Derry has got through
to the All-Ireland quarter-final
and we’re all heading off
to Dublin for the day
to watch the match
against Cork.

First stop, early morning Mass
at Newry
where Latin Mass is offered up
in a wee chapel
that is filled to capacity
with people of all ages
who have a deep devotion
to the traditional Catholic faith.

As prayers are intoned
before Mass
I offer up my Rosary
and my Mass
for a special intention –
that our wee family may enjoy
a happy day out together
at the Derry-Cork match
in Dublin.

An inspiring sermon
from our priest,
a deep sense of peace
during the Mass
and, during the Consecration,
a deep sense
of being loved by God.

I place our day in Dublin
in the hands of God.

On our way to the match
I stumble
and as I sit by the roadside
nursing a badly-sprained ankle
I can’t help but think that,
for reasons best known to Himself,
this is all part of God’s plan.
(Sure how could it be anything else,
after all those prayers?)

I spiritually shrug my shoulders
as one of Mammy’s well-known sayings
springs to mind –
“Take it as the hand of God.”

Our son escorts me
as I limp back to the car
but, despite everything,
we really do have
a lovely family day out
in Dublin.

I spend the rest of the week
hopping about the house
on crutches,
feeling like Long-John Silver.
And all the time
I’m convinced
that I’m being held
in the palm of God’s hand.

I pray for a happy family day out
and I get a sprained ankle …
Isn’t life funny sometimes?
And isn’t God amazing??

Ps – in case you’re wondering,
Derry got through to the semi-final!

© Claire Murray, 2nd July 2023