"But she made up her mind, once he became a big deal in high school football, not to attempt to influence his choice of school. The scouts were all over the place, and this was at a time when the University of Kentucky decided to go with home-grown talent. Scholarship offers were a dime a dozen.

"She was making novenas, hoping he'd choose Notre Dame, but still she never interfered. One day Bear Bryant, Kentucky's coach at that time, and Governor Wetherby and I went to see the boy at his mother's home. This was big stuff, the Governor walking in and saying, 'Mom, let's put on some coffee and talk.'

"Mrs. Hornung put on the coffee and they talked; and finally they left the house, without seeing Paul.  They didn't ask for the boy, because not seeing him in the living room or in the kitchen in the daytime, they thought he was out somewhere.

"They didn't get anywhere pleading their case with Mrs. Hornung, naturally. She was wishing out loud and praying inside-for Notre Dame.

"Bryant and the Governor left, still without having asked about Paul's whereabouts. If they had asked for him, he might be playing for Kentucky today. He was in the house, taking an afternoon nap. But they never thought to ask. Was this the luck of the Irish?"