JOHN DINAN
Anyone for Honours?
By Lynda Cookson
Ten year old John Dinan, a strong fan of western stories, gazed in awe at another boy’s detailed drawing of Davy Crockett, furry hat with shoulder-draped raccoon tail included. Later, at the school’s sale of work, he stood for three hours gazing over the shoulder of a portrait artist, fascinated by his accuracy in drawing. His passion for art had been awakened.
Many pencils and sketchpads but no art classes later he was presented with the form onto which he had to indicate the exams he wished to sit for his Leaving Cert. Should he sit an extra exam and tick that box next to art? The pull was strong so he trotted down to the art class to get formal approval for ticking the box, only to be met with: ‘I haven’t wasted two years on these eejits to get them through to have you upset my good work! No.’ Fuming mad, John returned to his desk … and ticked the box. That June as the art papers were being handed out the examiner called: ‘Anyone for honours?’ In a flash ‘What have I got to lose?’ flashed through John’s mind and he raised his hand for the only pink paper being handed out amongst the blues. Everyone laughed. He grinned back…’
