The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
Well, it was another busy weekend with not a few surprises thrown in for good measure. It’s lucky I’m back at work this week and can snooze away under the desk when the boss isn’t looking. I really need my rest.
It started on Thursday with a trip to Dublin. Herself went up on the early train to meet her friend Elaine while I took on the responsibility of bringing the luggage with himself later in the car. Like Royalty, we travel apart!
We had a quick stop at The Old Barracks in Birdhill for one of their delicious dogguccini and I was well set up to snooze my way to the capital, arriving in short order to all meet up in Dun Laoghaire where another dogguccino awaited at Shoe Lane Coffee.
The weather wasn’t great, so that evening we just chilled out at my Dublin home from home, Dylan Hotel, where they had a great welcome for me as usual.
With the weather greatly improved the following morning, after a hearty breakfast, including a bowl of melon for little old me, we strolled into town to see what was happening.
I wanted to pose for some photos, so we walked through Iveagh Gardens, where unfortunately they were setting up for a concert so we continued on to Stephen’s Green where I made myself pretty for a quick photo session.
Shortly after that, we were walking down Grafton Street when a nice lady asked ‘Is that Daisy?’ ‘From Instagram?’ Fame at last! My celebrity finally recognised. Margaret Tinsley only knew me from my instagram account, @daisymaygalvin and it was lovely to meet her. I’m going to have to charge for pawtograpraphs if things continue like this. I’ll have pawparazzi after me before I know it.
We were meeting my uncle Brian for lunch at Angelina’s and then it was off to meet Gerry to collect some parcels, so after a busy morning, I was happy to return to the hotel with himself for a little snooze while herself went back to town for more shopping. More snoozing, less shopping for me.
After another restful night, it was back into the car and we were heading north. I woke up to see that the kilometres were now miles, so I knew we were in Northern Ireland and heading for Belfast. I hoped I wasn’t going to see the vet again, even though he was a lovely man the last time I visited.
It was raining when we arrived to The Hilton but we still went into town for a quick bite to eat and a stroll around.
We were hardly back to the hotel before it was time for a lovely surprise. I walked into the lobby and who was there to greet me only Kay and Alina, my two couturiers from AG Dog Fashion. It was my first time meeting them and I was so excited. They’re so lovely and they really made a fuss of me. I gave them loads of licks and kisses and to really cap things off, they had my lovely new Scottish dress with them. I just had to try it on and it was stunning. They really are talented ladies. Thank you both.
I was still reeling from the excitement of my new dress when I had another wonderful surprise. Our Facebook friends, Rosemary Douds was here with her husband David to look after me while the hoomans went to watch Anton and Giovanni dance at the Waterfront Hall. Rosemary and David are pawrents to the very handsome Mac and I was a wee bit disappointed that they didn’t bring him along. I couldn’t wait to meet him.
While the hoomans enjoyed the show, I had a really lovely time with Rosemary and David, who looked after me so well. I snoozed, we chatted and it was fantastic to meet them. It was really nice of them to give up their evening to keep me on the straight and narrow.
I had a further surprise the following day when we all met up again to walk in the grounds of Stormont Castle and of course, they brought Mac with them. He’s every bit as handsome as his pictures and I have to admit, I’m kind of smitten. He always has a smile on his face and we got on like a house on fire so you’d never know, there could be a little romance on the horizon. I could do with a toy boy. He’s only nine, so he’d suit me down to the ground.
The rain didn’t bother us, as I had my AG Dog Fashion raincoat and Mac had a lovely Hugo and Hudson Puffa jacket on so we were both cosy and warm.
We did need a little something after our walkies, so we went on to the quaintest little café, the Lamppost, which is CS Lewis themed. More importantly it’s very dog friendly and there were several friendly doggos to talk to.
I introduced Mac to the wonders of a dogguccino and I think he’ll be demanding one on his danders before long.
All too soon, it was time to hit the road for home ad it was a tired doggie who slept away in my comfy bed in the back seat.
We were hoping to stop somewhere for a bite to eat but there really aren’t enough dog friendly cafés or restaurants in this country, North or South. Why don’t I start up a pawtition to see if we can change things. I bet Mac would be the first to sign.
John Galvin
Motoring editor - The Clare Champion
Former Chairman and voting member of Irish Motoring Writers' Association
