Despite the the worst week since the foundation of the Irish state - some people will still be giving thanks
It's Thursday morning in Ireland, Brian Cowen wakes up early, still in a hazy stupor from his restless nights sleep. He looks in the mirror and disappointed, he soon realizes, he wasn’t dreaming, it wasn’t a nightmare, his Government is in ruins and Ireland's future is being held together with rubber bands on loan from Europe.
Ireland's destiny held together by billions of rubber bands, anyone of which is liable to snap as a result of his Government's actions over the coming weeks.
When he looks at his watch, he realizes what day it is. Give thanks, he says to himself. Maybe later.
It's Thursday morning in New York. Herald Square is thronged with families, couples, and tourists. The annual Thanksgiving Macy's Day Parade is about to begin as American's throughout the world are united in their gratitude for their ancestors efforts.
Back home in Ireland, despite one of the bleakest weeks in centuries, in true spirit some people will be giving thanks.
Megan Lynch, who is a U.S. college student, studying in the University of Maynooth , Kildare, tells me she doesn’t think Irish people really understand America's favorite holiday.
“A lot of Irish people have asked me and I actually don't think they really understand what it is about. They don't necessarily understand the history behind it and the way it unites all Americans.”
Away from her family and studying humanities for the year, she tells me how she intends to celebrate Thanksgiving in Ireland.
“A couple friends and I will be cooking dinner. We aren't sure if we are actually going to cook a turkey or not, because that will probably be difficult but it would be nice if we could.
Saint Mary's College in Indiana, where Megan is a student, have offered their students in Maynooth extra funds so they can buy the supplies needed to recreate a holiday feast in Ireland.
“Saint Mary's is providing money for the girls to buy food to make a proper Thanksgiving day dinner. So we'll most likely make a big dinner and then go out at night to the pub.”
With Irish roots herself, Megan spoke about why the Thanksgiving holiday is so significant.
“It is important to Americans because it is a time to take a step back and be grateful for everything that we have. We are so fast-paced and focused on getting things done but Thanksgiving is when we take time to be with each other and be thankful to have family and everything else in our life.”
“One girl actually decided to fly home for the holiday,” she added.
If she was at home in Geneva, New York, Megan would spending the day with her two siblings and parents.
“We would be watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV and and then all eat together and drink wine and just have fun with each others company.”
No unwanted, overpriced gifts, no ostentatious commercial gestures. No Santa Claus.
Just the best things in life; family, friends, food and wine and most importantly appreciation.
Just another Thursday in Leinster House, as Brian Cowen curses his inaction.
If only he could have persuaded the Irish people to give thanks for what they once had, before it was lost forever.
It's Thursday morning in Ireland, Brian Cowen wakes up early, still in a hazy stupor from his restless nights sleep. He looks in the mirror and disappointed, he soon realizes, he wasn’t dreaming, it wasn’t a nightmare, his Government is in ruins and Ireland's future is being held together with rubber bands on loan from Europe.
Ireland's destiny held together by billions of rubber bands, anyone of which is liable to snap as a result of his Government's actions over the coming weeks.
When he looks at his watch, he realizes what day it is. Give thanks, he says to himself. Maybe later.
It's Thursday morning in New York. Herald Square is thronged with families, couples, and tourists. The annual Thanksgiving Macy's Day Parade is about to begin as American's throughout the world are united in their gratitude for their ancestors efforts.
Back home in Ireland, despite one of the bleakest weeks in centuries, in true spirit some people will be giving thanks.
Megan Lynch, who is a U.S. college student, studying in the University of Maynooth , Kildare, tells me she doesn’t think Irish people really understand America's favorite holiday.
“A lot of Irish people have asked me and I actually don't think they really understand what it is about. They don't necessarily understand the history behind it and the way it unites all Americans.”
Away from her family and studying humanities for the year, she tells me how she intends to celebrate Thanksgiving in Ireland.
“A couple friends and I will be cooking dinner. We aren't sure if we are actually going to cook a turkey or not, because that will probably be difficult but it would be nice if we could.
Saint Mary's College in Indiana, where Megan is a student, have offered their students in Maynooth extra funds so they can buy the supplies needed to recreate a holiday feast in Ireland.
“Saint Mary's is providing money for the girls to buy food to make a proper Thanksgiving day dinner. So we'll most likely make a big dinner and then go out at night to the pub.”
With Irish roots herself, Megan spoke about why the Thanksgiving holiday is so significant.
“It is important to Americans because it is a time to take a step back and be grateful for everything that we have. We are so fast-paced and focused on getting things done but Thanksgiving is when we take time to be with each other and be thankful to have family and everything else in our life.”
“One girl actually decided to fly home for the holiday,” she added.
If she was at home in Geneva, New York, Megan would spending the day with her two siblings and parents.
“We would be watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV and and then all eat together and drink wine and just have fun with each others company.”
No unwanted, overpriced gifts, no ostentatious commercial gestures. No Santa Claus.
Just the best things in life; family, friends, food and wine and most importantly appreciation.
Just another Thursday in Leinster House, as Brian Cowen curses his inaction.
If only he could have persuaded the Irish people to give thanks for what they once had, before it was lost forever.
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