I recently got my hands on a super book by a man who, like myself, survived five or more years in St Columb’s College, Derry. It’s called Sporting Greats of the North West, and it’s by Richie Kelly. It does what it says – remembers great sportsmen and women from that part of Ireland (and […]
February, 2012
A lovely book and why west of the Bann is different
I recently got my hands on a super book by a man who, like myself, survived five or more years in St Columb’s College, Derry. It’s called Sporting Greats of the North West, and it’s by Richie Kelly. It does what it says – remembers great sportsmen and women from that part of Ireland (and […]
Our Time, Our Place?
We’ve begun to get really good at breaking new ground. Or at least our political leaders have. Peter Robinson was at that GAA McKenna Cup Final and Martin McGuinness is all set to follow Caral Ní Chuilín’s example and attend a soccer game in Windsor Park. But because we’re intent on these new and commendable […]
Our Time, Our Place?
We’ve begun to get really good at breaking new ground. Or at least our political leaders have. Peter Robinson was at that GAA McKenna Cup Final and Martin McGuinness is all set to follow Caral Ní Chuilín’s example and attend a soccer game in Windsor Park. But because we’re intent on these new and commendable […]
Sectarianism: the secret we keep from ourselves
I was on BBC Radio Ulster/Raidio Uladh recently, discussing the topic “Sectarianism: our dirty little secret?” Well, secret it ain’t. Anyone who hasn’t noticed sectarianism here needs help, fast. The question is, when should we put our hands up and admit to it? Well, not when we’re trying to sell ourselves to the outside world. […]
Sectarianism: the secret we keep from ourselves
I was on BBC Radio Ulster/Raidio Uladh recently, discussing the topic “Sectarianism: our dirty little secret?” Well, secret it ain’t. Anyone who hasn’t noticed sectarianism here needs help, fast. The question is, when should we put our hands up and admit to it? Well, not when we’re trying to sell ourselves to the outside world. […]
Of referendums and nasty surprises
Referendums – tricky little divils, aren’t they? On the one hand, there’s no denying that they clearly give the people a chance to express their will. On the other hand, the people’s will may prove to be embarrassing to the point of government destruction. Leo Varadkar, the Fine Gael TD and Minister, was expressing himself […]
Of referendums and nasty surprises
Referendums – tricky little divils, aren’t they? On the one hand, there’s no denying that they clearly give the people a chance to express their will. On the other hand, the people’s will may prove to be embarrassing to the point of government destruction. Leo Varadkar, the Fine Gael TD and Minister, was expressing himself […]