Sean MacDonnell Online

It was a long time ago, I was at a restaurant with friends for Ben Farrugia’s birthday. It was a Japanese restaurant and I had been getting tanked on Sake for the majority of the meal.

So, Ben Cousins walks in, orders some take away food and sits down to wait.

A hush falls over my table, and a friend whispers; “Hey, that’s Ben Cousins”.

I hear “Hey, that’s Ben’s Cousin”.

Now, I’m ignorant in the ways of AFL so, at the time I had no idea who Ben Cousins was. This was also a simpler time, before all the media coverage about his private life. I do believe, however, that if your cousin turns up at the same restaurant as you on your birthday – that he should wish you a happy birthday. That’s just being polite.

I looked at the empty seat at the table, turned to Ben and asked “Did you invite him here?”

Ben looked at me, confusion plastered on his face, and indicated to the negative.

I asked “OK then, do you want me to call him over? Never mind, I should call him over – he should wish you a happy birthday.”

I waved my hand in the air trying to get his attention and said “Hey! over here!”

Ben Cousins looked over for a moment, quickly, then looked away, staring at the floor, avoiding my gaze.

I persisted – “Hey!”

At this point, my friends, mortified, pull my hand down and whisper “What the hell are you doing?”

I replied “Calling him over, we have a spare seat and he should wish Ben a happy birthday”

“But I think he is ignoring us. Ben, whats his name?”

Ben looked confused again “It’s Ben.” he replied.

“Ben? your both called Ben? – that’s funny. Hey, Ben!” I yelled.

Again I caught his attention and this time got some eye contact before he looked away again.

“I know he saw me!” I exclaimed. “He is ignoring us! how RUDE!.”

It was at this point that Ben Cousins food was delivered to him, I remember that when he took it; relief was visible on his face – and he ducked out of the restaurant.

“He’s leaving! how can he leave without saying happy birthday!” I complained loudly to my friends. “That’s just rude”.

“Ben, you have a rude cousin.”

It was at this point that my mistake became evident to our party.

I was considerably ashamed and embarrassed after it was explained to me as well.

…It could have happened to anyone.

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ben cousins, ben farrugia, dinner, japanese