Perhaps it was just Irish kindness, perhaps it was the mystic influence of Jerome Connor (1874-1943), the sculptor born in Annascaul, or perhaps it was just meant to be! A year ago, I arrived in Annascaul and was standing in the Tom Crean Memorial Garden before the annual endurance walk held in honour of that heroic Antarctic explorer. I chanced there to meet a humble but charismatic Irish postman, and we shared our mutual admiration for the intrepid character, personality, and fortitude that made Tom Crean a memorable and irresistible legend.