Chapter 2
The town band played out the final strained bars of the Star-Spangled Banner as the mayor reached the microphone. To his left, ranged across the two flat-bed trucks parked end to end to form a makeshift dais, sat local councillors and business owners, while to his right were the priests, charity representatives and other miscellaneous do-gooders. Directly to his rear sat the guests of honour, whose presence was the focus of the day's commemorative festivities.
'Ladies and gentlemen, people of Knockceallach.' He waited a moment for the crowd to settle. 'Neighbours all, we gather here today to welcome the return of two true friends of Knockceallach, two friends of Ireland, Mr and Mrs Richard Kane.'
He gestured at the well-dressed couple behind him, as the applause reached its cr
