The Unexpected in Irish Churches

Finola is writing a book on George Walsh, an artist whose stained glass graces many church windows. (Robert, the huge romantic that he was, once commissioned a special piece of glass for Finola's birthday). We were leaping in and out of the car, inspecting many churches on our way to and from Limerick. At several points, Finola was even ringing up George to confirm if some glass was his - he lives in Dublin and is in his 80s but still working. Our first stop was at Boherbue in North Cork and my main is an example of his work - bold, bright and full of exquisite details. Irish churches can be a revelation for although many early ones are rather austere and a bit grim, you can sometimes come across incredibly creative and unexpected offerings, usually from the 1960s and 70s - the design of the church itself can be extraordinary but go inside and the colours and design and sheer boldness can take your breath away. 


The extras are from Patrickswell (yes there is a well, a sad little offering that has now been turned into a washing well) and as you go in your jaw just drops! It's like entering a tent with a warm and welcoming atmosphere and then everywhere amazing colours from the the vibrant windows. These windows are by Willie Earley But George Walsh made the reredos, an almost abstract feature complete with fishes. Today's Wide Wednesday (yes I am cheating but I've been working on this all day so it feels almost okay - sorry Blip Central) theme is shadows which seems to fit. I had to include a close up of the BVM's face in the extras, exquisite. Something very joyful about this church which is unusual.
I forgot to mention in my backblip, that I think we were being watched over for we almost had a very hairy incident on your way home. As we were driving down a very narrow, windy and tree-lined road, there was suddenly a great roaring as though a huge beast was about to emerge from the undergrowth and the trees started to wobble. When I looked in my mirror I saw a huge tree had fallen literally behind us - it must have brushed the car - and now lay across the road, Crikey.


And the Air challenge for TT was hard wasn't it but there were some wonderfully imaginative and blue sky thinking going on plus some interesting experimentation! There were gin bottles filled only with air, bubbles galore, hot air balloons, airy skies, some serious pump things - pressure valves/air pumps/valve adaptors and helium tank nozzle, all complete with scientific explanations!  A couple of blippers were forced to go out and buy some Aero in the name of art! We had various things (gravity) not visible to the naked eye,  a spot of flAir, and contributions by Librans and Geminis. We had bubble-filled bokeh and crystals dangling in the air and we even had a joke from LauriesPictos! 


Hearts go to:
KangaZu- a beautiful airy butterfly
DonnaWanna- air bubbles bouncing off a water fountain
Ingeborg- a Gemini with a beautiful dragonfly brooch
Marliesque - a clever puff of air
AnnieBelle - a beautiful cluster of bubbles with special thanks to Margot


Honourable Mentions:
AmandaT  - an air filled father Christmas
OutdoorEd - a poetic and romantic angel
RadioGirll - bubblewrap, who can resist
Claire &Kipsie-did they share that bubble filled Aero
LSquare - a music box with air bubbles at the top


Unfortunately for you, October has five Tuesdays in it so I am in charge of another one!  The final challenge in my elemental set is the fifth and most esoteric element - aether or spirit! Heck! Alternatively you can go for alchemy or a bit of magic. Which means that as we are so close to Halloween I will accept tiny spooky organic Celtic offerings focusing on a bit of the otherworldly stuff. 

And a backblip from Limerick City.