The sign on the gate reads: we will not be responsible for any damage caused to persons or property whilst in the company of the donkeys.
Having glanced at the sign we proceeded, flowers in hand to the door of “a spirited woman whose strength and devotion is dug deep in her soul.”
Dogs Pagan and Spuddy come to suss out the latest arrivals but as their owner opens the door, they retreat.
“This is not for me, it can’t be,” said our first 2003 Heart of Gold.
In the meantime the sound of her voice, brings all but a few of her 24 donkeys to the gate and she in turn goes to greet them.
English woman Sue Paling set up the Sathya Sai Sanctuary for donkeys 13 years ago.
Her move to Sligo from Cornwall was by chance. A note on the window of a car led her to buy a premises in the heart of the Carrowkeel tombs in Castlebaldwin.
Sue said: “The guy I was with brought me to see the tombs and when we came back to his car, the note simply asked him to call into a neighbour. This premises was just up for sale and he turned to me to see if I would buy it.
“That night, I slept in a tent under a full moon in the Carrowkeel tombs.”
Thirteen years on and Sue doesn’t regret leaving her graphic designer’s job in Cornwall and her elderly parents to pursue her dream in Sligo.
“I knew I wanted to work with animals. The word went around that I was looking after donkeys and they were being tied at the gate no sooner after I arrived. They were in appalling conditions.”
Nellie is a 38-year-old donkey and is nearly always the first to arrive for feeding, explains Sue.
Out with the donkeys is where Sue is most at home. For the past 13 years, Sue has been doing it all on her own.
“For the main weekly muck-out, my neighbours helps me which is great.”
The letter that brought us to Sue’s door was written by Carina Byrne of Greyfield, Culfadda, Ballymote.
Carina said: “My family and I had the most wonderful experience when we came across the donkey sanctuary a year ago. Nestled in the brow of the Carrowkeel tombs, the views are amazing. With a twinkle in her eye, Sue comes to greet you.
“Irrespective of the abuse inflicted on the donkeys, Sue always manages to give them an enormous quality of life.
“She does it all on her own and never asks for money, although the sanctuary is a registered charity.
“She has created a heaven on earth for these animals. She is unique and I would love her to get this award.”
If anything, a sign on the way out should read: The Sathya Sai Sanctuary is responsible for any enjoyment or happiness caused by your visit.