IN SEARCH OF MONUMENTS TO GREAT SLIGO PEOPLE
Leaving north Co Sligo we headed through Sligo town. The clouds were parting, and a fabulous blue sky predominated. We headed toward Ballysadare (or Ballisodare), taking a left from the dual carriage way out of Sligo, signposted for Ballina. To the right was Knock na Re and Benbulben was behind us. Then we drove toward Dromard and Screen and had the mountains to the left and fabulous sea to the right. It was an amazing drive.
Before long we reached Aughris Pier and Aughris Head. We had a chance to eat some lunch there – the most delicious fish and chips and views of surfers enjoying the weather and light wind. After a lovely walk on the strand we headed off to Dromore West to find a monument to a local woman – Ruth Ormsby, a nurse who served with the International Brigades. She travelled to Spain in 1937 to nurse wounded republicans. She died in a fire in a medical aid apartment in Barcelona in 1938. Orville Park at Carrowcor is a small area with a biodiversity garden and a monument to recognise this Sligo woman.
From there we drove back to Dunmoran strand for a look at the waves and the bright blue sea. As we headed toward Screen, for the final stop in search of a monument to George Stokes, we had the Ox Mountains to the right.
Overall, the most amazing day in south Co. Sligo.
Fiona Regan #staycation