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Eithne Shortall: One time it will be the last time – so make sure you have no regrets

What happens to you in your first 17 years outweighs everything that comes after so even given a chance to say thanks, take it

Eithne Shortall regretted not saying ‘thank you’ when she saw her old scout leader on the bus four years ago

About four years ago I was travelling on a bus into Dublin city. I had a newborn with me and was standing in the area reserved for prams. I must have been halfway through my journey when I looked up from the sleeping baby and did a double take at a man sitting on the back seat, staring out the window.

I hadn’t seen him in nearly 20 years but I recognised him immediately. It ...