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Kathi Zimpleman's avatar

This is such a powerful story, Mary. Thank you for taking us along with you. I could imagine all of the horror and devastating sorrow on that shoreline. You are right, no amount of money will ever erase the misery. It is Ireland.

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Mary Swander's avatar

It is Ireland. We can only imagine the poverty and hunger there at that time.

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Amy Kolen's avatar

Thanks for this beautiful and timeless story, Mary! Tragic yes, and also a testament to the power of community and the obvious need for science in this world. If only those who needed to read such pieces could be moved to do so, and act.

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Mary Swander's avatar

Thank you, Amy.

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Kayt Sunwood's avatar

🙏🏼Thank you, thank you, Mary 🙏🏼! Ice Jam plays a contra dance tomorrow. I'll make a special request that we play our Fair Jenny's Jig set, which includes the Cliffs of Moher jig, in honor and remembrance of those who lost their lives in the Cleggan Disaster. Hopefully, our banjo player will make it home from a long drive down and back from Southern Alaska to prepare their research vessel and equipment for an anticipated and essential research voyage for their Northern Gulf of Alaska Long Term Ecological Research program. NSF funding for this climate and ecological research is in constant flux, with incessant cuts and edicts. We are praying that funding for this upcoming research trip will be restored. Essential weather forecasting data and equipment will be lost if this voyage to retrieve the data and replace equipment that needs upgrading is cancelled. Science and weather forecasting matter! Thanks for your words, which bring our connections to the sea, the earth, and community to our hearts and minds! 🙏🏼

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Mary Swander's avatar

Thank you so much, Kayt. I’m so happy to hear that there will be jigs played in Alaska in honor of the men lost in the Cleggan Disaster. Hope the banjo player makes it!

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Warren Oxley's avatar

Inspiring story, thanks for posting on Good Friday just in time for Easter.

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Mary Swander's avatar

Thanks, Warren. Yes, I thought it was a good piece for Good Friday.

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Liese's avatar

Oh so devastating, and so powerfully told by you.

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Elizabeth Cunningham's avatar

Thank you, Mary. Adding my prayer to yours.

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Mary Swander's avatar

And yours are powerful!

Thank you.

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Denny Coon's avatar

I’ve never heard this story. Thanks for sharing it. The power of nature and the power of people working together!

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Mary Swander's avatar

Yes, so much like the Amish in so many ways. But these Irish were truly living on the edge —the edge of the sea, the edge of starvation. They still found a joyful way of creating community.

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