Jim wandered through the grounds of the castle and stumbled into an unexpected meeting. This is a true story, apart from the lead character's name. The tale is further developed in its fictional sequel .

Fine chance

Jim wandered round the castle, drinking in the atmosphere of western Ireland - so relaxed compared with his Chicago home. If you must have conferences, why not take the opportunity to recharge yourself before the next onslaught on a busy world? He had never been on the quiet side of Ireland, and he was liking it.

Dromoland Castle is not very old, but has all the charm of more ancient keeps. In one respect it has much more charm - it is a comfortable hotel with a modern heating system. The breeze was biting enough to sap Jim's interest in the outdoor life, so he turned aside at some steps that led down into the back of the hotel.

Six short paces took him into a small, ill-lit bar and face-to-face with a friend he hadn't seen since they last worked together in New York, twenty years before. By nature a dour, sceptical man, Jim now believes in chance.

©Derrick Phillips
February 2000