Sir - Isn't it remarkable howl just four weeks ago, our topic of conversation was largely about holidays, suntan lotions, packing, planes, airports, checking in to ferries and getting passports out? Now we have given ourselves the passport to becoming "experts." Talk of sun and rain has disappeared, and the last few weeks have turned to her weakest stroke overarm, underarm, thumbs up, ready steady.
"Hadn't a great start, did she? And what do the sisters think?" We are now connoisseurs. And fickle too. Now that all talk of breathing to the left and right is over, we hang up the goggles and focus on the left hook, right hook, talk to the family, get the Daddy and Mammy on. Will he take him in the second round, or will it go to the third? How is his southpaw stance? The most important question I have heard all week - is he a fighter or a boxer?
Now we don't care so much about the jabs and throwing off the gloves, we move swiftly to discuss stride patterns and the underlying difference between running the 1500m and the 5000m. All I knew before this week was that there was a difference of 3500m, and now I too am an expert. And of course, it has all to do with pace and kick, and now we're kicking for home.
Most of this analysis, of course, is done over a pint or two. When it's all over - well, there'll always be the soccer and back to school, of course . . . and school uniforms. I could go on.
Yours, etc.,
Carhan,
Cahirciveen,
Co Kerry.