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Article: 'Celtic Tiger' Isn't Roaring Anymore; Once High-Flying Irish Economy Becomes First in E.U. to Plunge Into Recession
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- October 19, 2008
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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Davey McKeever was down to his last bet slip of the night,
crumpled in a sweaty fist, at the Shelbourne Park greyhound track.
The remnants of McKeever's first unemployment check would rise or
fall on the ironically named Nest Egg.
When the jet-black greyhound fell behind at the bend, the
recently laid-off plasterer found it too painful to watch. He bowed
his head. He looked up again just as Nest Egg crossed the line a
frothy-mouthed winner -- two lengths ahead of an underdog named So
Your Crazy.
"I am going crazy," a flushed, visibly shaking McKeever said as
he collected his winnings without pausing for a celebratory pint of
Guinness with his friends. His $170 win was already destined for ...