ULYSSES

[15] Circe Retold

My own reframing of Ulysses in 2022 in rural Ireland

12 AM (in this story, it’s 8.30pm)

The pitch. A crowd of parents, club lifers, and hangers-on have invaded and are celebrating the boys, particularly Xander Fitz, scorer of the winning goals

GIBNEY Good man, lads, good man! I never doubted you. You’re pure Jameses!

The crowd separated into groups around any players they are related to

FLYNN You’re a right one, Gerty! A right one!

A text message for Gerty

GERTY Jaysis, Mags is gone to the hospital! Can anyone give me a lift

FLYNN diverts his attention

FLYNN Some man, Xander, some man. Fíor Gael!

XANDER I am! Fear Gael!

FIONN It’s Fíor, not Fear!

FLYNN Shut up and let the boy celebrate! Not often the Jameses get into the semis. (Loudly) You learned the lot from me, didn’t you Xander!

FITZBLAW (Drowned out by the huffing and puffing) It was me who taught him.

CASSIDY You did a great job altogether, Flynn!

SINNOTT Rise up the young hero!

XANDER is lifted high, and thrown once, twice by the men. The third time, the catch him awkwardly, and a nosebleed ensues.