Julie Jay: My son has discovered magic — all thoughts and prayers appreciated

Despite my apathy for illusion, a wand has somehow magicked its way into our home and made my car keys disappear

There’s no need for Keith Barry to be sweating yet, because this tiny magician’s current bedtime is 8pm, meaning his capacity to gig at night is slim. Picture: iStock 

When I was growing up in the 1980s, it was not uncommon for parents to make early predictions about their children’s futures through their choice of birthday presents. If they felt quietly confident a good Leaving Cert might be on the cards, they purchased their five-year-old a science set. 

However, if, like my in-laws, they felt their son was showing the signs of becoming a professional entertainer, the magic set was the obvious gift of choice.