There was a tap on the door last week and it was Pat Doyle, a farmer from Glenpipe just up the road from us here in Ballyduff.

He explained to me that his father, also Pat Doyle, had delivered grain to the mill when he was a young man and that he would love to come and have a look around.

Remembering my churlish behaviour when 'The Painters' called here on a similar mission, (Normal Service to Resume.............1 July 2010) I immediately said that I would be delighted and we agreed that the visit should take place yesterday, Tuesday morning.

I even left a note on the kitchen table to ensure that I would not forget and commit an even graver faux pas.

And, on cue, they arrived. Young Pat Doyle's brother, Larry, came along too as did young Pat's son, a boy of twelve or thirteen, whose name I'm afraid has already slipped my mind.

And they all of them seemed to love looking and poking around and it proved to be a truly pleasant hour.

Young Pat's son, Young Pat, Larry and Pat senior.

Pat senior told me, very quietly, that it is nearly eighty years ago that he delivered grain to the mill.
He surely carries his years lightly.