I have lived in a variety of countries and visited many parts of the world. I regularly encounter people and situations that challenge me to see what I regard as the blind spots in my values. The misplaced weight I place on certain ones to the total neglect of others. Sometimes, however and incident occurs which shakes my core. I wish to share one of those experiences.

The one I wish to relate in this post concerns an incident that took place perhaps a year ago at this time of writing. I was traveling from St Joseph’s Roadbawn to Dublin for work. I took my usual route – the road to Rahimore, turn down the road for Cloneyheague at Rahimore Church, up then by New Forest for the main Galway to Dublin road.

It was here I encountered a number of bullocks on the road, traipsing in their typical manner in the direction of the main road. In my mind, I thought “Well, I had better let someone know about this. Be a good community citizen.” (It is unfortunate but I have to remind myself of these things even at my age.)

I stopped the car and called to the house on the right just before the last descent to the main road. Knocked at the gate and called inside. An elderly man, reminding me of my grand uncle in dress though slighter in physique, and perhaps blessed with better health in his life in general, came out and greeted me.

“How do you do?”

“Thank you, very well, sir.” I replied. “Sorry to bother you, but there are cattle on the road I wondered if you might know whose they are.”

I cannot express in writing the change that over came the man. His demeanor changed to one of immediate action.

“God save us, someone will be killed! I must call NN. Thank you!”

I was instantly ungrounded and yet found myself standing on a different plain of existence suddenly.

I do not know if I felt shame at my inability to see the obvious. Or anger at the fact that despite my education (which is significant) I had never been taught to think of something so clear now. The material was immaterial suddenly. I saw that this good soul knew what was right and in truth important straightaway. He didn’t need to be educated to think that way. His experience of community and the common weal of those in that locality formed him. The community soul from generations past lived in him.