The pros and cons of an emigrant’s life down under

The scene in Dublin Airport was sad to watch yet it probably takes place every day, writes Paddy Heaney.

A father, mother and daughter were huddled together at the departure gate in Terminal One. The girl had two suitcases and a camogie stick.

I was going to Australia for a fortnight to cover the International Rules Test. Evidently, the girl’s visit was going to be much longer.