Day 53 #100DaysOfOldDays
Today’s post is also part of PPAC #42 hosted by Marsha Ingrao at alwayswriteblog
This mural that I’ve chosen is painted on the gable of a building that looks across at its neighbour, the Cot & Cobble Restaurant in Ballina, Co Mayo.
The town of Ballina—Béal Átha an Fheadha, meaning ‘mouth of the ford’—started off as a small seaport and market town on the River Moy in the 16th century.
Down through the centuries, Ballina has inherited its own unique culture and traditions. It’s now a thriving town with an urban population of between 10,000 to 15,000 people ( We’ll see what this year’s census reveals).
Since 2 ½ km of the River Moy is located within the surrounds of Ballina, it’s no surprise that the town is world-famous for salmon fishing, and that it’s known as the Salmon Capital of Ireland.
Ballina is also famous for the annual ‘Salmon Festival’. The 8-day event, held in July, has been running since 1964 and attracts over 200,000 visitors to the town annually.
It’s a family orientated festival that celebrates the arts, culture, heritage, music, street theatre, dance, sport, carnival and food.
For most people the highlight of the festival is the Mardi Gras that ends with an evening of a spectacular fireworks display.
The Mardi Gras and where it came from will get a post of its own during our 100 days of old days.
Lucy’s drawing today;
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Gloria McBreen 
What’s the background to the public name?
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Do you mean ‘mouth of the ford’ Geoff?
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The Cot and Cobble actually.
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Oh…the public house! I couldn’t figure out what you meant. Sorry.
Good question! The restaurant is situated along the River Moy, and it was named after the boats that used to dock to bring in nets, on that part of river.
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Gloria, this isn’t just some fish story! Live the mural and your grandson’s catch. My first husband’s uncles and father were salmon fishermen in northern Washington. Salmon is my favorite fish in the world.
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Thanks Marsha. I love salmon too. Fresh from the river is delicious, but we don’t get them too often. Lucy is starting fishing this year, as soon as she gets her permit.
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I miss fresh from the river salmon. My first husband’s uncle in Portland used to fish then invite us over for dinner that night and we’d play cards until 2:00 a. m. and spend the night.
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Sounds like my kind of evening Marsha! 😉
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