I was walked back from work at, oh, about 7PM in the evening, across O'Connell Bridge when, while waiting at the pedestrian crossing, an American gentleman turned to me and said, 'Excuse me, sir, but can you tell me who this O'Connell is?' gesturing at the large statue of the man at the head of O'Connell Street.
I had just come from a long day of computer work (which, for me, translates into staring at a screen for ten hours, firefighting problems and occasionally developing Tourette Syndrome -- I close the office door at this point) and was mentally exhausted. I attempted to dredge up my knowledge of Irish history that I had last read nineteen years ago -- I am getting old -- and vaguely recalled his involvement with the Catholic Emancipation movement in the 1800's. But I was unsure of the details and, so as not to mislead the tourist, I said that my history was a little fuzzy and he was better served asking someone else.
In response, he turned to his two female companions and said loudly, 'The shame of Ireland,' then glanced back at me and walked off, leaving me rather stunned at the insult and with a great sense of embarrassment.
I have no idea why it affected me so. Admittedly, I should be sharper when it comes to Irish history, but the outburst left me with two lasting impressions: that I needed to brush up on my old lessons; and that some people are just too casual and insensitive when tossing around insults.
I have now read up on Daniel O'Connell, courtesy of Wikipedia, and I am vindicated by the fact that he was at the forefront of emancipation.
I also have a new-found resolution not to let ignorant, off-hand remarks ruin what was other a perfectly pleasant evening.
