A lot of confusion if your surname’s McKenna or Treanor and you live in Monaghan.
Growing up, the only time I was referred to as Grace McKenna was in the doctor’s waiting room. All other times, I was known as Pat Charley’s daughter or Grace Charley.

McKennas were such a common breed, my ancestors had to be given a nickname. But what luck my family got landed with a nondescript nickname like Charley. I could have been known as Pat Big Willy’s daughter who hung around with the Yella Willys… the Frigaharleys, Faravigs, Japs and the Ditchers.

Some people don’t like being referred to by their nicknames. Years ago I was picking mushrooms for Pat Thump when he sacked me.

I knew my friend was looking for a summer job so I told her Thump’s had a vacancy. I gave her Pat’s number and she rang. “Hello is that Thump’s mushrooms?”

After a barrage of abuse, the line went dead and my friend didn’t get the job. I forgot to tell her that it’s OK to call McKennas and Treanors by their nicknames behind their backs, but not upfront.

Often times, families are given nicknames to suit their demeanour, which they frequently live up to.

I guess that makes me a proper Charley.