It is so long now since I have updated you on some of my travels and some events happening and about to happen.

I will start with Limerick – this is the city of culture 2014 and there is a host of events to entertain all throughout the coming year. I have for many years now being encouraging people to visit and stay in Limerick during their time in Ireland and with so much happening there next year many of you will be based in Limerick for a night or two. I will during the week give you in great detail a list of many of the events.

Today Ireland played the All Blacks in Dublin and we are all very proud of our Irish team. For over 80 minutes the impossible seemed almost possible and it was perhaps one of the greatest games of rugby played in Ireland for a long time. New Zealand got the better of us in the 82nd minute and deprived us of an historic victory but today was a day that will long be remembered in Irish Rugby – and not just for the heartbreak.
Speaking of historic days in Irish Rugby – just last Thursday night in the concert hall in UL I enjoyed a great performance of Alone It Stands. This is a play telling the story of another historic day in rugby – this time Munster Rugby in 1978, when this provincial team beat the great All Blacks. The play was simply superb and hilariously funny but not allowing you to take your eye off the ball for one second.

Many of you visiting Ireland this year commented on being able to join in the atmosphere in a county when their team was playing a major football or hurling game – such was an atmosphere throughout Ireland today.

I never got to mention my visit to the Jameson Experience in Midleton, Co.Cork some weeks ag0. This is the heart of Irish Whiskey and here enjoyed a great tour of the place (more on this shortly) and I will be suggesting the Master Distiller’s Cottage to many as a great setting for a special lunch/dinner.

I will be back to you within a few days to update on more of my recent travels and places that may will be in your itinerary next year.