some of you old-timers may remember Tip O'Neill, 5-time Speaker of the House, in U.S. government circles. He has roots in Mallow and a few years back they named a park after him.

Ocana's Restaurant is named in honor of Captain Reuben Ocana. In 1983 he made a precautionary landing of a Gulfstream II business jet at the Mallow Racecourse. A temporary tarmac runway of 3,000 feet was built and paid for by the plane's insurers so he could fly the plane home - took about 5 weeks. In the meantime, Captain Ocana became a local celebrity. 

In 2001 the F3A World Model Aircraft Championship was held there.

J. Joseph Fizgerald monument, faces the town hall, and was erected in honor of the scholar, patriot, and 'champion of all oppressed'.

The Clock House was built in 1855, originally as a residence by a prominent citizen who had recently inherited Mallow Castle. 

The Sandner family are wonderful people. Amelie is the Relief Society President in the Branch, and William has taught Priesthood. Their home country is Germany but both parents work here, for FaceBook. The children love it here.

Daughter, Vivian (18), loves Canada and may end up coming to Alberta (U of A) for her Psychology degree. 

The Spa House in Mallow - Mallow became a popular holiday and retreat destination in the 1720's after news broke about the curative properties of its spring water. The town built promenades, guest houses, and organized social events - like Bath in UK.

The Spa House was built in 1828 to replace the existing pump house - containing a pump room, an apartment for medical consultation, a reading room, and baths. 

It has undergone a refurbishment and is now home to the town's new tourist office.

The reason for visiting Mallow was to have dinner with Santhosh Prasad, who moved to Mallow just a week ago from elsewhere in the Cork area.

Santhosh is amazing. In Indian society it is very difficult to break from one's traditional community. His family did so, in becoming members of the Church of Jesus Christ. He has 4 siblings; each one served a full-time mission. Santhosh's wife also served a mission. She and their two children do not arrive in Ireland until August 1. The Indian meal that he prepared for us was amazing, and his support and welcome to us won't soon be forgotten.

The following evening, we went to another dinner appointment at the home of Deepak and Mary Sharma. Deepak is a childhood friend of Santhosh, from Banglor, India. Mary is doctor of anaesthesiology in India but cannot 'practice' here in Ireland yet. She has passed 1 exam and will write the other exam next year at which time she'll be able to practice in Europe, Canada, New Zealand, and elsewhere. Deepak is an IT wizard who works for USBank Europe operations.

On Tuesday evening this week we taught the very first English class sponsored by the Church in Cork. EnglishConnect is what it's called. We had about 14 people on our invite list and 6 were able to make the class. One of our missionaries is from Hungary and it was also helpful for him.

We keep it light, show lots of encouragement, practice all together, and in small groups, and have treats at the end. It's a great time.

On Thursday we drove out to Ballymacoda, about 45 minutes drive, to visit a widow, Jaquie Roy. This wonderful South African woman lost her husband 2 years ago, and it is hard for her to be on her own. 

The weather did not cooperate at all. We had fierce winds and lashing rain - could hardly get out of the car. But she took us to many amazing beaches and viewpoints that were special to she and Joe. We have been talking to her about coming back to see her on a nice sunny day.

She is a great tour guide, and driver!

Near Youghal (pronounced like a southerner addresses a group of people - Y'all).

Googled 'best fish 'n chips in Cork' and the answer was Jackie Lennox's Chip Shop. And it was indeed great! The weather was nice for us to be able to sit out and enjoy it, while people-watching, and listening of course - like to the 3 young boys on their scooters/bikes planning out their adventures for the day.

I can't really illustrate it, but the quantity of food was more than ample - one order could have fed both of us.

The sun was shining  on Saturday (our Preparation Day) so we decided to find a beach, and explore. We drove about 30 minutes south through some quaint holiday villages, and arrived at Myrtleville Beach.

This beach isn't like the miles long beaches we saw a week ago while on the Dingle Peninsula, but it's easily accessible. Families having a total blast doing some body surfing, sandcastle building, playing fetch with their dogs, or just visiting - all while disconnected from worldly concerns or electronic devices.

This ferry had just departed from Cobh ferry docks, and was on its way to Roscoff, France, about 13hrs journey.

Where the ferry is, is just outside of Roche's Point, which is about where the Titanic anchored, while awaiting the final additional 143 passengers to board. Last stop before its tragic end. Hundreds of folks would have stood on this beach and others, and waved and wished all on board a safe journey to America.

Coming on this mission to Ireland has been an amazing experience. We've met some great people - not perfect people without issues or challenges, but imperfect souls like ourselves. Everywhere we've been we have enjoyed the people the most; above the historic and beautiful things of this island. We encourage each other, we listen to each other, we counsel with one another. Life is not easy for anyone. There are so many forms of trials that come at us from every angle. All we can do is support each other, forgive each other, love each other. Faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ does not make it all go away, but it does make it easier.  

Thank you for your interest, and support.

God bless,

    Elder Eric and Sister Tina McMurray

    Scotland-Ireland Mission