'Two flights, one hotel, 15 cups of tea and 27-and-a-half hours'

Some local commuters were forced into something of an ordeal travel-wise last week, with an issue due to weather on the Dublin to Carrickfinn flight. Twice!

In all, it took 27-and-a-half hours, although the main thing was everyone got home safe and sound.

Charlie Boyle from Mullaghduff was one of those who shared in the experience, although did stress that the safety of all was the most important thing and he had no issue that no unnecessary risks were taken - two flights, one hotel, 15 cups of tea and, of course, 27-and-a-half hours.

When he finally did make it home, Charlie put the story together on social media and it gave an in-depth and light-hearted account of his adventure. 

Thursday’s Dublin to Carrickfinn set off as scheduled at 6:52pm and little did those on board the flight realise as they took to the sky over the capital. On its descent, after a loop or two in west Donegal, the decision was made to turn back to Dublin, as the weather made it too unsafe to land. A night was to be had in the Carlton Hotel by the airport. 

“The flight and turning back last night is now well covered by international press,” Charlie posted. “The decision to not land was 1000% correct. Back to Dublin, shuttled to a great hotel, breakfast, and back for another go.”

“Delayed a few hours but out we went - a bus full of Rosses Gaoth Dobhair and Cloughaneely folk, a young female solicitor from Creeslough, two other Quantity surveyors from "over that way" as well, a handful of what Gaoth Dobhair people still call "Strangers" (that could be tourists, business folk or musicians). 

“Out we boarded the plane and queued behind five Ryanair planes and off we thought we were. However, the pilot threw out the anchor and stalled the digger and pulled in off the runway. He explained really well that there was a crosswind and it was unsafe to attempt a take-off. 

He said he'd have another go for the craic - or technical words to that effect - and he did but this time he wasn't feeling it and he pulled up for the second time. Again he explained the wind was rising and we'd be returning to the terminal. Again 1000% correct call and not a word of dissent, yet”.

By this stage, those who re-boarded the bus had been just four hours shy of a full day in one another’s company, with a few more joining in. 

“Back on the bus and by now you knew the other 49 survivors now united by this 20-hour bond, Charlie continued. “We were joined by several others who flew in from other places but because they were not with us over the two days or battled through the fabulous breakfast buffet in the Clayton - they were rejected by the West Donegal tribe. They were not a cultural fit.

“We walked as told to the Aer Lingus desk and gathered in a huddle awaiting Aer Lingus to come and explain the promised bus arrangements. Now it goes "Tits up" as a fella from Leitir summed up the decline in patience and tolerance. Aer Lingus, in a poor show of humanity, sent out a young 22-year-old to explain that no bus was available and we'd have to make our own arrangements. To be fair and balanced his message got lost in Translation but the scene deteriorated and I had flashbacks to Dodge again in the 80s.

“A now angry crowd from the three parishes trying to get some sense from the airline was like the doormen in Dodge stopping 50 people getting in for Rock Stewart on a Saturday in March 1984. 

“I made an inspired decision. Pick your battles - book online with John McGinley at 6pm and be home by 11. Other Rosses and Gaoth Dobhair people did the same but the Dungloe ones, too spoiled and afraid because the bus was stopping only in Annagry and out of their comfort zone took the hotel vouchers for another night at the Carlton - anything for a free night! 

"The Cloughaneely ones got contrary (things never change) but when they heard the John McGinley option local pride came through and they turned to the Rosses folk for "John McGinleys’ phone number to book". Young Ranafast gen Zs tried to encourage them to book online through the app … but no … they wanted "to ring John McGinley himself and make sure we're booked". 

“They said they weren't into that "bookeeeeen online carry on" … I love their stubborn streak. I missed the first swim of March but my tribe of swimmers went down to the boatstrand at 6pm as the bus was pulling out from Dublin Airport.

“A bus is not a fair description. A hotel on wheels, power points, heat, and smoothness and in John Anthony the driver and the young girl Eimear as crew world-class standards, a masterclass in warmth. 

“They wouldn't take payment from the Carrickfin flight passengers and are dropping people down to the airport for their cars. This is a serious operation and outstanding service. 

“A young girl travelling to Letterkenny from Dublin sat beside me and told me she travels only with McGinley up. and down to Trinity College because the three-and-a-half hours is her best study and writing time so smooth is the bus and so powerful is the WiFi. A University on wheels. I committed to swim and I'll try and get down at 11.45pm safely. This swim is important.

“Thanks to McGinley’s, Donegal Airport and all for getting us home safely From 1980s Dodge to 2024 Airports, the more things change the more they stay the same. Stay real!”