Joe Holt and LouEllen Combs recently embarked on an exciting journey to Dublin, Ireland, for the much-anticipated FSU vs. Georgia Tech game. LouEllen, an enthusiastic Florida State University alumnus, was pleasantly surprised to see a multitude of fellow Seminole fans making their way to the Emerald Isle for the big game.
The first sight that greeted Joe and LouEllen as they approached Ireland by plane was the stunning landscape of the Emerald Isle, living up to its name with vibrant greenery, thanks to showers and mist. The couple was equally struck by the abundance of sheep scattered across the countryside, many adorned in colors. These colorful coats, spray-painted by their owners, serve as a unique way to identify the free-roaming sheep amidst the picturesque fields and charming stone walls.
Their Irish adventure included three planned tours around Dublin and beyond. Their journey took them to Galway, a small city approximately two and a half hours from Dublin, where they were welcomed with open arms by the locals, who seemed just as excited about the Seminole fans as the fans were about Ireland.
One of the highlights of their trip was a visit to Trinity College, where they marveled at the renowned Book of Kells, followed by a visit to the historic Christ Church Cathedral.
Their explorations continued at the Jameson Whiskey Distillery, where LouEllen and Joe had the unique opportunity to blend their own whiskey, sampling from five different types of whiskey that could be found in the Black Barrel blend.
In Galway, they stayed at a hotel with a breathtaking view and visited The Quays Pub, a historic establishment once owned by a passionate animal activist who played a significant role in passing Ireland’s first law against animal cruelty.
Their trip also included a poignant visit to a memorial dedicated to the women of the Magdalene laundries, a dark chapter in Irish history where “wayward” women were imprisoned and forced into labor, often separated from their children.
Their travels then took them to County Clare, where they were awed by the majestic Cliffs of Moher before making their way back to Dublin for a tour of the Guinness Storehouse.
Here, they learned about the process of making Guinness beer and concluded their tour with a refreshing pint at the Gravity Bar.
The primary reason for their trip, of course, was the FSU vs. Georgia Tech game in Dublin. Despite FSU being the favored team, the Seminoles were narrowly defeated by the Rambling Wreck, with a final score of 17-14. Although the loss was disappointing, the overall experience in Ireland was nothing short of grand.
Joe, LouEllen, her sister Ginny and cousin Michele made memories to last a lifetime, exploring the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of Ireland while sharing the excitement of the game with fellow Seminole fans. Despite the outcome of the game, they left Ireland knowing that in the Emerald Isle, everything is indeed “GRAND.”
