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We left Bunratty County Clare and took one of the secondary roads through Burren National Park. The Burren translates to “Rocky District.” We transited this magical terrain on our way to Galway. Beautiful start to the day. Clouds and rain to the right, sunshine and blue skies to the left married together with a rainbow that seemed to stretch a couple miles. A breathtaking ride on a two way Irish road suitable for one vehicle. It was a day of rainbows. They seemed to follow us through the day.

We left Bunratty County Clare and took one of the secondary roads through “The Burren” on our way to Galway. Beautiful start to the day. Clouds and rain to the right, sunshine and blue skies to the left married together with a rainbow that seemed to stretch a couple miles. A breathtaking ride on a two way Irish road suitable for one vehicle. It was a day of rainbows. They seemed to follow us through the day.

10/15/2022 After visiting the home that my mother grew up in Tralee we visited the O’Leary family gravesite in Rathass Cemetery. Brought me back in time to the stories we heard growing up in America

Coming back from the Cliffs of Mohr on a narrow Irish road and making our way around a blind turn when we encountered a driver coming the opposite direction at a fast pace. Driving in Ireland is certainly making the trip interesting. Sorry for the vulgarity, I got my American Irish up!

While viewing the Cliffs of Mohr we ran into an Old Timer named Noel Horn, who braved the wind and rain to perform for the crowd. He told me the name of his instrument, but his Irish brogue was so thick I couldn’t make it out. Musicians like Noel have definitely added a little flavor to our trip. Thanks Noel, you sounded great!

10/16/2022 The wind was gusting at the Cliffs of Mohr this afternoon when suddenly and without warning my hat was blown off my head and landed on the very edge of the cliff. Thank God for Anne, “My “Handler” who without hesitation crawled out to the ledge to retrieve it. You got a love that gal!

10/15/2022 After an early breakfast this morning we started out for my mothers hometown of Tralee. We visited the home she, her brothers and sisters grew up in located at 13 Caherina Cross. From there we visited the Rathass Cemetery where my great grandparents Michael and Mary O’Leary are laid to rest. We walked around Tralee for a couple hours, then proceeded to make our way to Dingle. There we happened upon the “Seven Eye Bridge” where the River Lee empties into the eastern most portion of Tralee Bay. My mother referred to this area as the tide or tides. She would often talk of tales and near misses of her brothers and sisters when they journeyed from their home on Caherina Cross. The distance from Caherina Cross to the Seven Eye Bridge is conservatively three and a half miles, maybe further. I never heard any mention of adult supervision! Maybe that’s the problem today. Parents back then gave their children the ability to spread their wings. Hope you enjoy the video

10/14/2022 We left the Imperial Hotel this morning and made our way to Killarney in County Kerry, but first stopped at Blarney Castle located about 4 1/2 miles northwest of Cork City. We had beautiful weather, complete with blue skies and temps in the mid-50s. We arrived early and were able to get to the top of the castle in just over 30 minutes. After kissing the Blarney Stone, we made our way out of the Castle. Almost immediately I noticed my pronunciation of words miraculously improved. As far as making up words and slaughtering others, the jury’s still out. I’ll keep you posted. Hope you enjoyed the video. Tommy May

10/14/2022 We left the Imperial Hotel this morning and made our way to Killarney County Kerry, but first stopped at Blarney Castle located about 4 1/2 miles northwest of Cork City. We had beautiful weather, complete with blue skies and temps in the mid-50s. We arrived early and were able to get to the top of the castle in just over 30 minutes. As we were leaving I bumped into Billy Morris who I worked with in FDNY Engine Co. 89 located in the Bronx, New York. It’s a small world!

10/14/2022 Our son Michael graduated from University College Cork with his LLB Diploma on the 13th. After a three night stay at the Imperial Hotel we made the short trip to Blarney Castle. As luck would have it, I bumped into my brother Firefighter Billy Morris, whom I worked together with in our Bronx Engine Co. 89. Good to see you Billy, couldn’t have been under better circumstances. Tommy May

10/14/2022 Leaving Cork City this morning and heading to County Kerry. Trying to get some action on Sunday’s game at Paddy Power, but ran into a snag, so I had to resort to the old reliable Bronx Bookie

10/11/2022 Never let the truth get in the way of a good story. That was not the case today when Garouge narrated the incredible story and history of the Jeanie Johnston. Built in 1847 by a Scottish boat builder and purchased by Captain John Donovan of Tralee, Ireland (My mothers hometown) its initial purpose was to transport lumber from Quebec, Canada back to Ireland. It became an integral part in transporting those looking to escape “The Great Hunger.” While other coffin ships would take as many as 400 passengers, the Jeanie Johnston tried to never take more than 200 passengers. Passengers aboard her were given better living conditions, a ship’s doctor and a half hour each day on deck to tend to their chores during the four to five week trip across the Atlantic. While coffin ships experienced on average 15 deaths each voyage the Jeanie Johnston never experienced one death her entire time at sea. Anne and I visited her in Port Jefferson, New York when she toured there in 2003. If you make it to Dublin please put it on your list of things to see; you won’t be disappointed.

10/11/2022 We left Dublin this morning enroute County Cork. The first toll we ran into brought me back in time to when I was a young fireman in the Bronx. Living on Long Island I had to transit the Throgsneck Bridge to get to my firehouse, Engine Company 89 located on the Bruckner Service Road and Tremont Avenue. When I started working in that fire house the toll each way was $1.25, and when I left 12 years later it was $3.75. I think I was in the fire house a couple of months when Eddie Hession, one of the senior men in Ladder 50, who shared quarters with us, had asked me if I was paying the toll to get to work to which I replied, “Yes, how do you think I’m getting over the bridge!” He went on to tell me that there was always a toll booth that wasn’t working and to look for the gate in the up position. With the completion of my tour, I left for home. Approaching the toll plaza, I scanned for the broken toll gate that Eddie/Stick assured me was there. Low and behold, sure enough there it was! That trick lasted about two months for me. The next trick was to check the change drawer on the toll plaza which occasionally worked. Then there was the scanning of the area for change and tokens that never made it into the basket as motorists would miss the basket or ricochet the token from the basket to the ground below. One morning while carpooling with Lieutenant Bobby Fleming L-50 he stopped the car approximately fifty feet from the toll plaza and exited the vehicle. There was a Bridge and Tunnel Police Officer standing post duty outside the toll plaza leaning up against the barrier. As Bob exited the vehicle, he said in a loud voice, “Don’t anybody move, I got it!” As the Police Officer came to attention to see what the ruckus was all about Bob was already behind the steering wheel. You needed good eyesight for that trick as he had spotted a bridge token five car lengths from the toll plaza. Leaving Dublin we were traveling southwest on M8 on our way to Cork when we encountered our first toll plaza in the Tipperary area. As we approached I looked down at the change drawer where I noticed a bunch of gold euro (2 Euros 2 Pence) coins. I immediately went back in time to one of my best finds at the Throgsneck Bridge toll plaza, while working at my beloved Engine 89. It was either 1987 or 1988 when I made my way into the firehouse that early Thanksgiving morning, looking to relieve one of the senior men. I threw my token into the basket then reached into the change draw. My best find to date, fourteen tokens! I actually thought about turning around to try it again! God Bless the senior men of Engine 89 and Ladder 50 aka “The Cuckoos Nest.” I loved working with those men I wrote this story while listening to Jimmy Morrison and Tim O’Riordan play at Dwyer’s Pub on Washington St in Cork while eating dinner with my wife Anne and my son Michael. My first trip to Ireland; the birthplace of my mother, and the first Irish Pub I stepped foot in. I hope you enjoyed the story. Tommy May

10/11/2022 While traveling from Dublin to Cork we stopped in Naas County Kildare to visit my favorite nephew Eric May. Eric played hookey for half a day to meet up with us. After eating at Subway Eric accompanied Uncle Tom/aka UTM, short for Uncle Tom May to Costa’s Coffee. Eric had a large hot chocolate with the works and Uncle Tom had a medium Americana coffee. Eric who is a car expert showed us how to decode the Irish License Plates. Really enjoyed our visit. You’re a good boy Eric, Love ya!!

10/10/2022 Tom & Anne May Landing at Dublin Airport on our 1st visit to the birthplace of our parents, grandparents, great grandparents, etc, etc. Our trip centers around the graduation of our son Michael from University College Cork on Thursday the 13th 2022

Friday September 30, 2022. Fished today with a group of friends aboard the Nancy Ann out of Orient Point. Overcast conditions with winds out of the Northeast approximately 12 to 15 mph. Capt. Richie Jensen and Mate Rick Jensen did an incredible job under less than perfect conditions. We all limited out on Seabass and went home with some beautiful fillets. Pat won the pool using his “Booby Trap Rig!” We’d all like to thank Dave for putting the trip together. He even went as far as ordering our breakfast and lunch requests without a hitch. Hope you enjoy the video

September 27, 2022 Tightening up the Carrick Bend Mat can be a little tricky. I knew it was going to be close, but managed to have a couple extra inches of line left over. As you tighten up the mat, it becomes more difficult to use your fingers, and you I have to switch over to a small blunt tool to be able to reach in and grab the line so as to take the slack out of. This mat was made with 20 feet of 3/8 inch line. Thanks for viewing, and I hope it was helpful. Maybe one day with a little practice you’ll be able to tie your own

September 27, 2022 Forty-two years ago I served aboard the US Coast Guard Cutter Clover WLB-292, which was homeported out of Sitka, Alaska. I had the pleasure of working alongside great officers and seamen. One late afternoon, while underway aboard the “Can Do Canoe”enroute an ATON (Aids to Navigation) run, Billy Zimmermann aka Z-man took the time to show me how to tie a Carrick Bend Mat. Years later, Z-man and I would meet again, this time while marching in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Unbeknownst to each other, we were both serving in the ranks of the New York City Fire Department. As we marched up 5th Avenue, we reminisced about our time aboard the Clover. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the video, and if you should have any questions, please comment below and I will try to get back to you as soon as I can. Thanks for viewing

We’d like to share with all of you who FDNY Captain Brendan Fogarty is. For most people, this looks like a picture of a firefighter and his family. When I see this photo I’m over come with immense emotion. This photo, as Brendan told me, “was the best day of my career”. Brendan is a Captain in the New York City fire department. More than that he is a father and a husband, maybe one of the best I’ve ever encountered. This man represents what it means to be a leader and a man of action. Many people in our profession talk a big game but when it comes down to brass tax, few are able to follow through with their actions. Brendan does not have that problem. He is unapologetic for who he is and what he stands for . He’s a blue collar salt of the earth good man . He’s not afraid of a hard days work and showing up for a stranger in need. He sees the world for what it is , nothing short of beautiful. This man took a stand for his beliefs, both personal and religious, to not take the mandated shot imposed by NYC Mayor Deblasio. This is not something anyone should take lightly. Brendan as a captain was at the peek of his career when he made this decision. At 41 years old and in better shape than most junior members, he could of easily went on for another 20 years if he wanted. With a wife and four young children, his commitment to service and his career were far from over, or so he thought. Brendan was forced into retirement for standing by he’s beliefs. Not only was his career cut short but the fire service lost a sound leader in the ranks. I had the opportunity to ride around NYC visiting firehouses with Captain Fogarty and each house we visited I was stunned to learn how many people knew him. When we walked in to just about every firehouse we were greeted with “Hey!!!! Cap!! How’s it going?“. The members lit up when they saw him. I began to realize that Brendan had a reputation everywhere he went, a legacy of an officer that never forgot where he started or how he got where he was. Now for some, this type of recognition could build an ego that over shadows those that look up to the captain, but Brendan is a humble man and sees himself as a “workers, worker”. He molded young firefighters and inspired his peers. It’s very tough to be in darkness when he’s around. His presence emits light without casting any shadows. It’s easy to read this and think this man is too good to be true. You are right, he is. He is flawed just as we all are. I’m sure he’s made mistakes in his life and made poor decisions but that’s what is so great about the Captain. He embraces his imperfections with grace and honor, with the soul purpose of learning and growing to be better for tomorrow. I know what this man has been through this past year . It would be easy for him to take his early retirement and move on with his life. The good Captain did not have that privilege because he saw people like me who were not able to retire and felt it in his bones to fight along side those standing against mandates in a battle to return to work and bring back anyone that was terminated in the process. That, in my eyes, is one of the greatest acts of selflessness someone can hold. There is no reward for Captain Fogarty. Yet he shows up time and time again doing what he believes is RIGHT in his heart. This world needs more men and women like Captain Fogarty and lucky for our future his children have an incredible role model to emulate as they grow. Thank you, Brendan, for your leadership, friendship, and devotion to doing what is right. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 #fdny #nyc #bravestforchoice #endthemandates #viralvideo

Tuesday, September 13, 2022 I’d like to give a shout out to my friend Paul from Cutchogue, who made his way out to his “Secret Clam Spot” early Saturday morning. I wasn’t really planning on linguine and clam sauce, but when he called and said he had some extra clams for me I had to swing into action. Not to be a bragger, but I had a little bit of a reputation in my Bronx Firehouse/Engine 89 & Ladder 50 when that meal was prepared and served. The brothers would razz me, and call it “Linguine and Swamp Water”!! The only thing the meal was missing, was a loaf of Zeppieri’s Bronx Italian bread. This recipe actually belongs to John Sineno of the Harlem Firehouse, “The Fire Factory” Engine 58 Ladder 26. Its in his book, “The Firefighters Cookbook”. I’m not a big mushroom guy, so I left them out. God Bless Firefighter John Sineno

Tuesday, September 13, 2022 I’d like to give a shout out to my friend Paul from Cutchogue, who made his way out to his “Secret Clam Spot” early Saturday morning. I wasn’t really planning on linguine and clam sauce, but when he called and said he had some extra clams for me I had to swing into action. Not to be a bragger, but I had a little bit of a reputation in my Bronx Firehouse/Engine 89 & Ladder 50 when that meal was prepared and served. The brothers would razz me, and call it “Linguine and Swamp Water”!! The only thing the meal was missing, was a loaf of Zeppieri’s Bronx Italian bread. This recipe actually belongs to John Sineno of the Harlem Firehouse, “The Fire Factory” Engine 58 Ladder 26. Its in his book, “The Firefighters Cookbook”. I’m not a big mushroom guy, so I left them out. God Bless Firefighter John Sineno

August 31, 2022 I was in the area today, and decided to stop by my old firehouse, Engine Company 326 & Ladder 160, located on Springfield Boulevard in the Oakland Gardens section of Queens. I’ve been retired for a little over twelve years, so it can be a crapshoot bumping into somebody I actually worked with, as the NY City Fire Department is constantly changing, with firefighters transferring, being promoted and of course retiring. I was pleasantly surprised to bump into Dominic Buglione and Kevin Kozub. Dominic now has 15 years on the department. While in quarters Dom told me the story, that he recently told one of the new probationary firefighters in the house. When Dom was first assigned to Engine Company 326, he was in quarters maybe a week, when he accompanied me down to the shops, “Red Square” to pick up our rig that was just repaired by the department mechanics. After interrogating Dom that first week, I found out a lot of pertinent information, namely that Dominic was a certified diesel mechanic, and also possessed a CDL drivers license. Before departing the shops we completed a few safety checks, and made sure the rig went into pumps. Dominic was a little surprised when I asked him if he would drive the rig back to quarter, to which he agreed. When we pulled up in front of Engine 326’s quarters, the boss was waiting for us outside, and he wasn’t too happy when he seen Dominic behind the wheel with a week in the house! When Dominic refreshed my memory with that story, I laughed! Just another one of the great firehouse stories. Interesting enough, Dominic is today, one of the four seated chauffeurs in the engine. The engine company chauffeur’s job to many looks easy, but make no mistake about it, there are times you’d rather be operating a handline on the fire floor than trying to figure out problems that arise while operating the pumps. Never a dull moment in the New York City Fire Department. Thanks for the laughs today, be safe and like Patty Brown of Ladder 3 said, look out for each other. Thanks Brendan for showing me around, Tommy May Retired Engine 326/M-9

August 31, 2022 I was in the area today, and decided to stop by my old firehouse, Engine Company 326 & Ladder 160, located on Springfield Boulevard in the Oakland Gardens section of Queens. I’ve been retired for close to twelve years, so it can be a crapshoot bumping into somebody I actually worked with, as the NY City Fire Department is constantly changing, with firefighters transferring, being promoted and of course retiring. I was pleasantly surprised to bump into Dominic Buglione and Kevin Kozub. Dominic now has 15 years on the department. While in quarters Dom told me the story, that he recently told one of the new probationary firefighters in the house. When Dom was first assigned to Engine Company 326, he was in quarters maybe a week, when he accompanied me down to the shops, “Red Square” to pick up our rig that was just repaired by the department mechanics. After interrogating Dom that first week, I found out a lot of pertinent information, namely that Dominic was a certified diesel mechanic, and also possessed a CDL drivers license. Before departing the shops we completed a few safety checks, and made sure the rig went into pumps. Dominic was a little surprised when I asked him if he would drive the rig back to quarter, to which he agreed. When we pulled up in front of Engine 326’s quarters, the boss was waiting for us outside, and he wasn’t too happy when he seen Dominic behind the wheel with a week in the house! When Dominic refreshed my memory with that story, I laughed! Just another one of the great firehouse stories. Interesting enough, Dominic is today, one of the four seated chauffeurs in the engine. The engine company chauffeur’s job to many looks easy, but make no mistake about it, there are times you’d rather be operating a handline on the fire floor than trying to figure out problems that arise while operating the pumps. Never a dull moment in the New York City Fire Department. Thanks for the laughs today, be safe and like Patty Brown of Ladder 3 said, look out for each other. Thanks Brendan for showing me around, Tommy May Retired Engine 326/M-9

August 27, 2022 Fishing Boat “Naida” leaving Montauk Harbor Enroute Cartwright for some “Lock and Load Fluke Fishing!”

Twin brothers, Ron, Don and their neighbor, leaving Montauk Harbor enroute Cartwright, South of Montauk Point for some fantastic fluke fishing. I had the pleasure of meeting the two of them while staying in Snug Harbor with my wife. Hope to see them next year.