A good start to 2002
KILCULLEN, 1 January 2002: by Brian Byrne. It was a good start for KNN to 2001. All in the cause of finding an early euro business transaction.
When I emerged into the new year of downtown Kilcullen, the first (and only) open shop I encountered had no euros in yet. So there was no chance of paying for something and getting change in euros.
The BofI ATM was still closed for business, not having been recharged with the euro. All seemed lost, until I spied local bookmaker Tommy Bardon opening his betting shop.
"What in God's name are YOU doing here?" he asked in genuine surprise (I'm not a gambler).
"I'm looking for a first euro transaction."
"Well, you've come to the right man," he grinned. "You'll have to place a bet, though."
I fished out all my Irish coins. They totalled enough to put on a £3.60 bet plus tax.
"What can I bet on?"
Tommy looked at the screen. "There's a dog race coming up in a couple of minutes at Nottingham."
OK. It was as good as anything else I'd know nothing about. "You're on."
"Which dog? You can have traps 1 to 6."
It was still anyone's guess. "Three," I chose, using the mental equivalent of sticking a pin in a list.
He made out the slip. Two minutes later we watched as Trap 3's dog led from the beginning and finished first at four to one.
Tommy grinned wryly as he counted out fresh crisp and besilvered euro notes and coins. "I hope that's not the way they'll all go today," he said.
And I sincerely hope they didn't. Happy New Year from KNN to all those who love us, and even to those who don't.
(For those latter, at least one of whom suggested before Christmas that KNN 'is finished', have a very INTERESTING 2002. We'll do our best to help.)
©2001knn