March in the west of Ireland is a funny old month. The weather can feel very much like winter, but you can see spring as it slowly arrives.
Towards the end of the month, the clocks also change, giving us an extra hour of sunlight. Additionally, this triggers a change in the people — a lightness comes over them, and they venture out more.
Buds are appearing on trees, and new shoots push through the ground. For many here, the daffodils herald the arrival of this change. In this 365project, locals note how the mood brightens as daylight grows. The change feels gradual but welcoming to communities across the region.
I took a range of photos this month, from nature to people to reflections. Colours reflect the mix of seasons too, with trees bearing skeletal winter shapes. Others show colours that hint at the coming days across my 365project collection.
Below, I have posted the top four pictures this month, as voted by those who follow along on my daily Facebook posts.
What strikes me is the local angle; all top four are from here – people and places that we are familiar with. Scenes that show our connection with the land and each other.
While walking up Spencer Street this morning, I stopped to talk to Gabby Downes and Henry Horkan. Downes Garage has been operating from this place since 1937. Jeez, that’s not far off 100 years. It has been painted this colour and in this style for as long as I can remember.
In Castlebar, we call fellas like these Auld Stock. Auld Stocks are unpretentious, grounded in this place and always keep it real.
The title of Auld Stock is not granted by someone on high. Rather, it is conferred by your fellow Castlebar man or woman. (As far as I know, there’s no truth in the rumour that Mick Byrne confers this title, but he does know an Auld Stock when he sees one).
We went into town today to support the Saint Patrick’s Day parade. It was the usual fare – well organised, very green, very Irish and wonderfully multicultural.
We bumped into this fella, Mick Lacey. I don’t think Mick was born in Castlebar, but he’s as Auld Stock as you’ll ever meet. Always there with a smile and a big hello for everyone.
Time. What persists, what falls, what keeps going regardless. Somewhere above the cloud, the mountain has been here. It holds a conversation between the living and the dead.
They come back every spring, indifferent to who is underneath. We are all just moonbeams passing through space, rather than inhabiting it.
So, that’s another month behind me, and only nine away from the finish line. I’ve created a page on my website where all the photos will be stored for now. I’d love for you to take a peek! https://johnmeephotography.com/365/
