Sadly they have all passed since.
I'm not sure about Dick, but Jack and Mick loved a bet. They were small-time gamblers who enjoyed a flutter every Saturday, especially free bets. We'd have a chat over a pint. I'm sure one if not both loved Guinness. Jack used to take out his false teeth to eat. He made me smile. He didn't have a bad bone in his body. I don't know about you but the older generation back in the late 80s seemed to have much more character.
If I could go back in time, I would love to ask them about Ireland. Which racecourses they attended. Thinking about it, Jack did once mention being at a racecourse and seeing a trainer trying to light a cigarette. He rushed up, gave him a light and asked: 'Do you fancy your horse in the next?' He must have caught the trainer on a good day and he gave him the nod.
The horse won.
I know a lot of punters talk about the Punchestown Festival.
One of the racing people I chat with Tom, always sings the praises of going racing in Ireland.
However, if there is one place I would love to go, as much for the scenery as the racing, is Killarney. What a stunning location. I have scoured that place on Google maps and just love it even though I haven't set foot on ground. I will try to get there in the next few years. My mate Jerry Banks is going with one of his friends so I was a bit envious when he said. I almost said: 'I will go too.'
Perhaps I will.
I guess it's strange why more people don't visit Ireland. My mum went to Dublin a couple of times but said it was very expensive. I can't say that would be a destination I'd visit. I like a quiet laid back approach rather than city life. Give me some good company, a scenic pub, with a cold pint on a summer's day.
Dad passed away in 1998. It seems a long time ago and I guess it is in ways. None of us are getting any younger. Father Time stops for no man. And that's why it is important to live for today and make plans for tomorrow. My father worked much too hard. He never went to the races enough. Never went fishing enough. Never had enough time to stop and enjoy. It disappoints me to this day that he passed away at the age of 62.
I have lots of lovely memories of my brother and I going to Great Yarmouth races with Dad. We'd get off the train and walk to the course and back. That's a long walk but it was lovely to chat about the day ahead and reflect on the day gone by. To be fair, Dad had some good winners at the course.
It's all too easy to forget those days. To somehow think less about those special moment with the hustle and bustle of life.
As long as we say their names my Dad, Colin, will transcend life. I'm sure Dad, Jack, Mick and Dick are looking down and saying: 'Enjoy your life. Make the most of it. Appreciate the good, kind and loving people around you. Smile. Laugh. Enjoy those beautiful days at the races and think of us on the way home.'
Without doubt I will.
Love to all.
