Special Consensus mandolinist Ashby Frank has agreed to send us updates and photos from their current tour of Britain and Ireland. Ashby is unsure how much web access he will have during the tour, but promises to send his musings whenever he has the chance.

Well here I am at a Bed and Breakfast in Ireland at 2:30 AM watching the Super Bowl.

I tried to look on Google maps to show you exactly where I am in Ireland, but when I typed in Carrig on Bannow, Ireland, it gave me the address for the First United Methodist Church in Winchester, Kentucky. Strange. Even stranger that I’ve spent some time in Winchester, and I bet I know people that have attended that Church. I know that Winchester is the last place to get fast food  before you head east towards Morehead and Ashland. I think there’s a Fazoli’s there that Alecia used to make us stop at. I wonder if my friend  Billie Renee goes there?

Anyway, we had another packed house at a pub show tonight, but it was more like a festival. There were Irish bands, as well as some US originated folks with some Old Time and Bluegrass.

After the show, I noticed that the Super Bowl was on. Now, I’m not a huge NFL fan, I like NCAA Football much better. I must say though, I haven’t missed many Super Bowls whether I’ve been on the road or not. I can remember another Super Bowl featuring the Steelers when I was on the road with Marty Raybon and Full Circle. We were in Bakersfield, CA  and Doyle and Quicksilver were there. We spent the evening between rooms talking and socializing around the game. That’s what it’s all about, right?

Well here it’s not that big of a deal, and it is 2:30 something in the morning.

Here’s a picture of the scene after the show was over and everyone’s gathered in the pub jamming.

Oh, and there’s a big SAFETY for Arizona.

It’s strange how such normal things back home  feels so far away and distant after 3 weeks. I actually just Skyped Jim Van Cleve (note: TOUCHDOWN ARIZONA now, they have the lead) because I know he’s having a gathering at his place and I wanted to say "hey" to everybody, and it turns out, I’m seeing all of this before they are.

It is odd to hear all of this with a mix of British and American announcers…. and NO COMMERCIALS! Why would anyone want to watch the Super Bowl with no commercials?

Oh, and one more thing. Guess what sign was up behind the bar here in a small town in Ireland?

Well, only two shows left. They’re way down near Cork which is in the far South, then I’m making my way back home.

Looks like the Steelers are going to win now! Hope everyone’s enjoyed the game.