The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
Well I’ve finally reached the teen years. I’m officially a teenager having had my 13th birthday last weekend. Do I feel different? Apart from wanting to go to the teens’ disco on a Friday night, I can’t say that I do. I’m still rearing to go anywhere as long as I have my hoomans with me. And what a lovely birthday weekend they organised for me – the best ever!
We were a bit late leaving Ennis so it was straight up the motorway and even though we stopped once, I didn’t bother getting out to stretch my legs. Once we’d parked, I recognised the river so I knew we were in Dublin. We walked by the river for a few minutes until we reached a place called Temple Bar. I’m told it’s party central in Dublin city but I’ve never been allowed to visit until now. It must be one of the privileges of becoming a teenager.
What did we find there only a big, vintage bus, ready to whisk us off for an afternoon tea while seeing the sights. I was really excited especially once I got on board and discovered that the whole lower deck was reserved for me and my hoomans. I should have known I was going for afternoon tea as I had a sneak preview of my new AG Dog Fashion dress and it was dotted with cups and cakes. I really felt stylish wearing it.
Anna and Selma, the ladies from Vintage Tea Trips, really made a fuss over me and made sure my birthday was extra special. They even put up a birthday banner over the window so everybody knew it was my special day. Don’t tell my vet but I even managed to snaffle a crumb or two of the delicious sandwiches and cakes and I must say I was very impressed.
When the tour was over, Robert the driver gave me a special treat by allowing me to sit in his seat and drive the bus. Unfortunately, while I was sitting there, my lead, which was lying on the ground, was swallowed up by a street sweeping machine before we could stop it. I was quite upset until my hoomans carried me across the river to a pet shop where they bought me a new one. The people in the shop couldn’t stop laughing and I suppose I can see the funny side myself now. To get over the shock, we repaired to the Porterhouse Bar for a quick drink to settle our nerves.
Then it was off to Dylan Hotel for the night, my home from home in Dublin, where they made a great fuss of me as I arrived in my pretty dress. A quiet night in to prepare for another busy day.
Friday wasn’t the best day weather wise but we managed to walk around town for the morning before heading out to Palmerstown in the early afternoon.
The hoomans, and I suppose myself, are members of a facebook group for Westies and we were meeting one of our Westie friends, Martina Graham and her two Westies, Ella and Skye, who’s just over a year old. Only a pup, but it was brilliant to meet them all.
We had a lovely visit while the rain lashed outside and would you believe it, another birthday cake for me, along with two beautiful jackets. Thank you Martina.
We had to go back to the hotel then in time for himself to go to the Irish Print Awards. He left, suited and booted, leaving me with herself to have a girlie night in.
He came back in the small hours of the morning, waking me in the process and it didn’t seem too long afterwards when the alarm went off. There was talk of doing the Darkness into Light walk in the Phoenix Park but I half opened a sleepy eye as if to say ‘Not a chance’. We’ll do it next year when we’re not as busy but well done to everyone who took part.
At a more civilised hour, we all got up and went down to breakfast, where I met Oscar, a young Westie-Bichon cross. A very friendly fellow, he could be my toy boy!
It was back into town then to take a few more photos in St Stephen’s Green before enjoying the fine weather outside Neary’s while we waited for herself to visit a few shops.
I was tired but exhilarated after my birthday weekend so I slept all the way home. Imagine my surprise when I woke up to find we were going to one of my favourite places, The Buttery in Limerick, where they treat me like a star whenever I visit.
We had just finished coffee and were preparing to leave when Néill and his team came out with yet another birthday cake for me, this time with a huge sparkler in the middle. It really looked impressive and I managed to snaffle a few crumbs while nobody was looking.
It was a really nice way to round off my special weekend. Thanks to all for making it so wonderful but I particularly want to mention my friends, Kay and Alina from AG Dog Fashion. They make the most beautiful coats and dresses for dogs and they’re finalists in the Northern Ireland Pet Awards so if you get a minute, would you do me a favour and log on to northernirelandpetawards.com/vote to vote for them. They and I would really appreciate it.
I can’t wait to see what my next birthday brings. Surely it can’t top my 13th.
John Galvin
Motoring editor - The Clare Champion
Former Chairman and voting member of Irish Motoring Writers' Association
