In Kilkenny it is reported, there are marble stones there as black as ink. Ceannas is the patron saint of Kilkenny. A limestone image of his head is at the heart of this old capitol of Ireland. Nearby you can visit a well named after him. The water there is good.

Kilkenny are the most consistent hurlers in Ireland. Hurling is at the center of the identity of the county for many. The hurl is not unlike a hockey stick except that it has a flat face and is made of ash. This, the Norman architecture, the temperament of the people and the majesty of a town allowed to shine by its own standards, gives Kilkenny a special atmosphere.

People are inventive and adventurous. The river Nore passes through and by the bridge, we noticed a magnificent cherry blossom with a young one by her side. Words only begin to capture the feeling that comes from this county. It is another way of seeing this island of ours. Through each town and county, the complexity and inherent magic of our land unfolds. Through each dialect of language, be it the recent English or the profound native Irish or Gaeilge, the musical nuance of people and place comes forth.

A man in an antiques shop was of the land and her elements. He pointed my attention toward a small carving of the resurrected Christ. It was in the window and was carved out of olive wood. It was slightly bigger than a playing card. There was a note of resonance between us as I said goodbye and thanked him for showing me such a thing – A light.

The night before we sang the songs of Leonard Cohen through Irish and felt the fire of music between us. As the man said ‘there is good’. That was Easter Monday.