Team in Kinsale Team in Bantry
From Sally Spaulding, GSE Team member from Aspen Colorado on her visit to Cork
Cork was the third city we visited during our visit to Ireland as part of Rotary’s Group Study Exchange. We had started in Limerick and then trekked to Galway for several days. We were discussing our itinerary with a group of Rotarians in Galway, and when we told them we were going to Cork next – everyone had a story to tell. Cork has somehow earned the reputation for being the rowdiest, craziest and friendliest of all Irish cities. I didn’t know what to expect as we took the bus into town, but what I found was nothing short of amazing. From the gleaming St. Patrick's Street to the smiling faces of Cork’s Rotarians, I didn’t want to leave. Our professional time at the mayor's office was very helpful, including an informative meeting with the city manager. Other memories for me include ringing the bells at St. Ann's Church, touring University College, having lunch at the English Market, visiting Cobh and marvelling at the yachts in Kinsale. We also stopped at the obligatory Jameson Distillery nearby, just to top off an already perfect visit. Of course having a pint of Beamish was a great way to get to know the locals, and I have to say, dining in Cork was one of the gastronomic highlights of Ireland. In fact, we enjoyed Cork and its Rotarians so much, we decided to go back before heading back home to Colorado. The Rotarians in Ireland certainly showed our GSE Team a fantastic time, but Cork Rotarians took it to a whole new level. Now I know what everyone else was talking about, and I have my own story to tell about the lovable and wonderful citizens of Cork.
Team in Cobh Sally, Laura & amber in Cobh
Group Study Exchange Team Member Amber Ptak on her visit to Cork.
Four Group Study Exchange Team members from Colorado were chosen to travel to Rotary District 1160 in September 2008. The team members included Angela Harness from Grand Junction, CO; Sally Spaulding from Aspen, CO; Jon Mangino from Trinidad, CO; and Amber Ptak from Colorado Springs, CO. The Team Leader was Jack Thomas from Colorado Springs, CO. The team arrived in Cork on September 4th, 2009 and stayed at the charming Killarney B&B. The team was introduced to members of the Bishopstown Rotary Club during a relaxing dinner at Fenn’s Quay and we coined the phrase, “The Irish will give us the gift of flab.” With full bellies in tow after a decadent dinner, the team and their gracious hosts went to a nearby pub to sing and learn more about one of Cork’s prized possessions, a glass of Beamish. At closing time the bartender smiled at the team and agreed to show the Americans “What Ireland hospitality was all about,” and the pub stayed open an extra hour for us to enjoy one more pint. During our stay in Cork, President Ger Kilcommons and other Bishopstown Club Members made sure the team was introduced to the best Cork had to offer. Declan Tyner provided a walking tour of the University and, despite protests from the city, allowed members of the team to play the bells prior to meeting the Lord Mayor. Ger and Declan then arranged for a beautiful sunset in Kinsale and another wonderful dinner at the oldest yacht club in the world in Crosshaven. As a result of the graciousness and hospitality of the Bishopstown Rotary Club, the GSE team begged to return to Cork during their last two days in Ireland. We will never forget the friendship, laughs, and wonderful life lessons shared by the Club Members. On behalf of the Colorado GSE Team, we look forward to seeing you again soon. One cannot travel to Ireland without a visit to Cork.
At the beach in West Cork Night out in Cork
Team meet Cork City Lord Mayor Clr. Brian Birmingham
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