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Gwinnetians
stranded in Ireland
find surprise on the way back home
By Jim Hood
Special to GwinnettForum.com
(Editor's Note: We heard of a Gwinnett
couple caught overseas during the terrorist attack, and asked Jim
Hood to tell us what happened. He along with his wife, Barbara,
plus Jane and Freddie Dodson, formerly of Gwinnett, and two other
couples from Jackson, Ga., had been on vacation in Ireland. Here
is Jim's surprising account. -- eeb)
LAWRENCEVILLE, OCT. 2, 2001 - - We left the USA on Labor Day on
a Delta flight bound for Shannon Airport in Ireland. Our first week
was spent having a great time seeing old castles and beautiful shorelines.
We enjoyed the food, the pubs and the people.
Early in the trip we went by Adare Manor (a castle converted into
a hotel) and decided the guys would play that golf course on our
last full day in Ireland. The wives would go shopping and meet us
for lunch in the clubhouse. We finished play and went for lunch
at about 2:30 on Sept. 11. Just as we walked in the TV was on CNN
showing the attack on the World Trade Center buildings. Quietness
enveloped the room. We were speechless and frightened.
We had planned to leave Ireland the next day (Wednesday) but knew
that was not going to happen. We found a bed and breakfast near
Bunratty Castle about six miles from the airport. Our hosts at the
B&B were very concerned for Americans and prepared sandwiches
and libations.
The next day we phoned to find out when we might get a flight out,
but had no luck. We were talking to family back home to reassure
them we were okay. We knew they were worried and wanted us home.
We wanted to be there.
Thursday afternoon we went to the airport and saw two Delta planes
on the ground. We hoped they were headed for the USA when the airports
opened and Delta personnel confirmed that. We had no idea we could
get on one because there were hundreds of people also wanting to
go home. They told us to call the next day for information.
On Friday, expecting to spend another night in Ireland, we decided
to try and get rooms closer to the airport. Because of the legions
of stranded people and the fact there were eight of us, we couldn't
find anything. We also were not having any luck getting flight information
over the phone, so we decided to go to the airport. At the Delta
counter we were told there were two flights to the US that day,
one to NY and one to Boston. We listed on the one to NY with the
thought we could drive home from there.
We got our luggage from the B&B, returned, and got in line
for flight 9603 to NY. There were several check points. At the one
where our baggage was checked, they told us the flight had been
diverted to Atlanta because of some difficulty in NY. What luck!
We were a couple of hours late leaving (more security) but we were
among the last dozen passengers on that flight.
The flight of 8 1/2 hours was uneventful except for conversations
with other passengers and flight attendants who were also very glad
to be going home. When we arrived at the concourse we were met by
Delta employees with big smiles waving American flags and exclaiming,
"Welcome home!" At baggage claim we were met by another
large group of people clapping and waving flags. Talk about a lump
in your throat and moist eyes, that will do it.
A special "Thank You" is due Delta and their employees
for their thoughtfulness and professionalism during this time of
crisis. We're very thankful to be home.
-- 30 --
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