Bucket Days in Wicklow


I remember a few of those bucket days in Wicklow—Pam and Alising were always in charge, setting the tone and energy for the whole day. It was non-stop from the moment we arrived. There was a plan, of course—scheduled breaks, lunch slots, a rotation to give everyone rest. But plans didn’t always matter. Some of the athletes and volunteers chose to stay put, skipping their breaks to keep shaking those buckets. Maybe it was loyalty. Maybe it was pressure. But sometimes, it was simpler—and sadder—than that. They skipped their breaks because they had nothing to eat. No spare change for a sandwich or a hot drink. It was easier to stay where they were, smiling and collecting coins, than to sit alone with an empty pocket during a lunch break they couldn’t afford.

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