Wednesday 13 July 2011

The Bakery

This is my contribution to the GBE 2 weekly topic. 

Almost everyone who knows me knows that Martin Sheen has been my favourite actor for more than 30 years.  What many people probably don't know is that his ancestry is half-Spanish, half-Irish.  Martin is very proud of his Irish ancestry and has visited Ireland many times.  His mother was born in there and emigrated to America in 1923 during the 'troubles' - the Civil War in 1922-23 which followed the war of independence against the British. 

My first 'real' visit to Ireland was about 4 years ago. Prior to that, I'd only been on a day visit to Dublin.  Since 2007, I've been back there about nine times.  Like Martin, I have fallen in love with this beautiful and fascinating island with its wealth of history, culture, music and stunning scenery.

So where does a 'bakery' come into this?

On one of my visits, we stopped at a small town in Tipperary which I knew had links with Martin's mother.  She had been born there and I knew Martin had visited in 2003 when a memorial service was held at a church in a small village nearby to honor the 100th anniversary of her birth.


In the town's main street, we saw a bakery-cum-cafe (yes, we're finally getting to the bakery!).  In the window there was a photo of Martin with his brothers and son Emilio.  Intrigued by this, I went into the bakery.  Lots of delicious cakes were on display - mouth-watering, home-baked cakes of every description.  Fruit cakes, sponge cakes, lemon and cherry, coffee, ginger and chocolate, and gateaux.  Mmm - which to choose?

However, more interesting, to me anyway, was the conversation with the lady who owned the shop,  We bought coffee and cake (think I had some lemon cake), and sat down at one of the small tables, and I asked her about the photos in the window. 

"Oh yes," she said, "he's my second cousin." 

Oh wow, a personal link with Martin Sheen!  She then proceeded to tell me all about his visits to the town and to her shop.

It was the best visit to a bakery I've ever had!

16 comments:

  1. That is totally cool! Martin Sheen is a great actor...I think it is neat you got to meet some of his kin right in Ireland. Great job :)

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  2. Thanks, Jen. I actually got to meet the man himself last year - but that's another story!

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  3. Six degrees (or less) of separation in action. Nice story!

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  4. Wow, that is really cool! Great story!

    Kathy
    http://www.thetruckerswife.com/

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  5. Wow, I bet she's made a bob or two out of that connection. The photo in the window would certainly attract attention *smile* The way he's behaving right now, don't think I'd want to advertise the connection *chuckle* Cool story though, Paula.

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  6. Thanks, all.

    Mojo, I assume you're referring to Charlie, Martin's son, not to Martin himself!

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  7. That sounds the perfect visit, Paula!

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  8. Sounds really great! Any pictures?

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  9. Rosemary - it was certainly uenexpected, as I didn't think I'd actually meet one of Martin's relations!

    Claudia - didn't really like to take any photos in the shop, but tried to take a picture of the photos of Martin and his brothers that she had in the shop window. Unforunately, it didn't come out well because of all the reflections in the glass window!

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  10. Nice story. The only way it could have been better is if he was visiting the bakery at the same time.

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  11. Now that would have been a dream come true, Langley :-)

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  12. What a great experience for you! Now you have me thinking about lemon cake. I made some years ago at Christmas - time to give it another shot! Thanks for sharing!

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  13. Hi Paula, I was hoping to read your #RomanceFridayWriters post but since I can't find it, this is good too. Take care.

    Cheers,
    Kiru

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  14. A little extra surprise, huh? Nice story.

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  15. WOW loved this!! mmm even could taste that lemon cake..visuals and then the second take; Martin Sheen!! kewel!!!!!! lol i still haven't visited can't wait to though~!! thank you for letting me VISIT!! MUAH!

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