I was listening to the radio as I was driving to work. The topic of conversation was about drink driving. It was one of those items that was foremost in my mind when my sons began driving some years ago. I was terrified that they would have a few pints and get into a car.

To be fair, I’ve watched them through the years organising their driver much more diligently than we ever did at their age. I’ve always been happy to collect them in an emergency and that has given me peace of mind too.

Apparently, the culture has changed considerably through the years but we are still too complacent. The survey in question found that we have slipped a bit in our attitude towards drinking and driving. According to statistics, older people are more likely to drink and drive and older men are more likely to do so than women.

Around the festive season there are many opportunities to have a few drinks, so it is important to designate a driver or get a taxi. It is to the forefront of my mind regarding the planning around Julie’s wedding and, more importantly, after a little reminder I had during the summer.

Last July, Dr Patty Bedker was back in Ireland to visit our farm with a new group of students from New Hampshire university. The students, drawn from across disciplines but with a large emphasis on agriculture, were delighted to be in Ireland. This was Patty’s fifth time to visit our farm with a group of students. By now we are firm friends and one of my goals is to visit her in New Hampshire. She is an interesting and able lady, dedicated to broadening students’ experience.

That night, Philip, Colm and I went in to talk to the students. Patty likes us to show the students how the family farm dynamic works in Ireland. The students are always well prepared. Part of the preparation is some knowledge of Irish history. Questions were flowing nicely until about 10pm when the students became restless. It was clearly time to have some Guinness! Things were wrapped up quickly and the lads went off to show the Americans a bit of night life in the city. They would take a taxi home much later on.

SHARING A TEQUILA SUNRISE

With the students sorted, Patty relaxed. It has become a habit now for Patty and me to share a drink and spend some time catching up on the year’s happenings.

The bar man in the hotel was making cocktails. Patty asked what I’d like to drink. I decided when I was only having one to make it a nice one. I ordered a Tequila Sunrise.

Patty decided she’d have one too. We watched as the barman crushed the ice. Patty felt bad for the him as ice comes crushed for barmen in America! Then he measured out the tequila and followed with the orange juice. He poured in the raspberry grenadine and the sun began to rise. We clicked our glasses and Colm’s girlfriend, Elaine, took our picture. Patty was anxious to have the picture so Elaine emailed it to her straight away. The cocktails were gorgeous and I enjoyed every sip.

We were sitting in the foyer in the hotel when the bus driver, Tony from Longford, arrived. Patty insists on having Tony for the tour. Tony asked if I’d like another tequila.

I paused before giving my stock answer: “No thanks Tony, I’m driving.” It was the first time in a long time that I’d inwardly wavered. I bade farewell to Patty with a hug and a promise to do it again next year.

Tony walked me to the car that was parked a bit away and I started for home. Cork city was buzzing. It was actually the night the marriage equality referendum had been carried.

GARDA CHECKPOINT

Heading out past the Heineken brewery I noticed that there was a Garda checkpoint ahead. They were checking tax and insurance. There were about six cars in front of me. As my turn came, three guards stepped out and ushered me into the side. I could hear the guard saying: “This is a check for drink driving ...” I pulled up to where the guard was standing.

“Have you been drinking?” he asked. I said:“Yes, I’ve had one drink.” He continued: “What did you have?” “A Tequila Sunrise” I admitted.

In that minute my new life without my driver’s licence flashed before my eyes. How would I get to work? Who would drive me? How would I go to Dublin for meetings or anywhere else. How would I do the shopping? My independence was gone. The guard proffered the yoke. “Blow in here please,” he said. I blew with all my might. I did it, too fast and too short.

“Blow again, he instructed, but this time take your time and make sure you are still blowing at the bell.”

I composed myself and said a silent prayer for deliverance. I took a deep breath and blew slowly as I’d been instructed. I waited.

“That’s grand, your fine,” he said. I was so utterly relieved. I always thought you could have one drink but I was suspicious of a Tequila Sunrise. An hour had probably elapsed since I’d finished the drink, yet driving up to the check point I wasn’t sure that I was clear. I vowed there and then to just stay on the water rather than risk that uncertainty again. It just isn’t worth it.

So, be mindful that those of us who grew up in a time when it was okay to drink and drive, sometimes forget our responsibility to the safety of others. Take extra care this Christmas.