There are two words, or rather proper nouns, which appeared in international headlines in January which momentarily lifted us out of the gloom of global recession. They are proper nouns associated with a good news story, one of just a scarce few to come our way during the dark post-Christmas days when bad news was all over the place.
What are these two proper nouns I speak of?
Chesley Sullenberger.
Yawha? I hear you all thunder in unison, your mouths agape at such a seemingly unfamiliar name.
Well, fear not. As I look out across the plains of Muirthemne from my otherworldly realm, I hark back to that day, January 16th, and it brings a warm smile to my face. I shall enlighten you.
For those unfamiliar with his name, let me refresh your memory. Chesley was the captain of a US Airways Airbus plane which ditched into the Hudson river minutes after take-off from New York. His plane flew into a flock of unfortunate brent geese, some of whom were ingested by his aircraft's engines. While some planes can survive a small bird ingestion, more than one bird being sucked into the engine usually spells big trouble. And Big Trouble came with capital B and T for Capt. Sullenberger because half the flock was sucked into his Airbus turbofans. He lost power at about 3,200 feet and ran out of time and power to get back to any airport, so made the quick decision to ditch into the Hudson river. After successfully putting his bird down on water, and getting all his passengers off alive (miraculously, not one was killed although a few were injured), the Captain calmly strolled down the aircraft to check everyone was out and was the last person to leave the aircraft, despite the danger that it could sink in the icy waters. He was the last one to step into a lifeboat. What a hero.
It's heroism like this that marked out the special ones of the Tuatha Dé Danann, you know. Those of us who were to become the immortal gods were the supreme champions of our race. If he lived in Ireland, Mr. Sullenberger would be made very welcome in the halls of Tara for a feast befitting a great warrior or hero. We would regale him with our tales of conquests and heroism, and he could recount his remarkable tale over much ale-swilling and fine wine slurping. It's been many a year since we had a hero of his like sit in the guest's seat in the banqueting hall on fair Tara. I'll make sure he gets an invitation.
One of my minnions told me after the incident that the captain must have pressed the "DITCH" button on his Airbus before putting it onto the river. I laughed heartily, asking if the "Ditch" button was anywhere near the "Take-off" button or the "Land" button. But my acquaintance assured me that there is a "ditch" button in the Airbus, which closes any vents and hatches and ensures the aircraft is properly sealed in the event of such a drastic measure. Well I never. Technology these days is remarkable.
Anyway, to brave Captain Sullenberger, his copilot and crew, we bow down low and salute your bravery. You brought us cheer and delight during dark times.
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