Ireland, Days 4-7


Day 4: Today was a big day for Merit Medical in Ireland. Our new facility was opened which should eventually lead to about 250-350 new jobs for Ireland. As their economy has struggled along with the rest of Europe's, any kind of positive economic news like this is a big deal. Ireland's prime minister which they call "An Taoiseach", pronounced "On Tea Shook" (this became a running joke as us Americans butchered his title with names like T-Shock, Tea Shank, etc.)was at the opening of the building along with many of the big business men and women of Galway for the festivities. The facility is the absolute nicest manufacturing facility I've ever seen! The reception area is probably four stories of all glass with marble imported from India all over the place. I was honored to be there representing Merit.


Now, as you may recall the "Occupy Galway" camp was torn down. It just so happened that An Taoiseach had a breakfast scheduled with the Galway Chamber at our hotel the day after the camp was dismantled. There were about 75-100 protesters outside our hotel before the day of our ceremony at our new plant starting at about 6 a.m. because the knew the Taoiseach was going to be there. I guess they were actually chasing the guy's car down the street yelling at him and what not as he left after the breakfast. The parking lot we used was underground so we didn't see or even know about the protesters until we pulled out of the garage. One guy ran up to us with a sign that just said "Vote No". It was all about the austerity measure thing going on all over Europe. But I wasn't going to get a vote anyway, but that's the closest I think I've  been to a political protest. On a side note, Mandy and Lisa were downstairs in the hotel eating breakfast after we left and Lisa, Garrett's wife, actually approached a lady about what all the fuss was about. When the lady found out Lisa was related to Merit Medical, the lady actually brought the Taoiseach over to talk to Lisa. Merit really does have a bit of "stroke" in Galway Ireland.


The ceremony was really nice. There was a string quartet playing and some pastries and coffee/tea were served. The head of Merit Ireland and Europe said a few words than the Taoiseach spoke. Then Fred made a brief statement and we all made our way to the new "canteen" for more drinks and hors d'oeuvres. All in all it was all first class and something any Merit employee would and should be proud of.


After finishing the day up after the ceremony, we headed back to the hotel and got dressed for a night out. One of the ladies Garrett and I work with really closely in Ireland was taking a position at our Paris facility and was having a going away party that night. We went and had some pub food at the Merry Fiddler (which was playing Johnny Cash when we walked instantly making it my favorite pub I'd visited) then headed to the party at Busker Brownes. Mandy of the Merit Ireland folks showed up, even quite a few executives. We had Guinness and good conversation and it was a great night.


Day 5: By this time I was starting to get tired and a little homesick. Luke had had a meltdown at Grandmas and that made both Mandy and I miss the boys even more. Plus, it was not very sunny while we were in Ireland so we were missing the sunshine too. Mandy and I spent the day alone together hanging out in the room most of the day and then walking up to Shop Street to eat. Uneventful for sure, but a needed rest and break.


Day 6: We had planned to take a tour today to the Cliffs of Moher but we overslept and ended up simply exploring Galway together. Saturdays on shop street are WAY busier than any other day. We shopped for last minute gifts and checked out St. Nicholas church which is just off shop street. The stained glass in the church was amazing and the feeling of reverence being in that church was something I don't think I've ever felt anywhere else. It was both a little eerie and calming at the same time. On shop street we saw all kinds of people; buskers, a guy dressed up like the devil, a guy dressed up in all tin foil (sort of creepy) and another guy dressed up like he was made of seaweed. For just plain old people watching, you can't beat Shop Street in Galway.


Day 7: Long plane ride. Jet lag. Got our boys back!!! Sleep. What a fantastic trip, but it was absolutely great being home. I'll try and either post pictures here or on Flickr soon.