That's a beautiful story. I've often pondered whether we Australians are just like any other people, so it's nice to see ourselves through Irish eyes. Your friend Chuck showed wisdom when he was trying to cheer up his mate...the greats are remembered for what they did, not what they are now ... It should be etched on every Olympic site and sporting arena and publishing house ... If you have achieved something good, that should be enough for the rest of us who just live our little lives day to day. Too often we expect too much of our "greats". Thanks for recording this for us, and giving your readers a great laugh to boot.
Youo are so right Aunty Helen -- we expect far too much of our sporting stars and this puts them under immense pressure -- I saw it in Fletch at Wimbledon; win, and you're set up for life; lose and ... well you end up a bankrupt living behind the Slough dog track with your wife and two children.
HUGH that quote will stay with me and I expect many of your readers for the rest of our lives ... I do hope that that OZZZIE TAXO DRIVER gets to read this story ... Goodonya mate ...
Chuck and Helga would have really appreciated that kind gesture !!!!
Hugh ... I hope every TAXI DRIVER in Queensland says that to you and Helen ... These stories that you present to the world bring great joy and are really worth bottling ...
Dear Annette, it's wonderful that you are still adding knowledge as you grow older. A lot of people no longer have that capacity. You have picked up on what I' doing on substack -- trying to pass on the things I've learned as a writer around the world for more than 60 years.
Just beautiful Hugh. On a.very crowded commuter train into Brisbane, laughing and nodding at speaking “Stralian”. My fellow passengers are a bit scared of me thanks to your brilliant storytelling. Shine on! Love to you and Helen - Catherine
I burst out laughing after I read your comment Catherine! With joy at being praised -- but more so at the image of little you scaring the passengers on the train from the Gold Coast.
Well I was born in Brisbane Town Ian and -- since few others ever write about us -- I thought I should. You know, lots of rich people want to employ me to write books about their life -- but I'd I;d rather capture all out lives,
Yeah, yeah, good story Hughie, but how did it go down with your audience? Did they hoot and stamp and cheer and throw flowers? Did they carry you off the stage on their shoulders? Did they spray you with Guiness?
I'm kidding, of course. They would have done all of that!
As politicians always say Peter "I'm glad you asked that question"!
Since I spoke, friends and family have kept asking: "How did your speech go?"
But how would I know? Of course, they clapped and laughed -- but everyoe would have a diferent opinion. So I thought the best thig to do to answer was to present my speech -- but in the full context.
Being of part Irish descent I couldn’t help but absolutely love this story. Beautifully written. Chuck Feeney was definitely a man to be admired. Loved the Cartoon.
The Irish have always been very persuasive. The minute they walked into your home there was no question about you giving that great speech. Well done!!
Thank you Dorothy. That's my ai: to tell people a story they've never heard before. Something new. And since I knew Chuck Feeney very well I was able to entertain you with a few quotes from him. Hughie Lunn
That's very endearing of you, Hugh. I'm not the well-known author - YOU are!! But lovely words of yours all the same and your blog is great fun! A delightful distraction while I'm working on a new book. Warm regards, Anne
That's a beautiful story. I've often pondered whether we Australians are just like any other people, so it's nice to see ourselves through Irish eyes. Your friend Chuck showed wisdom when he was trying to cheer up his mate...the greats are remembered for what they did, not what they are now ... It should be etched on every Olympic site and sporting arena and publishing house ... If you have achieved something good, that should be enough for the rest of us who just live our little lives day to day. Too often we expect too much of our "greats". Thanks for recording this for us, and giving your readers a great laugh to boot.
Youo are so right Aunty Helen -- we expect far too much of our sporting stars and this puts them under immense pressure -- I saw it in Fletch at Wimbledon; win, and you're set up for life; lose and ... well you end up a bankrupt living behind the Slough dog track with your wife and two children.
Loved that story!! Soo good.
Thanks Cynthis -- you have become once of my best supporters,
Hugh
That will cost you precisely NOTHING ..
HUGH that quote will stay with me and I expect many of your readers for the rest of our lives ... I do hope that that OZZZIE TAXO DRIVER gets to read this story ... Goodonya mate ...
Chuck and Helga would have really appreciated that kind gesture !!!!
Hugh ... I hope every TAXI DRIVER in Queensland says that to you and Helen ... These stories that you present to the world bring great joy and are really worth bottling ...
Billy
Trust you to pick up on the most poignant moment in my speech Billy -- because you knew Chuck so well.
My father used to say " you're blood worth bottling" -- even better if its said about my stories!
Hugh
As a friend of Chuck’s Billy, you can speak on his behalf!
Hugh
Another wonderful read and more knowledge added to my ageing brain. thanks
Dear Annette, it's wonderful that you are still adding knowledge as you grow older. A lot of people no longer have that capacity. You have picked up on what I' doing on substack -- trying to pass on the things I've learned as a writer around the world for more than 60 years.
Hugh
Just beautiful Hugh. On a.very crowded commuter train into Brisbane, laughing and nodding at speaking “Stralian”. My fellow passengers are a bit scared of me thanks to your brilliant storytelling. Shine on! Love to you and Helen - Catherine
I burst out laughing after I read your comment Catherine! With joy at being praised -- but more so at the image of little you scaring the passengers on the train from the Gold Coast.
Thanks always for yur support, Hugh
Another beautiful story of the town I love and people in it I love. You have a gift of more than telling about us.
Well I was born in Brisbane Town Ian and -- since few others ever write about us -- I thought I should. You know, lots of rich people want to employ me to write books about their life -- but I'd I;d rather capture all out lives,
Hugh
Yeah, yeah, good story Hughie, but how did it go down with your audience? Did they hoot and stamp and cheer and throw flowers? Did they carry you off the stage on their shoulders? Did they spray you with Guiness?
I'm kidding, of course. They would have done all of that!
As politicians always say Peter "I'm glad you asked that question"!
Since I spoke, friends and family have kept asking: "How did your speech go?"
But how would I know? Of course, they clapped and laughed -- but everyoe would have a diferent opinion. So I thought the best thig to do to answer was to present my speech -- but in the full context.
Being of part Irish descent I couldn’t help but absolutely love this story. Beautifully written. Chuck Feeney was definitely a man to be admired. Loved the Cartoon.
The Irish have always been very persuasive. The minute they walked into your home there was no question about you giving that great speech. Well done!!
I just hope the Qld Irish Assn loved my story as much as you did Sheryl!
You're so right: I've never met such persuasive talkers.
Hugh
Once again, Hugh, a story I had never heard about! Just brilliant .
Thank you Dorothy. That's my ai: to tell people a story they've never heard before. Something new. And since I knew Chuck Feeney very well I was able to entertain you with a few quotes from him. Hughie Lunn
Not all omments come to the comment section. A woman with a PHD! sent the following:
Hi Hugh,
This tale was such a total delight to read Hugh, I had to read it again straight away.
Thank you
.
An thank you for that Rae!
Thanks Hugh - the story is hilarious! I forwarded it to an Irish-Australian friend who also adored it!
Anne W
Coming from a well-known author that 's a big compliment Anne.
As you know, we writers loved to be loved and adored. That's why we go to all that trouble. It's clearly not for financial reasons!
best regards,
Hugh
That's very endearing of you, Hugh. I'm not the well-known author - YOU are!! But lovely words of yours all the same and your blog is great fun! A delightful distraction while I'm working on a new book. Warm regards, Anne
Dear Anne, I hope the episodes don’t distract you too much from your new book. That’s why i kept them so short — only 6 minutes each.
PS They get a bit longer later, I warn you.
best regards
Hugh