Welcome to Episode 6 of the Voices Of Boyle Podcast! 

Today we’re joined by Mr. Pat Murphy! Pat is originally from Dundalk in Co. Louth and he is, in his own words, a Boyle “blow in!” Pat has been living here in town for the past 5 years with his partner Geraldine.  

From St. Lucia to the Galapagos

Pat kicks things off by talking about his participation in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), a massive sailing event that sees boats race or cruise from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean. Pat’s boat finished 190th…”slow cruising,” as he puts it, but it wasn’t about winning. It was about the experience.

When he reached St. Lucia, Pat was surprised to receive the “Spirit of the ARC” award, a nod to the goodwill and camaraderie he brought to the rally.

From there, the journey only got more colourful, to the Galapagos Islands, where he tells a brilliant story about mailing postcards from Post Office Bay, a tradition where letters are delivered by hand, boat to boat, across the world.

Uncharted Moments and Local Headlines

One of the standout stories from this episode is when Pat recounts the chaos that erupted after he sent a postcard from the Galapagos to the local Boyle newspaper. It made the front page, triggering questions, laughs, and more than a bit of curiosity around town about where he had disappeared to.

Encounters with Orangutans and the Tamil Tigers

Pat’s tales take us further through Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and India, where he had heartwarming encounters with orangutans and some hair-raising moments involving the Tamil Tigers. The journey had its challenges too, including having his boat searched and delays in transit.

Suez Canal and Back Again

The journey eventually took him through the Suez Canal, marking the home stretch of a voyage that was part epic, part personal, and all inspiring. Pat’s recollections are warm, detailed, and full of humour, bringing listeners along for the ride even if only through their headphones!

On Love, Loss, and Starting Again

Toward the end of the episode, Pat reflects on the loss of his wife Olivia, and how, after going through that very difficult period, he’s found happiness again including a new love and a new chapter in Boyle. He reminds us that “you will come out the other end of it” and that talking with others made all the difference in his healing.

“I never thought, like six years ago or so, just after Olivia died, that I’d be sitting here talking in such good spirits.”

This episode is a beautiful blend of travel tales, life wisdom, and the kind of uplifting energy that makes the Voices of Boyle podcast so special. Whether you’re from Boyle, living abroad, or just passing through, you’ll find something in Pat’s journey that stays with you.

Displaying the Spirit of the ARC award after crossing the Atlantic

Egypt

Olivia having a hair treatmenton our boat in Aden, Yemen

Home after over 9 years