Ulf ‘heartbroken’ to have to cancel 30th summer trip from Germany
THERE WILL BE NO SUMMER TRIP TO GOREY FOR THIS YEAR’S STUDENTS
What would have been a 30 year anniversary trip to Gorey for German man Ulf Brix and a group of students has been postponed this year due to the Covid-19 restrictions.
Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Brix said that he is heartbroken that he has to delay the trip until next year.
‘To all of our Irish business partners, friends and families, it breaks my heart to tell you that our anniversary trip has been postponed to next summer. We were so looking forward to seeing you, our big Irish family. You are such a big part of our German student trip and make it so successful year by year. We wish and hope to see you all again in summer 2021 and ask that you please stay healthy and happy’.
In Germany, the easing of restrictions began on May 18. Ulf, who is in his early 70s, said that he is fearful that people will lose their focus on the crisis at hand.
‘We hope for better times and trust in that. Here, we are all well, and the sun makes everything easier’.
Ulf himself found his love for the north Wexford area when he first visited in 1976, and began the student trips in 1990.
In 2015, he marked 25 years of annual trips to Gorey during a civic reception with local politicians as well as members of the German Embassy.
Ulf said that what he loves most about Gorey is the local hospitality.
‘I came as a young teacher to hitch hike through Ireland. I got picked up in Bray by Bruce Copeland, and later met Father McDwyer. He brought me to Copeland’s family farm in Huntington, Clogh, and I met all the family. I felt very lucky as the people were very friendly and open.
‘When I come to Gorey, it’s like coming home,’ he said.
During the three-week trip last year, the students had classes at Gorey Community School but also visited Enniscorthy, New Ross, Dunbrody Abbey, Wexford Heritage Park, Hook Head, Ferns, Kilkenny Castle and Glendalough, accompanied by their leaders.
Ulf has thanked the community for its continued support.
‘Thank you so much to the family organiser, host families, teacher organiser and teachers, Gorey Community School, Gorey Coach, Gorey Council, Gorey Guardian,Paddy Blues, the local GAA clubs and shops, Bank of Ireland, Gorey Cinema, Pirate’s Cove, Craanford Mill and all the many beautiful sightseeing places with wonderful people’.