Return to Achill 

It was almost a year ago since we left Achill one early morning on a cold day in February last year. Before we left we promised ourselves that we would come back - and here we are back again! Not only is it lovely to meet the friendly residents of the island again but it is also good to see the majestic Slievemore, the Minaun, the Keel Strand and all the other familiar sites . They all bring back memories of last year’s projects. The stones in the Deserted Village are still standing in the same place, the beach is just as inviting, and the rain is still here. 
But the most important thing about our return is to make more friends and to continue with what we started last year. This year’s projects started off very ambitiously and with many interesting ideas which were also carried out with energy and enthusiasm. We had a drama workshop which involved some local people, a martial arts workshop, a surfing lesson, a Gaelic lesson at one of the local secondary schools and many many more. The students seem to be very busy at any given moment of time either interviewing the senior citizens in the local day centre or visiting local scools, or climbing the Slievemore, or chatting to the locals in the cosy atmosphere of the public house or listening to Irish music performed by the local musicians. Thinking back it seems unbelievable how much the group has achieved during the relatively short time they have been here in terms of cultural interaction. All in all this return journey has strengthened our friendship with the islanders and has made us determined to come back again. 
What I remembered most, and seemed to sink into familiarly, was the mist. It greeted us on the first morning – just like last year. And like last year the mist contrasted with the openness and warmth of the people of Achill. Thank you for once again making us feel so welcome in your community. 

by Lili Wilson, Pat Shrimpton, Thomas Berger & Laurence Borgmann

Last modified by:Laurent Borgmann