Honda 50 and the high life

Sir, – My eldest brother pitched us into the high life and fast living when he purchased a Honda 50, which he subsequently sold to another older brother, and for which he still claims, 40 years later, that he never received payment. My brother’s newfound freedom saw him tour every dance hall and carnival in east and south Galway in pursuit of the said high life.

The 50 became a bit of a handy workhorse about the place and one afternoon after dinner I hopped on it to go herding on our farm, ignoring my mothers fading voice to “put on your helmet” as I headed out the gate. For reasons unknown my general stubbornness suddenly abated and I wheeled back, put on my helmet and headed off.

One minute later, rounding a bend, I lost control on loose gravel and smacked head first into a sturdy wall, splitting the helmet down the middle – but not my head. I learned two good lessons from this: education takes many forms; and always listen to your mother.

The Honda 50 lived out a rich and rewarding life and Christy Moore captured its mystique and offers a nostalgic reminder of simpler times. – Yours, etc,