There is no excuse in life for belittling the efforts of people to educate and better themselves.  I firmly believe this and have therefore been very disappointed by the reaction to the news that three of our good friends are travelling to Valentia Island to attend an Astronomy course. 

The three spacers (an unkind description really, Ann Lynch – you should be more understanding) are going to be learning all kinds of totally cosmic stuff about how the planets align, whether the moon is 98% full or really like, full full, like and generally broadening their minds and opening the doors of perception.

De three spacemen, heading West for the stars.

Unfortunately, the reaction to this news from certain others has been less than supportive.  The view from some quarters is that a skite was planned for a weekend on the drink with some ould course as a convenient excuse and the details were kept quiet from those who might have wanted to attend for the “course”.  

Speaking on condition of strict anonymity, Liam Maher said: “this astronomy thing has to be nipped in the bud.  Are they looking to swim to Moonrock and back at midnight or what?  There was a weekend on the tear to be had and the boyos kept it quiet until it was too late for us to book.  Sure Trevor and Alan and myself and the rest of the lads never get a weekend away.  This was our shot and they kept us out of it.  There’ll be consequences for this.  Consequences”.

In fairness, though, the anonymous commenter quoted above has a history of good begrudgery.

I say well done to the three spacemen and look forward to seeing them really connect to their inner cosmic souls and share the love around the beach in Myrtleville. 

Peace, brothers.  Peace.

Rob de Bull, Mr. Finbarr and Bernie on the way home after the Astronomy course.