The views on this Sunday were not special, the thick fog gave me visibility of only a few metres. I carried on, ignoring the ‘Footpath closed. No access beyond this point. I had done this walk previously. The mudpath was perfectly safe. However it was also very wet. My lovely new trainers were given a muddy baptism.

After a refreshing coffee in Jack Monday’s I crossed Thomond Bridge again and decided to see if I could sneak a free visit into St Mary’s Cathedral. St Mary’s is the Church of Ireland cathedral and is the oldest building in Limerick dating from the twelfth century. Although still in operation as a church it is also open as a museum with a five euro entry fee. I take all my visitors to Limerick to this church and have paid this entrance fee about five times in the last year. Perhaps I could slink in unnoticed?

There was nobody on the reception desk. So far so good. There was an orchestra practising. I sat down to listen. I wasn’t disturbing anyone. I had no idea who they were. But a little orchestral manoeuvres in the church were perfectly pleasant on this Sunday afternoon. Based on the words of the conductor I knew they were American. I sat listening for about half an hour before deciding to head home.

As I was leaving a gentleman smiled at me.

‘I hope you can come to the concert later?’

A few quick questions later I knew that the Sacred Heart University Concert Orchestra from Connecticut were touring Ireland. In an hour’s time they were performing. For free.

I toddled over to a nearby cafe for a cup of tea. If I went home I knew I wouldn’t be venturing out again.When I arrived back at 5pm there was a good audience present. The music was stirring. Along with pieces by African American classical composer Florence Price and others, the orchestra performed ‘JFK: A profile’ composed by Steven Rosenhaus – who was present to conduct the piece.

I know very little about classical music, but I found the entire concert moving and uplifting.

After the show there was a reception with tea and triangular sandwiches. I felt refined and civilised. I had completely forgotten about my mud-sodden shoes.

I was in flying form as I headed home in the icy dark, after an unexpectedly wonderful afternoon.