Irish Grave Diggers in West Cork

“We dig our own, we shoulder our own, and we inter our own,” announced West Cork man, Liam Dolan, on RTE News. He recounted what he considers the absurd new health and safety regulations which have resulted in traditonal grave diggers having to comply with a large amount of new regulations, exams, cost, etc. There’s been a bit of trouble now that the local council wants gravediggers to have certification. This first-time condition speaks against a time-honored tradition where the family of the deceased served as gravedigger, pall-bearer, and funeral director. The burying of people is a family affair, and there are a good few old timers in the countryside that would appreciate it if the avaricious government would kindly butt out.

Bronze Robbers in Kilare

It’s tough times when the art alongside the primary roads are being ripped off their pedestals and sold off, whether for the value of the art or the value of the bronze is not known, but it points to a growing desperation following the Celtic Tiger days. I hear you can get a great deal on the odd Rolex the next time you visit the Emerald Isle. But watch your wallet. Pick-pockets and louts are working overtime in the new/old Irish economy.

Easter Egg Bird’s Nest Recipe

With Easter around the corner, it’s a nice time to try for a new family favorite. I’m working on a recipe for Easter Egg Bird’s Nests for the tea time. This is an almost healthy treat, thanks to the shredded wheat, and of course, now the chocolate again. (Dark chocolate only.) And, personally, I believe that jelly beans are health food. These little Bird’s Nests remind me of something my mother made on a bit of a larger scale, but an adored treat.

The measurements are based on how much you want to make, but you’ll need:

Crushed shredded wheat cereal
Good dark sweetened melting chocolate
Jelly beans or Mini Eggs

Melt the chocolate in the microwave (or in a double boiler) on 50% temperature.
Mix in the crushed shredded wheat.
Shape into a nest with a depression in the middle. Allow to cool and harden on waxed paper.
Place Mini Eggs or Jelly Beans into the nests just before the chocolate is completely cooled.
Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving. Serve on a pretty plate with a paper doily, or in the usual time-honored way, in the Easter Basket for Easter Sunday morning.