After hearing an accusation from the gambler Dallan that the top bowler, Art, has fixed a score, road bowling commissioner Doran comes to Art’s defense. The book-maker Iollan is making a joke of the gambler, egging him on to provide proof of this transgression.
DORAN
Honest men built this sport, my friend. Art’s father defended the integrity of this sport, of this country, until his dying day. He and I stood side-by-side as our nation was crumbling around us, fear of the Germans, fear of the British and Americans, fear every night and every morning. And yet we played on. Through sport, through a diversion, we united people to stand as one, as Ireland. That is how we made it through the Emergency, that is how we preserved Ireland for the children. Honor, integrity, thanks to Art’s father. So you will have to excuse me, Dallan, if I must insist on more proof before I throw that boy into the creek.
IOLLAN
Where is the rest of your proof, Dallan?
DORAN
That does not mean I back you, either, Iollan. I will get in the middle of whatever fight you two are having. You can duke that out until you destroy each other. Gambling destroys the good in people, and for what? No one has ever made a statue of a gambler. No one talks about the greatest gamblers in history when they share a pint. They remember about the athletes — the ones who do.
IOLLAN
But if it weren’t for the gambling, those people wouldn’t be remembered at all. They wouldn’t matter.
DORAN
That is just not true. That is preposterous.
