Since completing his 7 Peaks in 7 Weeks challenge on 15th October with a well earned Pint of Guinness, Yasuyuki Ozeki (Yaz) has been able to enjoy life at a slightly slower pace - just!
After cycling around Ireland, climbing all those mountains, meeting loads of new friends, signing hundreds of copies of his book Against the Wind and downing the odd pint here and there, he managed to fulfil another dream! A few weeks ago Yaz married the love of his life Fiona – congratulations to you both.
On Tuesday 23rd November Yaz returned to Mayo on a whistle stop tour. Arriving on Tuesday evening after driving from Drogheda (where he and Fiona live), he was feeling a bit thirsty! So after a quick bite to eat, it was off to Ballyheane, for a few pints at Sean Mullahy’s newly opened pub The Punch Bowl - thanks Sean, Grace and everyone at The Punch Bowl for a great night!
Wednesday morning came and Yaz headed for the Mayo Education Centre, where he was participating in this year’s Netdays Project as Mayo’s Online Author in Residence. Over the next few hours, Yaz answered a huge amount of questions (via email) about his epic cycling journey from Japan to Ireland (and his recent journey around Ireland), from school children all over Mayo. He was amazed at the amount and diversity of the questions! Well done to everyone involved – Yaz really enjoyed being part of Netdays 2004.
 |
| Yaz & Art O'Suilleabháin Online |
 |
| Denis O'Boyle, Yaz & Art O'Suilleabháin |
After a spot of lunch, Yaz had a bit of business to attend to in town! On the way through he popped in to the Linenhall to say hello and got his jobs done.
Next stop was to Killala, an invitation to dinner with another author - Steve Dunford (formerly Castlebar) and his family. After a fabulous meal, we wandered into town for, as Yaz put it “a few pints of plain”! Needless to say Yaz “found what he was looking for” and even managed to pour his first pint of Guinness in Gilvarry’s Bar. Thanks again to Kevin and all at Gilvarry’s, it was a great night and Yaz made many friends.
 |
| Steve Dunford & Yaz - East meets West! |
Thursday morning came all too soon – we slept in! After a quick shower, Yaz headed for Templemary National School for a questions and answers session with the children. Yaz spent nearly an hour with the children and answered question after question – stopping for breath only when allowed!
 |
| Yaz & The Children & Staff at Templemary N.S. |
After a taking a few photos and saying our farewells, we headed for Ballina – Yaz had an appointment with the Western People Newspaper! He had heard about the plans to build an Asbestos Treatment Plant in Killala, was alarmed at the plans and wanted to offer his support to the people of Mayo!
Finally after a mad 72 hours, Yaz bid farewell to Mayo and headed for home!
Once again I had a great time with Yaz – he is a real character as anyone who has read his book Against the Wind (available from all good book shops) will know! You can find out more about Yaz and his adventures at http://www.yazsan.net/ .
Steve Dunford’s recently published book, Killala – Aspects of its Heritage, a fabulous journey into the folklore, heritage and history of Killala and its environs is now on sale. The book is available for €7.50 incl. P & P – for more details contact Steve direct on killalaheritage@eircom.net .
