Sand and Tin Whistles!

Having these last few summer's in Montauk, Long Island, has always been something near and dear to my heart! Since I have met Montauk, I have nicknamed it, as so many other's do- "God's Country." For those who think thats a tall statement, just spend some time here, and I'm sure you will too.....come around!!

I've been a Jersey Girl all my life, but there was this spring, back in, oh, probaby 1994, that I met this fella that told me that "the Jersey Shore had nothin' on Long Island! " Skeptical, being the aqua-net hairspraying-proud Jersey girl that I was, I reluctantly headed East on the Long Island Expressway to Montauk.

Little did I know that when I got here, not only was it paradise, it was paradise with a spice of Ireland attached! WOW!!!

Every year, Montauk is fortunate to gather a few hundred "J1" college visa kids out here for a good time. They bring with them a taste of Ireland... a "how's it goin'" or "jees...where ya from" sorta, good feeling, that has always been a staple of a summer in Montauk for the past 15 years.

It doesn't get better than that!!

But shhhh, don't tell anyone...we don't want the word to get out!

So fast forward....10 years later and I am completely in love with this place.

I have spend so many nights around a Ditch Plains beach campfire. Smores, ghost stores, a full moon and a few songs, always makes for a perfect beach night. Kevin, my eldest son, often brings his tin whistle and rattles off a few jigs and reels. Tin whistles and sand don't go so well, but hey, he needs the practice and I couldn't be more proud!

So off we go, this weekend to Tullamore, Offaly, Ireland. I will be escorting Kevin to the Fleadh Cheoil. My brother Ken and sister-in-law, Brenda, will also be there, taking their son Kenny to the competition! We are so proud to pass the torch down and share the Fleadh Cheoil with the boys! It will be a special moment to have 2 first cousins represent the United States in the under 12 tin whistle competition!

Of course Nanna and Pappa couldn't miss this moment and will be along with us!

So stay tuned, as either way... I know the boys will make us all proud! We will post some pictures!

GO U.S. AND GO NARROWBACKS!!! :)