Roisin Ingle's McCartney Mix-Up: A Post-Diagnosis Surprise
The Irish Times columnist shares a humorous anecdote about a well-intentioned friend and a mistaken identity.

Recently, I was preparing to participate in a "Would You Rather?" game at the Borris Festival of Writing & Ideas in Carlow, alongside my longtime friend, Paul Howard.
A 30-Year Friendship and a Hilarious Revelation
I've known Paul, the writer behind the iconic Ross O'Carroll Kelly series for The Irish Times, for three decades. During our years of friendship, I recently rang Paul after receiving a thoughtful gift after my cancer diagnosis. I was excited about the gesture.
The Beatles Connection
Paul Howard is a huge Beatles fan, so after a brief conversation, I shared with him that I received the unexpected gift and mistakenly assumed it was from Paul McCartney, another Paul, and a huge music icon.
A Moment of Humour in a Difficult Time
This incident, while amusing in retrospect, highlights the importance of friendship and finding moments of levity even during challenging times. You can read more about other stories on The Irish Times website.
Published by The Irish Times on June 18, 2025.
