"Friends! Romans! Countrymen! Lend me your ears!"(Better not use that - hardly a show stopping opening line.) Better still ...."Veni.Vini.Vici!" (Nope, I know someone used that already .... a long, long time ago.) Well then, it'll have to be a Pádraig original to herald some really great news. A Cháirde go léir! Todo el mundo! Tout le monde! Listen up everybody.... Pádraig has received his Accreditation and is a fully fledged member of the Green Dragon Team! Can you believe it? Thousands of miles from home and my bear skills have been recognised at last. I'm so excited I think I could burst.

My friends and teachers in Walterstown NS will be so proud of me - especially Mrs. Lomas. She really had the patience of a saint when it came to helping me understand phonics. Between Letterland and Jolly Phonics I didn't know my magic e from my silent b, but Mrs. Lomas wouldn't give up on me. And here I am today with the grand title of "Assistant Shore Manager". It almost takes my breath away when I say it aloud.

First of all I'd like to thank....... (Oops! Sorry about this, but Theresa says I haven't won an Oscar (YET!!) so time to calm down and be humble again. Seriously though, Boys and Girls (and Pádraig fans) I am so delighted that Johnny Smullen and the Shore Support Team have taken me into their hearts so much. How cool to be recognised as one of the team. Nice ID badge too, did you notice? I'm the real Mc Coy.

Well, roll on Boston and then the great port of Galway on Ireland's western shores. It'll be some homecoming. But, for now, Pádraig ASM (you know you can work that one out! - hint: new job?) signing off.

Bígí go maith, mar is gnách, agus bígí ag léamh scéalta Phádraig le foireann Green Dragon.

Slán go foil,

Pádraig.