Sunday, June 15, 2008

Luck of the Irish

It was something of a mixed weekend for the Irish in Australia. Collectively we were unfortunate with the result of the rugby but my personal good fortune in the Blue Mountains more than made up for the disappointment.

Prior to the commencement of the rugby you’d have had to say the Irish had a fighting chance of taking home some silverware. The Wallabies might have been at home but the forecast was for rain which ought to have levelled the teams. The climate in Ireland gives us more experience of scrapping though the mud. However, it was not to be. The crafty Australians have got a roof on their stadium. Tantamount to cheating to be sure, but sure, what can you do. The conclusion was 18 – 12 to the yellow team.

But fortune did shine on one Irishman. For, while the 15 Paddies were without luck in Melbourne there was one lucky leprechaun in the Mountains. Not only did our team win a pub quiz but, of the three lottery tickets I bought for $5, two were winners. What’s more I walked off with the grand prize; a colour laser printer. Come on you greens!

It certainly was a bountiful expedition. Between the 10 of us the takings looked more akin to loot than winnings. Apart from the printer, power tools and attachments for power tools, there were children’s games, garden chairs and gardening accoutrements, a tray of meat (very Australian) and bottles and bottles of wine. Time for a barbeque methinks.