Aside and thread drift.

Packie is 'lucky to be alive' and I confess it was me and three friends I lived with that nearly killed him.

He stayed with us years ago - when I lived in Hull - and after the folk club we were having a laugh and a drink, and Packie began to tell us all sorts of stories about in particular his cattle smuggling days but other items he took across the border. Those who have spent time with him will know the stuff I mean.

"And" he said "what do you lads do for a living", pausing to take a swig of his drink.

We took great delight in telling him we were all customs officers!!