A Ferry Serious Matter

Well, today was strike day here in Baltimore, as a result of one of the ferries servicing Cape Clear announced severe wage cuts. No point in re-hashing stories here (you can read the Irish Times piece here, and the Examiner here); although it is worth mentioning that the state tender for the ferry is worth €1,239,438 over five years. Sigh. And we're not even half way through yet. Sigh.

Anyhoo, two things about it:

(1) The people that came out to support the ferry staff had the nicest 'come join us' ad ever:

Day of Protest in Support of Striking Cape Ferry Workers

4th June 2009
Join Us In Baltimore from 9 a.m.
Bring and share your singing, musical, poetic, story telling,
Dancing, juggling, fire eating, comedic, talents; but most of all bring yourselves, your friends and relations, if you love the island of Cape Clear and the islands of Roaring Water Bay.

The Ferrymen of the Naomh Ciaran (the blue boat, which was always green), have been forced to strike against pay cuts and lay offs and a worsening of working conditions, whilst the owner receives a subsidy of 260 thousand this year from your taxes and won’t even discuss the situation with the men’s union.
If you want more information read the other items on the cape clear ferry, in particular “Cape Clear SUBSIDISED Ferry Operator Pleads Poverty”, or ask one of the islanders in Baltimore tomorrow.We intend for us all to have a good time, but we intend to make our point. Please Help Us If You Love The Island

"the blue boat, which was always green..." Ah, stuff you couldn't make up...

(2) Between that, and breaking news from 'Our Foreign Correspondent in Baltimore' (yes, you know who you are) that a good crowd was gathering, I nipped down this morning as they got started.


My little venture out proved a smidge optimistic (in terms of still feeling poorly). I lay very still for some hours. But hey, an ideal opportunity to dive into House Series 5 :-)

Weekend Round Up

Another bank holiday put to bed...

Well, our little Munster clique (in the midst of Leinster supporters) ran the gamut of emotions on Saturday: 'they-always-take-a-while-to-warm-up' confidence; sympathy at some unlucky bounces; then bewilderment at every play being just a tiny bit off...

Distressing.

Still, there was some great rugby played; bets were won and lost; and consolatory pints were drunk.



Meanwhile in Baltimore, I'm reliably informed by Our Man on the Ground that the 'Lunsters' were painting the village blue. All's quiet again today; the only movement is the Fiddle Fair marquee going up. Which means two whole days of peace & serenity before the next onslaught...

And in other news (although this was an evening thang), this may be how the working week should start. Before you switch tubes, just nip above ground, sing your heart out with 13,500 other people, and you're ready for Monday.



I know I know: it's sponsored, and therefore pretty much an ad, and therefore eeeeevil (sorry Tara, but you know it's true); however, if we all promise that our mobile arrangements remain unaffected, then we could just enjoy the moment without feeling... tainted.

I defy anyone not to smile :-)