Kindness of strangers made Leeside visit memorable

THE Lonely Planet travel guide recommends Cork as a place well worthy of a visit to holiday-makers to our country.

I always enjoy my visits to Cork and on Sunday last to see the hurling game Cork v Dublin I was bowled over by the kindness offered to me and my grandson, Oisin.

As I wanted to take the shortest route to Pairc Ui Chaoimh I stopped to ask directions from a gentleman and his wife who were sitting in a park near the Bord Gáis works. Having been shown the direction to take I enquired if there was a cafe/restaurant along the way.

I was thinking that a takeaway would be what my grandson wanted. Seeing me in two minds the lady got to her feet and invited us to their home nearby for a cup of tea.

I was almost overcome by her hospitality, and not wanting to disturb their relaxing afternoon I thanked them for the kindness offered and we paid a visit to the Sextant instead.

Leaving the ground after the game, I enquired from two Cork supporters the quickest route back to the train station, thinking we might make the 4.30pm train for the return journey to Dublin. Having received direction we set off at a quick pace.

Some minutes later a car drew up alongside us and the driver told us we had misinterpreted his directions — so he said “hop in the back, I’ll drop you at the station”. Making a U-turn he had us there at 4.15pm in plenty of time to catch the 4.30pm train.

The lasting impression of our visit to Cork will forever be the kindness and hospitality of Cork people.

And a word of commendation for a young teenager of about 13 or 14. He, too, was a local, with his Dad sitting on the terrace steps at half-time.

I gave my grandson a drink and a chocolate bar and offered a chocolate bar to the young Cork fan. He declined saying “I gave them up for Lent”.

Fair play to the young lad, he taught us another valuable lesson!

Diarmaid Ó Mairtin

Raheny

Dublin 5