I was out walking my dog during the recent good weather when a man called to me. While he was well dressed, his face told a story of a hard life and I ashamed to say that my first impression was that he was either going to ask me for money, or try some scam.

The truth was that he just wanted to pet the dog (everyone loves a Jack Russell) and have a chat. Turned out that we both came from the same part of Ballymun and had more in common than I could ever have imagined when I warily approached him.

He told me he was clean nearly 2 years and that he was living in a house nearby, through the Peter McVerry Trust. He had a warmness about him when he mentioned the house.

We complained about the kids walking about, faces glued to their phones, missing the simple pleasure of the park. The park, for both of us, was a place to escape. We chatted about how the area had changed and why we missed the old days.

He told me how he writes music and how he’d just gotten a contract from a television production company, who were looking to use 2 of his songs. It meant so much to him and I was genuinely elated by the entire experience. This man told me he wanted to contribute to society. I told him that he already is.

We shook hands and said we’d see each other around. Next time I won’t be such a tool! So I’m hoping to raise money for the Peter McVerry Trust so that I might contribute in some small way. Please give whatever you can. It all helps.

Thank you

Tony Groves