I was on my way to a Funeral Mass in Bofeenaun, Co. Mayo. Though I heard many times of Bofeenaun I had never driven there before and, apart from knowing it was near Ballina, had no idea how to go. Enter Google Maps! “Navigate to Bofeenaun Parish Church” and I was on my way! I was a bit surprised in Foxford when the voice told me to take a left turn onto, what I knew to be the Pontoon Road, since I had assumed I’d head for Ballina and turn off somewhere. I figured Google knew what it was at and thought who am I to fight with you so left turn it was.
Passed out by Pontoon and a few miles past there, turned right. I had plenty time and the KMs were decreasing so I knew I was headed in the right direction but still doubted that Google had picked out an obscure enough route for me. I went with it nonetheless.
I came around a corner and my breath was taken away by the view in front of me. It was like a living postcard. Having time, I stopped and took two photos (different locations). There was no other response really.
The photos capture something of the scene but there was more to it. It doesn’t do justice to the fog descending on the mountain or the quietness of the moment. I’m still glad I took it.
Shortly afterwards I was in Bofeenaun and I showed the picture to one of the priests in the sacristy. He said “when you live around here you don’t notice” and I know what he meant. It’s a pity not to notice though. So many would love to have this as a backdrop.
The thought I had afterwards was along the lines of even had I been on the wrong road (and I’m assured I wasn’t), it was worth it. So maybe the odd spell of time on a wrong road might help attune our eyes to something that needs to be seen, is worth seeing and leaves a memory.
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