What Could Ever Be Wrong? Surviving the Crisis in Ireland

Today, like every day, I get up to thumb through the news. I read that more deaths due to Covid bring the total in the Republic of Ireland to 444. Over 12,500 cases have been identified. About 2,000 people have been hospitalised.

My thumb presses another icon. In my home of America, over 30,000 lives have been snuffed out due to the pandemic. 

I decide I can't look further. So I get to work.

Like many countries and people across the world, our village of Eyeries, as well as Beara Peninsula and the rest of the country, are under a government-issued Stay at Home order. Living here, it's easy to follow those guidelines because in many ways, I'm already isolated. Only 60 or so souls call Eyeries home. Castletownbere, 5 miles away, has a total population of less than 900, while only 6000 people live on Beara Peninsula. In the off-season, when tourists are absent (as they will for most of the year, I suspect), I can walk miles along the coast without meeting a soul. 

That said, life during Covid, even in the isolation of Eyeries, is marked by worrying disruption. So I maintain discipline to hold onto any sort of sanity. 

I write from 9AM until 1PM. The work - editing a novel that I will submit to a literary agent in the Fall - keeps my head full. For those hours, I think of nothing else except the story, and the words on the page, and which words don't work, and which ones do, and what I need to change or delete or add to tell the story in the best possible way. Hours can pass and I think of nothing else except the problems that plague the characters, and the world in which they live, and the conflicts they must endure. When I break I walk out back to take a breath, and for a moment all seems as it always was: a Spring day, the sun on my head, the distant island of Scarrif rising from the sea a few miles across Coulaugh Bay. 

Then I remember and get back to work so I can forget for awhile longer.

When I come up for air I think again. I feel sorry for so many of my friends back in the States. Politicians and the press - both sides of the division - war with words and pictures against each other, yet the stakes involve millions of lives. 

I think of our own government and press. Here, it seems easier. Ireland's total population is only 5 million or so: maybe that has something to do with it. Here, the government talks with one voice. I have not yet witnessed an Irish politician go after another to score political points. For that reason, perhaps, there is little confusion. We all know what to do and why. I have never heard a word uttered from anyone about any misunderstanding they might have about the advice and directives we have been given from the government. Most everyone is cooperating because we know the stakes are so high.

When I finish writing by closing the laptop, I might work in the garden. I'm painting the back of the house. I can't get more paint because the hardware stores are closed, so I stretch what I have. I concentrate on the brushstrokes that spread blue and white over walls and gates. I can forget with each brushstroke.   

When I finish for the day, I might take a walk with the Partner up through the village where we encounter few, and if we do, stand politely out of the way as we practice social distancing. We gab for a few stolen moments, glad to meet other human beings. Then we'll walk on, passing the closed pubs and the locked door of the village church, and I wonder for a moment about the people I know who I can't see right now: my cronies from the pub and the good mates I have there; the church choir I direct, many of the members older than me, and I say a quick prayer for their safety, and that we'll someday sing again. 

I think of my children and grandchildren in County Meath, and a father locked down in a Florida nursing home. But there is nothing I can do for any of them, not right now, except keep sane so I might see them, and as I think we amble down the hill again toward home.

Even later in the day, we may drive to Castletownbere to buy groceries and go to the chemist, which is still permitted. The visit is short; the once busy town almost deserted. We make our purchases and leave.

6PM. RTE is on the TV, minutes before the evening news, but before that, the Angelus. The devotional prayers play on both RTE radio and television, at Noon and again at six. While the Angelus is not unique to Ireland, the prayer has always resonated with me, even if I never prayed along with it. It resonates deeper with me today.

Sunset right now is about 8PM. After the news, I go outside to sit on the back deck and watch the sun go down. I'll pour a can of Guinness and, taking a sip, think that when things are back to normal I will never, ever again open a can of Guinness. I will always drink my pint in the pub as I always did before. I hope it won't be  too long until then. Canned Guinness is real shite.

The sun sets over a glittering Bay. As I watch it, for a moment I forget again. Then I'll remember and think, 

'How can anything, anywhere, be wrong on such a beautiful evening?'

Plenty, it seems. 


 2020 Edition of A Survivor's Guide to Living in Ireland is out Now!

As I write this, the world's people are facing into the strongest headwinds we have experienced in our lifetimes. This tome will not help. But if it provide a bit of humor, a bit of knowledge, a way to sit back and forget what is  happening for a few minutes... then perhaps I am right to include it here. Find A Survivor's Guide to Living in Ireland, 2020 Edition, here. 

Despite the World's Covid 19 Suffering, Happy Saint Patrick's Day to You All

It's been months since I've had time to write a post. I'm currently working on a novel, which is taking an inordinate amount of time. However, the present global situation calls for some thoughts.

Like many countries across the world, Ireland is also coming to a standstill. While this day, the 17th of March, is Saint Patrick's Day, the pubs are empty. Parades have been cancelled. The spread of this virus continues, with almost 250 people in Ireland now diagnosed with this horrible illness.

But Life Continues

Yet, it is still Saint Patrick's Day. To that end, let's celebrate the day of our national saint first with a little song, some Saint Patrick's Day Music to let you jig a bit.  If you're stuck in the house like I am, I hope this compilation adds a little joy. Wherever you are, I hope you and your family are safe. At the same time, I hope you can raise a glass to friendship and those you love, and perhaps toast all those things that are Irish. As my friends say, this too shall pass, and when it does Ireland will still be here.

2020 Edition of A Survivor's Guide to Ireland

Too, it being Saint Patrick's Day, and knowing the world must keep spinning 'round, you should know that the 2020 Edition of A Survivor's Guide to Living in Ireland is now available.

If you're thinking of moving to Ireland like this Yank, this little tome might help. And though any plans you may have will have to be delayed, I pray your dreams will be intact when the crisis passes. To have a look at this Kindle version, visit the 2020 Edition webpage.

Stay safe. Bless you all. And a Happy Saint Patrick's Day wherever you might be.

Tom

Educating Your Children in Ireland

If you're considering a move to Ireland and have school-age children, your concerned thoughts may turn to a single, critical question: Will my children benefit from an education in this country?

As a father of three (now grown) children, and a grandfather of five (not so grown) grandchildren, this same thought passed across my furrowed brow oh-so-many years ago. As an American, I was educated for the most part in the United States. Back in the mid-80s and having established residency here - and as my kids reached those formative school-going years -  I too worried for their future. After all, to my Yankee ears even the Irish educational nomenclature sounded decidedly foreign.

Primary school, secondary school, transition year, third level...what did it all mean? And though  I was (and still am) Catholic, the realisation that many schools were run by the Catholic Church gave me a moment's pause for reflection. While I attended Catholic schools for a few years in years gone by, did I want my kids taught by an Irish Catholic Church which was beset with many woes? I was so worried that for awhile I considered abandoning Ireland all together and moving back to the United States.

I shouldn't have let my over-active imagination cause me worry. And neither should you. Because over the years I've discovered that Ireland offers one of the best educations around. To all of her people.

A Background

Primary School: Most kids here start school at about the age of 4 or 5. The first two years, Junior and Senior Infants, are sort of like the U.S. version of Kindergarten and prepare children for the balance of their education. Following that, children attend 6 years of Primary School.

Most primary schools are State run. Many are still administered by the Catholic Church. Other than reading, writing, 'rithmatic, and other foundation courses, the syllabus includes Catholic religion classes and important (to Catholics anyway) milestones such as First Communion and Confirmation.

However, if you are not Catholic your child is not required to take religion classes so rest easy.

That said, as more and more immigrants wash up on these shores, schools incorporating other religions, or multi-disciplinary religious theologies, or none at all, are also being developed. Too, many parents choose to send their children to schools run by the Church of Ireland.

Unless attending a private school, Primary Schools in Ireland are free (that said, parents are often asked to make contributions to schools to help them cope with ongoing expenses or new investments).

For more information on Ireland's Primary Schools please click here.

Secondary School: the Secondary School cycle typically accommodates kids from the ages of 12 and up and is 5 or 6 years long. Many schools offer the option of a 'Transition Year' (following the 3rd year  of secondary school) which is a sort of practical year enabling students to explore varied areas of interest outside of the typical curriculum. Most kids love Transition Year (though some profess to hate it.)

Once again, many Secondary Schools are State owned and run by the Church. However, others are private and run by other religions and organisations. Some parents also send their children to Boarding Schools. Many of these tend to be both prestigious and expensive. My kids all attended public Secondary Schools. They're free and offer a great education.

Note that some Secondary Schools are open only to boys. Some only to girls. While others are mixed. So take your pick, depending on what is on offer in your area.

Critical Irish Secondary School Exams: now here's where it gets very different from the United States. For many Americans, going to High School is a leap toward a college education. Entrance to the college or university of our choice is often based on a combination of results including High School GPA, standardised testing like the ACT and SAT, and often the quality of our application.

Here it differs completely.

Kids in Secondary School sit two major examinations. The first is the Junior Certificate. This tough examination usually takes place during a pupil's 3rd year of Secondary School. It is a multi-day series of tests across anywhere between 9 and 13 subjects.

The Junior Cert is a comprehensive examination which tests the skills and learning kids have received during their first 3 years of Secondary School. But does the Junior Cert have anything to do with College entrance? Not on your life. Instead, kids sit yet another exam. A more important exam. The nightmare of all exams:

The Leaving Cert: here's where the tough get going. The Leaving Cert is taken at the end of the last year of Secondary School. Kids spend almost a year preparing for it. Entire households go on prescription sedatives during this period because...

The Leaving Cert results, and only those results, determine not only where you can go to college or university, but if you can go at all. If your Leaving Cert results (the number of points you've obtained) aren't up to scratch, you simply can't compete in a country loaded with kids desiring a college and university education. Those with poor Leaving Cert results have options, of course. They can wait a year and take the Exam all over again. Or they can go on to a trade school or apply to foreign colleges and universities.

But make no bones about it: unlike the U.S., the single week of the Leaving Cert exam can determine the future for most students. And that is a daunting task, if I've ever heard of one.

Click here for more information on Irish Secondary Schools.

Higher Education

In my opinion, and for its size, Ireland has some of the best colleges and universities around. These so-called '3rd Level' institutions offer a breadth of education and learning required for today's highly competitive marketplace. From business degrees to Medicine; arts diplomas to computer science; practical degrees in construction to theology, Ireland has it all.

What's more, compared to equivalent U.S. university education, Ireland's institutions cost a pittance. If you are an Irish citizen or legally residing in Ireland, fees for most universities (including Trinity, UCD, DCU, University College Ireland, and many others) are €3,000 per year. I'll write it again:

€3,000 per year!

Okay, you'll have to add other costs to that: books and computers, living quarters and subsistence, but what a bargain! And trust me: the quality of education in this country does not reflect that bargain basement price. Instead, and depending on what you want to do and where you go, it's some of the best around. Just ask my son who recently graduated from NUI Maynooth with a PhD in the Irish language. He's more than a little pleased.

The Bottom Line

I was right to stay in Ireland if for nothing else than the quality of education which has substantially benefited my children. Okay, many Secondary Schools may not have the state-of-the-art infrastructure some U.S. High Schools have: most don't have an indoor swimming pool or indoor track or huge stage.

But they have something else: a high quality education delivered by teachers and teaching professionals who still consider their profession to be one of the best around. In return, most Irish respect those teachers, knowing that their diligence and skills provide a pathway to a future for their children.

If you're considering a move to Ireland I hope you take my advice: don't worry about your children's education. Ireland, I think, has some of the best in the world.

A Survivor's Guide to Living in Ireland 2017 Kindle Edition Now Available!

If this blog interests you and you want to learn more about Ireland why not consider purchasing A Survivor's Guide to Living in Ireland 2017 Edition. Are you thinking about living and working in Ireland? Would you like to move to Ireland? Do you want to know how to get an Irish work visa in this country? Do you need to know how Brexit and Trump policies may affect your plans? If so, consider purchasing the 2017 edition of A Survivor's Guide to Living in Ireland by Tom Richards. Now almost 90,000 words long, this book could make the perfect gift for  those interested in this wonderful country. Over 14,000 people have now learned how to live, laugh, and drink like the Irish by reading this Kindle ebook. I hope you enjoy, and my very best - Tom