Birthday greetings are extended to Declan Divilly, Kilbeagh, Charlestown who graduated to forty this week in a very hush hush fashion might I add. The Duke or “Dog” as he’s often responds to, was another victim of the now familiar Covid-19 syndrome which has ruined many roundy birthday celebrations and this was another case in point as the Duke had to settle for a few quiet bottle of beers in the company of his nearest and dearest albeit with the two metre gap being strictly adhered to. Rumour has it his cousin Ronan ‘the Pillock’ Kenny had the measuring tape out to ensure no regulations were being infringed as a few friendly tall ones were popped to mark this most auspicious of occasions.
The Duke is a member of an Garda Siochana and a most respected one at that as he goes about his work in a very conscientious and capable manner. He commands a lot of respect in and out of the uniform with several of his colleagues tipping him to accede to the highest office in the organisation such is the poise and control he exudes in carrying out his duties.
He remains a dyed in the wool maroon and white supporter which is the only blemish I can find in his otherwise impeccable character. Rumour has it himself and the Galway Gaffer PJ are pretty tight with The Duke being employed in a covert capacity as he keeps a discrete dossier and file on all that`s happening with regard to the red and green with information being passed over the border on a regular basis. The Duke had a lot of pedigree as a footballer, being a tough, tight marking corner back who took few prisoners in his role as enforcer. He could have been a great one but for injury which curtailed a very promising career as he had all the tools to be a top class defender. He was never one for moping or pondering on what might have been and instead turned his attentions to commentary where he has forged quite a formidable reputation as an analyst par excellence. His musings on the game are always worth hearing and he was supremely confident that PJ and the maroon and white were on course for a right good tilt at Sam Maguire until Covid -19 intervened and tempered his optimism somewhat. His faith in all things Galway remains unwavering however as clings to the hope that the championship will get the go ahead and he will get the chance to display that Supermac’s jersey which so inflames many of his friends several of whom have been tempted to set alight on several occasions!!
I’m sure there was some sort of a cake produced to mark the occasion with texts and good wishes winging their way from all corners of the globe. The Duke is also a devout Kopite and Klopp supporter so he’s still dining out on Liverpool`s first league title in 30 years. Klopp was rumoured to have sent a whatsapp video congratulating him on making it to forty with Salah, Firmino and Van Dyk also chiming in for good measure. The candles were stacked diligently on the plateau of a cake that had many different ingredients with maroon and red the two colours dominating the decor. The Duke almost swallowed the candles such was the ferocity in the blow which quenched all forty simultaneously with the cake being divvied up into neat slices for anyone willing to sample. I’m not sure if there was any set aside for me but I’m hopeful there might be a few crumbs coming my way on penning this tribute to a man who occupies a special place in the hearts and minds of many in the community. Here’s wishing him continued good health and happiness in the future as he joins a club that has claimed some scalps in the last number of months.
Life as a quadragenarian will open up many new doors in the months and years ahead and for more information just ask Podsie who paved the way for many of this generation some months back.
Congratulations again good buddy and I hope I don`t get a subpoena on the back of this mention.