the ISS (International Space Station) over Cork.
ISS over Cork
August 31st, 2010cafe depeche on western road open again after the floods
August 30th, 2010I was delighted to see Cafe Depeche on Western Road re-open today. It’s been closed since the flooding last November.
seaplane trials in cork harbour
August 27th, 2010Harbour Flights ran seaplane trials in Cobh today. They’re looking at launching a national seaplane service so were testing take offs and landings in the harbour.
the moon and jupiter, reflected in Youghal Bay
August 26th, 2010while I was waiting for an ISS pass, I saw this:
just a cute picture of a puppy
August 20th, 2010busy lately, so have a picture of a puppy.
Her name is Rosie.
the world at Cobh
August 9th, 2010Luxury liner The World visited Cobh today.
The unusual thing about this liner is you can buy a residence on board and live on the ship!
calves week in Schull
August 5th, 2010I took a couple of days off this week to visit Schull. Good food, wine, company and weather.
The village was jammed for Calves Week.
valentia harbour
August 2nd, 2010I took a road trip to Cahersiveen and the Ring of Kerry yesterday. Beautiful weather and countryside.
fantastic sicilian dinner and wine tasting at fenns quay
July 28th, 2010On Monday I went along to Fenns Quay for a Dinner and Sicilian Wine tasting.
Victoria Curatolo of Villa Tonino and Liberty Wines were supplying and presenting the wines on the night.
There were about 20 people at the dinner, some of whom I’d met before. I had the pleasure of meeting Billy Lyons and his wife. Kevin had seated them at our table and we discovered a shared love of France, wine and a common history in Glounthaune, our native parish.
The dinner was fantastic, 4 courses with each being really tasty. As always in Fenns Quay, the service was top notch and the dinner was nice and relaxed, with no hint of a rush. I’ve attached the menu, with a grainy shot of the Osso Bucco and a grainier shot of Victoria.
Fenns Quay Sicilian Wine tasting and Dinner menu
For the wines, we tasted 6 from the range.
Villa Tonino Inzolia, 2009
Villa Tonino Grillo, 2009
Villa Tonino Nero D’Avola 2008
Villa Tonino `Baglio Curatolo` 2007
Villa Tonino `Baglio Curatolo` Syrah, 2007
Villa Tonino Marsala Superiore Riserva, NV, Curatolo
I loved the 3 reds, and if I really really had to chose a favourite, I’d go with the Baglio Curatolo. I’d be very happy with any of them though. I also very much liked the Inzolia – I reckon it’s tailor made for sipping on a hot summers day.
I had 3 of the clan with me, and in true family style we all had different favourites. We all liked a lot of the range though, which is an unusually high hit rate.
Victoria presented the wines in turn, with lovely stories of the history of the family Vineyard. I love hearing stories about where wines are made and the people that make them. It really adds to the experience for me.
It was a brilliant night, thanks to Kevin and all at Fenns Quay, and Victoria and Jerry.
You can read what Billy thought of the night.
As always, I’ve attached a scan of my tasting notes. Best of luck reading them 
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- Fenns Quay Sicilian Wine tasting notes 1
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- Fenns Quay Sicilian Wine tasting notes 1
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- Fenns Quay Sicilian Wine tasting and Dinner menu
lee swim 2010
July 24th, 2010the Lee Swim was on today.
massive well done to all the organisers, all the volunteers and the contestants!
one extra “fair play” to St John’s Ambulance – I saw them called into action today. nice one lads.