tells Dad, I can see youre a man that did his bit. Dad says, Och, I did my
bit, and the man says, I did me bit, too, and what did it get me but one
eye less and a pension that wouldnt feed a canary.
But Ireland is free, says Dad, and thats a grand thing.
Free, my arse, the man says. I think we were better off under the
English. Good luck to you anyway, mister, for I think I know what
youre here for.
A woman opens the door at number fourteen. Im afraid, she says,
that Mr. Heggarty is busy. Dad tells her he just walked all the way from
the middle of Dublin with his small son, that he left wife and three chil-
dren waiting for him at the bus place, and if Mr. Heggarty is that busy
then well wait for him on the doorstep.
The woman is back in a minute to say Mr.Heggarty has a little time
to spare and would you come this way. Mr. Heggarty is sitting at a desk
near a glowing fire. He says,What can I do for you? Dad stands before
the desk and says, I have just returned from America with wife and four
children.We have nothing. I fought with a Flying Column during the
Troubles and Im hoping you can help me now in the time of need.
Mr. Heggarty takes Dads name and turns the pages of a big book
on his desk. He shakes his head, No, no record of your service here.
Dad makes a long speech. He tells Mr. Heggarty how he fought,
where, when, how he had to be smuggled out of Ireland because of the
price on his head, how he was raising his sons to love Ireland.
Mr. Heggarty says hes sorry but he cant be handing out money to
every man who wanders in claiming he did his bit. Dad says to me,
Remember this, Francis. This is the new Ireland. Little men in little
chairs with little bits of paper.This is the Ireland men died for.
Mr. Heggarty says hell look into Dads claim and hell be sure to let
him know what turns up. Hell let us have money to take the bus back
into the city.Dad looks at the coins in Mr.Heggartys hand and says,You
could add to that and make the price of a pint.
Oh, its the drink you want, is it?
One pint is hardly drink.
Youd walk the miles back and make the boy walk because you want
a pint, wouldnt you?
Walking never killed anyone.
I want you to leave this house, says Mr. Heggarty, or Ill call a guard,
and you can be sure youll never hear from me again.Were not hand-
ing out money to support the Guinness family.
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