Willie Walsh hits the jackpot

It sounds like IAG chief executive Willie Walsh was in flying form at a lunch in the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin on Wednesday, hosted by the Leinster branch of Chartered Accountants Ireland. Walsh was the guest speaker.

He gave a wide-ranging talk on aviation issues, including IAG's proposed €1.36 billion offer for Aer Lingus. Then he got down to the big bucks.

Walsh said that a few weeks ago he happened to be in Paddy's Bar in Terryglass in Tipperary, a fine little spot owned by Brendan and Mairéad Tierney, a local farmer and a former bank manager. It once featured in RTÉ's At Your Service business makeover show.

Walsh said there was a draw in the pub in aid of the local GAA club and he duly obliged. A week later, he got a call from the pub to say he’d won. His bounty? A heaven-sent €25.

If his luck holds, he might even land Aer Lingus this side of the next election.