Foreign Travel and a Little Bull - a Travelogue of Ireland

Article: Foreign Travel and a Little Bull — The Saga of Georgie

by Dr. Sam Couch
Owner, Rising Road Tours

On a soft, grey Connemara morning in June 2003, Dr. Couch took his morning walk on the lanes around Wellfield Farmhouse where he and his summer students were staying. Passing one pasture, he noticed a cow lying on her side breathing heavily. Knowing it was calving season and sensing something was amiss, Couch hurried to the farmhouse and roused Pat Rattigan the farmer. Pat rushed to the pasture to find the cow trying to deliver a calf whose foreleg blocked the birth canal. While Rattigan called for the vet, Couch gathered the students to witness this event — common on the farm, but a rare siting for city-raised students from Georgia.

While the vet and his assistant "pulled" the calf from the mother, the students kept the rest of the herd away from the excitement. The newborn was not breathing so the vet brought him back with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Excited by witnessing the miracle of birth, the students were disappointed to learn that the calf was not strong enough to stand and that he might not survive the night.

Pat and Mary Rattigan sheltered the cow and calf in a pen in the barn. Several times a day Mary would bring warm milk and mash to the invalid. Mary asked the students to help name the calf. After listening to several suggestions, she decided that the calf would be called "Georgie" since the students hailed from Georgia. Day and night the students wandered from farmhouse to barn checking on their new charge. The first few days were difficult; Georgie was hesitant to eat and could not find the strength to stand. On the third day just as the students were about to depart for further study in other parts of Ireland, Georgie finally stood up and took a few tentative steps. Our students were delighted to know that, after a tenuous beginning, Georgie would have a chance to grow strong.

Our hosts and friends, Pat and Mary keep in touch with us. When speaking with Pat this spring, Dr. Couch was delighted to learn that Georgie not only survived but that he also became one of the Rattigan's prize bullocks.

This brief story about an Irish calf named for Georgia provides a sort of allegory for Irish travel and tourism over the course of the past few years. Potential travelers are faced with challenges last year due to an uncertain international situation. As a result of this uncertainty, many people are opting for travel closer to home. Like Georgie, the prospect of extended overseas travel seems to be starting out on shaky legs. A downturn in the nation's economy, devaluation of the dollar against the Euro, and escalating program costs dealt tourism further blows. There is still some uncertainty about the viability of continued travel abroad in a quickly changing world.

The picture is not as bleak as it originally appeared. Most former travelers happily share tales of their Irish adventures with friends, family, and other interested parties. Movements are afoot promoting awareness of the Scots-Irish heritage in the America. Many Americans are reconsidering travel abroad as a viable option for culture and heritage tourism. Ireland provides a perfect venue for those folks wanting travel to nearby, safe, "exotic" yet familiar locales where the people are friendly and welcoming.

Given all the positive elements during the past few years, I'd say we are a bit like our Connemara Irish calf, Georgie. Although foreign travel got off to a shaky start after 911, we are now bullish about future prospects.

Rising Road Tours
828-648-8893 (Tel) ~ 888-648-8893 (Toll-free) ~ 888-371-8895 (fax)
sam@risingroadtours.com

P.O.Box 9322, Moscow, ID 83843 USA