Seen through the prism of a flowing river, rather than a Shakespearean king, time has an elastic quality. While the 21st-century face of Ireland has changed beyond all recognition, the river Shannon remains slow and ponderous, sliding sinuously in the same way as it has always done. The bridge in Lanesborough, separating the town from Ballyleague, is a magical place to watch the river of life float by. Catch the right day and along main street in Lanesborough, you may hear the warning beep, beep, beep of a reversing truck signifying bin collection day. With its flashing orange lights, Mulleady’s recycling lorry is emblazoned with a simple motto: “All our time goes to waste.”Paul Clements is the author of Shannon Country: A River Journey Through Time (The Lilliput Press)

Source: The Irish Times September 06, 2020 13:52 UTC