Six retired Irishmen were playing poker in O'Leary's apartment when Paddy Murphy loses $500 on a single hand, clutches his chest, and drops dead at the table. Showing respect for their fallen comrade, the other five continue playing standing up.

Finally, Michael O'Donnell looks around and asks, "Oh, me boys, someone got's to tell Paddy's wife. Who will it be?"

They draw straws. Bill Gallagher picks the short one. They tell him to be discreet, be gentle, and don't make a bad situation any worse.

"Discreet???" Says Gallagher. "I'm the most discreet Irishmen you'll ever meet. Discretion is me middle name. Leave it to me."

He goes over to Murphy's house and knocks on the door. Mrs. Murphy answers and asks what he wants. Gallagher declares: "Your husband just lost $500 and is afraid to come home."

"Tell him to drop dead!", says Murphy's wife.


"I'll go tell him," says Gallagher.