The Red Quarter

The English FA's "shortlist" for next Manager

2012-02-09T08:31:00.000-08:00

The English FA's "shortlist" for next Manager

January productivity

2012-01-24T08:15:00.000-08:00

Motto for 2012

So much for January blues! Coming home from home if you get my drift, as in coming from where I hail from in An Cheathrú Rua to my now home in Wexford on New Years Day was a four hour trip. We stopped only once to get some supplies for the journey and on we continued. My wife and I decided that the joke was over. The gluttony was going to stop and the monsters of selfishness would be tamed.

So we decided that we were going to get more active and cut back on what was swelling us up. No bread or bad carbs. No booze. No sweet stuff and more exercise. I am luckier in this department as I play soccer but my wife had to do it alone up until now. We have started attending spinning classes in the local public gym and they are great. I experienced spinning once before and I thought it was fantastic, really tough and I was a little worried Deborah would struggle because she was only building her fitness, but I was blown out of the water by her grit and determination. Check out this spinning class from somewhere in the UK. We are lucky, the class is small and the instructor is very good.

She was like a Tour de France cyclist going for the win on the Champs Elysee and at the end we were both pooped. 3 weeks on, we are improving and enjoying the class thoroughly and I hope we can keep it up. The "diet" if you'd call it that is easy too as Deborah is a brilliant cook and can make the most boring dish interesting.

I have always eaten and loved healthy food so I am just cutting back on the bad carbs and the beer really which is no harm at all. The body deserves a break from rich food and alcohol once and a while. Everything in moderation, even moderation.

We will down the health tools when we go to see Noel Gallagher in the O2 in February and there is talk of a trip to Liverpool for a match at the end of March but a good balance is the way to go. January is good so far. Productive in work. New projects on the horizon and there is definitely a stretch in the evening already, I don't care what anyone says.

Sadly, our cat Martin still hasn't come back. Reported sightings have proven to be false dawns but being the die hard optimist that I am, I still think he will come back to us....hopefully!

Keep it real.
The motto for 2012 - Has to be done!

Rís - Banna Ceoil agus eile

2012-01-09T03:51:00.000-08:00

"Cén fhad a bhfuil sibh ar an mbóthar" a deir Máirtín Tom Sheáinín liom. "Ó fiche nóiméad don naoi ar maidin" a deir mé féin. Ár ndóigh bhí MTS ag caint faoin ghrúpa ach bhí fonn magadh orm féin. Ar an 29ú Nollaig 2011, chas Rís an chéad ceolchoirm mar bhanna iomlán sa Tobar ar an Spidéal. An mhaidin dár gcionn bhí muid ar chlár RnaG agus Máirtín Tom Sheáinín Mac Donnacha sa gcathaoir. Mar a dúirt Breandán, bhí muid ar an gcineál sceideal céanna le Justin Bieber an deireadh seachtaine úd. Living the dream!

Ní raibh i lathair ag an Tobar ach clann agus cairde mar gur b'sin an méid a bhí uainn a fheiceál ann. Déanann chuile bhanna a leitheidí nuair atá siad ag tabhairt faoi chamcuairt. An bhfuil muid ag tabhairt faoi chamcuairt? Níl fhios agam, cuir ceist ar Bhreandán ach séard atá fhios agam ná go raibh an-chraic againn agus go bhfuil muid ag súil leis an chéad gig eile.

Sí'n aidhm a leag Breadán síos an chéad lá riamh nuair a bhunaigh sé Rís ná gur ag cumadh amhráin nua-chumtha i nGaeilge a bheadh sé i ngach cineál genre. Tá mé féin, Shane agus PJ an-tsásta cúnamh a thabhairt leis seo frieisn. Sílim féin agus dhéarfainn go mbeadh na lads eile ar chomh intinn liom ná go bhfuil níos mó dó seo ag teastáil ón teanga agus dá mhéad duine a bhíonn ag scríobh, níl dabht ar bith ach gur chun maitheasa a rachaidh sé don teanga.

Sin é an mapa atá á leanacht againn agus le cúnamh Dé beidh 2012 torthúil ó thaobh amhráin nua de. Tá súil agam go mbeidh muid in ann roinnt ceolchoirmeacha a dhéanamh agus go mbeidh muid beagán níos eagraí ná mar a bhí muid sa Spidéal - ach ag an am céanna, tá rud éicint milis faoi a bheith ag seinm ar an imeall agus gan fios agat cá bhfuil tú ag dul. Ar feith píosa ar aon chuma.

Seo thíos píosa don cheolchoirm sin a luaigh mé agus an t-amhrán 'Tar ar Ais go Camus'

Coinnigh súil amach do Rís - beidh muid ag dul timpeall na tíre am eicint i mbliana!

Budget 2012

2011-12-07T04:10:00.000-08:00

An t-Aire Airgeadais Michael Noonan

Roll up, roll up, thóig sé dhá lá orthu an cain fháisnéis seo a thabhairt dúinn. Bhí muid uilig ag súil leis ár ndóigh don chraic agus mar a léiríonn na staitisticí thíos, nach ann a bhí an spraoi. Ag éisteacht le milliúnaithe na craoltóra náisiúnta ag iarraidh ceisteanna chrua a chuir ar airí rialtais faoi árdaithe páigh srl agus ag tarraingt siar mar go mbeadh sé seafóideach acu siúd é sin a dhéanamh agus iadsan ar an méid céanna nó níos mó airgid agus atá Sarkozy, David Cameron agus Barack Obama curtha le chéile. Nach aisteach an saol é.

BUDGET 2012 DAY TWO
Income tax: No increase
VAT: Raised by 2% to 23%
Universal Social Charge: Exemption raised to €10,000 - this affects 330,000 people
Carbon Tax: Increased from €15 per tonne to €20 per tonne
This means:
1.4c increase on Petrol
1.6c increase on Diesel
€17.32 increase on Fuel Oil (to rise in May)
€14.46 increase on Natural Gas (to rise in May)
No Carbon Tax on solid fuels
Cigarettes: 25c increase on pack of 20
Alcohol: No change in excise duty
Legislation planned on low-cost alcohol
Motor Tax: Changes to apply from 1 January
Band A up €56 to €160
Band B up €69 to €225
Band C up €28 to €330
Mortgage Interest Relief:
30% for first-time buyers between 2004 and 2008
25% for first-time buyers in 2012
15% for non-first time buyers
€100 Household Charge: Waived for those on mortgage interest supplement and those in unfinished housing estates
Stamp Duty
No change to stamp duty on residential property
Commercial property rate lowered from 6% to 2%
Farming
Lower commercial stamp duty rate will also apply to farmland
50% stock relief on registered farm partnerships
100% rate for certain young trained farmers
Incentives for timely transfer of farms before the current owners reach the age of 66
Capital Gains Tax incentive: Applies to property bought by end 2013 and kept for 7 years
Capital Acquisitions Tax: Up from 25% to 30%
Capital Gains Tax: Up from 25% to 30%
DIRT: Up from 27% to 30%
Corporate Tax Rate: To remain at 12.5%
Corporate tax: Exemption for start-ups extended
Research & Development
€100,000 of expenditure can be used as tax credit
Companies can use R&D credits to reward key employees
GDP: 1.3% growth forecast in 2012
Special Assignee Relief Programme: Initiative to attract key staff
50% Employer PRSI pension relief abolished
Approved Retirement Funds: Tax up 1% to 6% on transfer of funds
Gambling: Legislation planned on internet betting

An t-Aire Brendan Howlin

Random Post ~ Merkel, Mackerel and Martin

2011-12-02T01:37:00.000-08:00

Merkel is fast becoming like the most annoying control freak teacher in school. I like Mackerel and little Martin the cat is great craic. End note.

Euro 2012 - Here we come!

2011-11-15T07:34:00.000-08:00

All the goals from first game

Landsdowne road will be packed to capacity tonight for the first time in it's second coming for an International soccer match. If you haven't been living under a rock since last Friday then you'll be aware of the reason behind this outpouring of celebration and mass hysteria. Irish fans must have spilled onto the Old town square in Tallinn last Friday night in a dreamlike state after their team had beaten the home side by four goals to all but see the Republic of Ireland in a major competition since World Cup 2002.

Robbie Keane goal 2002 v Germany

God, that is a long time and to think Robbie Keane, Damien Duff, Shay Given and Richard Dunne were in or around the same age as Séamus Coleman and James McCarthy now back then. Keane remarked this week that when he was 21/22 he thought that he would be playing for ever and that he probably didn't appreciate what they had achieved in Japan. Now, he is writing the final chapter in his highly successful international career. And according to Ronnie Whelan who played and scored in Euro '88, every player wants to keep going as long as he cans until someone in a suit tells him it's all over.

Last Friday Keane scored his 52nd and 53rd goal keeping him on top of the all time Irish and British Isles international scorers list. His club situation caused him many troubles for the guts of three years and it was kind of fitting that he had to go to Hollywood to make his comeback. Poor old Bruce Arena asked him to come back to L.A early to prepare for this weekend's MLS Cup final. In short, Keane said NO!

Trapattoni will also be delighted with the way things have worked out. Not least because he will pocket a bonus of €1.7 million for getting his side into Euro 2012 but also because he will have proven his doubters wrong, and there have been many. Leaving Red Bull Salzburg to take over from Steve Staunton would have been a big gamble for the 'Silver Fox' due to the fact that the Irish side were in free fall and seemed as likely to qualify for a major championship as Alex Reid does of completing a cryptic crossword puzzle.

But here we are on the brink of greatness again, well a major championship anyway. Ireland don't play champagne football but there is an honesty that you just can't help getting behind. Like the fat kid at school who tries and tries everyday to keep up with the talented kids playing football and nine times out of ten he will fail, but that little guy will keep plugging away until he gets a result.

Mick Byrne is funny in this video at about 40'sec

Yes, very drôle but the analogy is imaginable and a bit funny so I'm letting myself away with it. I vaguely remember Euro '88 but I do remember being completely excited at my family's reaction to the Houghton goal v England. Our uncle Cóilín used to come over to our house for the matches and he was always very impressed with Ruud Gullit. He used to call him 'an capall' or horse because he looked and was that strong on the ball. Mick McCarthy's long throw also captured the imagination as did Ronnie Whelan's strike off the shin and Mick Byrne's need to kiss Jack Charlton at any opportunity.

Although Ireland didn't get out of the group in '88 they did more for the country than any so-called boom could. Kids were out playing football on the streets and everyone went around with a smile on their face. The boys in green have given us what the rugby team did a few short months ago - a good feeling about being Irish again. Hopefully we will win again tonight and we can look forward to the sunshine of Euro 2012 as we scrape through the dark nights of winter. Will we ever see the day when an all Ireland team come together and take on the rest of the world? Only time will tell.

And for what it's worth, my prediction tonight Éire 2 Eesti 0.

Highway to Heaven

2011-11-10T04:18:00.000-08:00

Anyone who grew up in the '80's will remember 'Highway to Heaven', the classic Michael Landon series that saw an angel on probation down on earth. But I came across these outtakes the other day that made me see the show in a whole new brilliant light. Take a look!

The Beautiful Game becoming the Ugly duckling

2011-10-14T01:18:00.000-07:00

My article from www.Footballspeak.com

I don't know about you but I'm getting really fed up with over paid footballers rubbing their greed and selfishness in our faces. Last week we saw a petulant Wayne Rooney kick out at Miodrag Dzudovic in a match that should have been a successful qualifying campaign for Fabio Capello's side. However, subsequent to the arrest of Rooney's father for alleged betting scam, poor Wayne felt he had to show the world how frustrated he was. The Montenegro player who probably will earn as much money in ten years as Wayne Rooney will earn in six months didn't make a meal of it either, anyone who has taken a kick with such force will know this to be true.

Two weeks before that we saw little Tevez refusing to get off the bench when his boss asked him to go to work to earn his £200k a week. Why did the man not turn up for work? Did he miss his early morning train after rushing to get his kids fed and off to school? No! Was he stuck in rush hour traffic? No, his team were 0-2 down and he simply didn't fancy it, that and if he leaves in January which always looked like the plan he didn't want to be cup tied.

Simple as that! How dare he treat his fans like that when they pay their hard earned money week after week to support the side he supposedly proudly represents. These Manchester City fans deserve better, in fact football fans in general deserve better. I would love to hear 'off the record' what past legends of the game would say about such behaviour. Would Johnny Giles have refused to get off the bench in similar circumstances when asked to play by Don Revie? Hardly, for a start, Giles would have started! Would George Best have refused to come off the bench if the great Matt Busby would've asked him to save the day? The mere question is an insult to a legend.

Who do these over paid con men think they are? In a world when the honest foot soldiers pile into the stands to escape their reality of the persistent onslaught of unemployment, mortgage arrears and other socio-economic pain turmoil, the likes of Rooney and Tevez do not understand how lucky they have it. Paul Dickov hit the nail on the head when he said just that, that "thousands of people would love to be in the job their in".

There was a time when football was the workingman's game and rugby belonged to the upper class. Apart from the England squad's antics off the field of play, most players in the Rugby World Cup epitomised what sporting heroes should be. Placing their bodies on the line at every tackle without fear of play acting in an effort to get their fellow professional booked, players chomping at the bit to come on even for a few minutes as blood subs and being as gracious in defeat as they would be in victory. The funny thing is that these rugby stars don't earn half as much as their soccer counterparts, even though the chances of more serious injury are far greater. The question is often asked in Ireland why Brian Ó Driscoll is so much more lauded as a hero and so much more a real leader of men than Robbie Keane. They are both fantastic players and dedicated professionals and are record holders in their own field of endeavour and Keane is a honest and as hard working as Ó Driscoll most would agree. So why the difference in opinion when their leadership is discussed?

The answer is simple. Professional football is becoming a ruse that the ordinary man will not be able to identify with if the current trend of over paid cheating jesters continue to laugh in our faces with their actions week in, week out. If clubs and federations don't get real and start taking serious action, the beautiful game will become the ugly duckling of sport!

Peut-être

2011-09-29T02:42:00.001-07:00

peut-être...Just

2011-09-20T04:40:00.000-07:00

Brian Cullen lifts Sam

What a weekend of sport! The All-Ireland final yesterday was very exciting at the end and although the game itself wasn't as free flowing as neutrals would have liked, it certainly was entertaining.

Stephen Cluxton wins the
All-Ireland for Dublin

I thought the Dubs had let it slip when Kerry went four points clear but it was a testament of how long this current team have come that they managed to bring it back level before the Ice Man himself Stephen Cluxton came up and popped over that free kick. What a guy.

The pressure must have been massive, but he just took his time placing the ball and slotted it over as if he were chipping it into the hill to his mates.

Tá foireann an-óg ag Bleá Cliath agus beidh sé an-suimiúil a fheiceáil an mbeidh siad in ann leanacht orthu an bhliain seo chugainn agus craobh chomórtas eile a thabhairt leo. Má dhéanann siad sin, beidh siad i measc na leabhra staire ansin.

Cookery and Bollywood

2011-09-15T06:45:00.000-07:00

Pasta with butternut squash, mixed veg
and feta with chilli sauce

I am no stranger to TV cookery shows having co-presented a 12 part cookery/chat show a few years ago and God knows my wife and I watch enough of them.

I might be making an appeal to get my own show and this time as chef if my current form in the kitchen continues hahaha only joking, I'm no Donal Skeahan.. Only joking...straight face.

To the left is what I called my mid-week veggie option. I get home from work tired and hungry and the fact that Deborah was working late meant that she had eaten earlier and I was only cooking for one so a slow roast is out then!!

I felt like something quick so I put some pasta on the boil, softened some butternut squash, mushrooms & courgette and seasoned with salt and pepper and then added some garlic. When the pasta was cooked I lobbed the butternut squash in over the pasta, added some scallion and tomato and some feta cheese and drizzled it all with some chilli sauce. It really was delicious if I say so myself. Quick, healthy and very tasty, well I thought so and Martin the cat seemed to be drawn to it as well!

Bollywood film being shot in Dublin

And in other stories, they have started shooting the Bollywood film in Dublin. I spotted them in Trinity College yesterday while I was on my lunch break.

First home win of new season

2011-09-12T04:05:00.000-07:00

We were at home for the first time of the new season's fixtures yesterday and we wanted to get off to a good start. And that is exactly what we did when John Coleman scored a fantastic solo effort running from mid-field and cutting in to bury the ball into the bottom right hand corner of the net. We were playing some good stuff too and creating some chances. The wind was very strong and we were up against it in the first half but kept the ball well from one to eleven. Conor Swaine in goal was commanding and his kick-outs against the wind were clever and measured, more often than not picking out the left or right backs to begin the attack.

The game ebbed and flowed for the first half and we should have had one or two more and Fastnet would argue the same from their own perspective. Although we played most of the football in the grand scheme of things, Fastnet were very physical and dogged. They found a way back mid way through the second half and shut up shop. I wouldn't blame them, a point away from home is valuable when it looks like the game is gone. But, with about 5 minutes to go, Martin Armstrong got his head to an excellent cross from James Coleman to make it 2-1. A vital 3 points in the bag on a day that taught us more lessons about this new division. Still, we're doing ok.

The day before the I played with my new Gaelic football team Kilrush in Round Two of the Intermediate football Championship. We were playing Craanford in what I was told was a local derby. It had all the hallmarks of a local derby alright with plenty of big hits going in from the first minute. To make a long story short, we eventually won after extra time. The match finished 0-15 to -1-8 and we now go on to play Ferns St. Aidans in the county Quarter Final. This will be a tough match as well but if we play to our potential, there is no reason why we cannot win. Le cúnamh Dé!

The Rugby World Cup begins

2011-09-09T07:26:00.000-07:00

Easy win for the All-Blacks over Tongo as expected but signs that All-Blacks are human there as well. The RWC anthem, World in Union is a classic and a favourite of mine since I heard it first in 1995!

Tombrack United bid for 4 in a row

2011-09-07T04:57:00.000-07:00

Last years winning squad

How dare anyone even suggest such a feat could be achieved by such a small club? I know, it is shocking to think that it could be done but there is a belief inside the squad that we are not in it to make up the numbers but to win the league again this season.

There are many good teams in this league and the fact that we have jumped another division this season could prove a bridge too far but we will definitely give it our all. I will try and keep account of all the matches we play this season on this blog and add pics when possible.

We started off last weekend with an away win against a Crossabeg team who were relegated from Div 2 last season and were keen to get off to a good start. Yours truly grabbed the first goal of the game and we pushed on to make it 0-2 at half time in terrible conditions. String winds and intermittent rain. We went 0-4 up with about ten minutes left through some great goals by Mick Savo Kelly (2) and a fantastic strike by Brian Byrne.

We were already in our cars on the way home to watch the hurling final when Crossabeg snatched two back. Lessons were learnt on the first day back and room to improve highlighted but 3 points in the bag nonetheless. Next weekend at home against Fastnet Rovers. Bring it!

The way it finished last season;

Division Three P W D L F A Pts

Tombrack Utd 22 17 4 1 81 25 55
North End Utd 22 12 4 6 71 34 40
Blackwater 22 12 4 6 49 31 40
Bree Utd 22 11 4 7 65 44 37
Caim Utd   22 10 7 5 38 22 37
Killenagh   22 11 4 7 36 29 37
Raheen Utd 22 9 5 8 37 37 32
Forth Celtic 22 8 3 11 45 53 27
All Blacks 2nd 22 6 3 13 39 69 21
Crossabeg 2nd 22 5 3 14 37 68 18
Courtown Hibs 22 5 2 15 29 71 17
Ballagh   22 4 1 17 33 77 13

"Name a country that starts with U"? Ugoslavia

2011-09-05T01:30:00.000-07:00

Although reports like this must be taken with a pinch of salt, it's frightening to see the level of ignorance shown by the average American to foreign matters and basic geography. Most Americans I know are intelligent and know who the British Prime Minister is for example but this is very funny.

RWC 2011

2011-09-02T04:16:00.000-07:00

Paul Ó Connell & Ireland training
in picturesque Queenstown

My first real recollection of the RWC was 1991, the second ever World Cup in rugby. What an occasion it was too with Ireland nearly beating Australia in Landsdowne Road with a great try from Gordon Hamilton. Michael Lynagh ruined that historical moment with an immediate reply up the other side of the old ground and it wasn't to be for Ireland.

But that was then and this is now. Several world cup's later and the innocence of amateur rugby has been well and truly shattered by the arrival of the professional era. So much has changed, even down to the jersey's they wear. No longer does the rugby jersey resemble a big winter wolly. They are tight fitting with some science behind them.The men are bigger, faster and stronger and if you're not physically able, then your not able full stop. One man who is most certainly up to the task is Brian Ó Driscoll who plays in his fourth World Cup which is a fantastic achievement when you consider the abuse he has taken down through the years.

Rugby is a great game and although so few people play it in Ireland, the country has seemed to always have a fondness for it. The statistics speak for themselves. The IRFU Annual Report for season 2006-2007 reported playing figures within Ireland as follows:

Adult Male Players: 21740
Women Players: 1756
Number of Secondary Schools Players: 23586
Number of Youth Players: 12472
Number of Mini Rugby Players: 10967
Primary School: 32209
TOTAL PLAYERS: 100974

Ferris & Healy living the dream

Maybe it's the physicality of it, or maybe it's the fact that the country unites as one or maybe it's because of the characters who have played for us. For whatever reason, we love the game. Another reason is that we have a chance to beat England and more recently be real contenders on a world stage. We certainly punch above our weight and have had great moments watching the current batch of players.

This world cup will be really interesting for many reasons. How will the All Blacks do on home turf? Who will be the shock team? Who will be the star players? How will teams deal with the inclement weather conditions and so on. Ireland should qualify from their pool if their form improves from the warm up matches. They face Australia in the second match and they look awesome.

On a more serious note, the start of the competition also sees my fantasy team come to the fore and I am confident my team can do a decent job this year around. http://irishtimes.fantasyleague.com/Team.aspx?p=1907

Here is a link to the RWC site. It is very interesting and has all the info on matches and teams so it will kepp you up to date on things. http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/index.html

The inaugural Ger Kearney 4 Mile Run is a success

2011-08-22T02:34:00.000-07:00

Participants at start

Saturday afternoon arrived and so too did an ominous mist down from Mountain Leinster. However, despite the dull conditions there was a very good turnout for the inaugural Ger Kearney Memorial 4 Mile Run&Walk. Runners and walkers came from as far as Galway to participate in the run, (Ok they were my family but still) off they went at 5.30pm all in great spirits.

The route was tough for some with it's rolling hills and steep climbs but it proved more negotiable for the more seasoned runner. Tom Hogan who is a well known runner in the Irish running circuit crossed the line first in an amazing 21.34 and took the shield home.

Tom Hogan being presented with the
Memorial Shield by Tom Kearney, son of Ger

The first lady to cross the line was Dena Hogan who is the wife of Tom Hogan so they made sure that it was a family occasion. (Dena's time to follow)

Dena Hogan& Tom Kearney

The Ger Kearney Run was organised to honour and remember the life of Ger Kearney and his great love of running. It was kindly suggested by his son Tom that the money raised be put towards the new Tombrack United AFC soccer pitches at Ballyboy. The great turnout will be of huge benefit to the fund and the committee would like to thank all who took part very much for their efforts and indeed the Kearney family. This event will be an annual one from now on and your assistance in spreading the word would be much appreciated. I would personally like to thank all the participants and all those who helped steward on the day, Harry and Emmanuel in the safety cars, Pat Bolger and John Power who were on photography and a special thanks to Lukie Keogh from Sliabh Bhuidhe Rovers in Ferns who was a great help from the start and also Coleman's who put on food after the run. Go raibh míle. Richie

Good craic at the finish

David Buggy Kennedy

Private Pa Whelan who ran
all the way in full army gear

Cormac,Mammy, Brendan
& Deborah warming down

Breandán Ó hEaghra in action

The Ger Kearney Memorial 4 Mile Run

2011-08-19T03:32:00.000-07:00

Ceann dona radharcanna álainne a bhéas
le feiceáil ag na rannpháirtithe

Tá rith ar siúl tráthnóna amárach i Tombrack a dhéanann comóradh ar shaol athair ceann dona leaids sa chlub a bhíodh ag rith nuair a bhí sé ina fhear óg. Cáilleadh é gan é ach 45 bliain d'aois agus bhí teaghlach lán le gasúir le tóigeáil ag a bhean céile.

Faraor, bhí uirthi cuid dá chuid boinn a dhíol freisin ach bail ó Dhia uirthi, rinne sí an-jab. Tá sé aisteach nuair a eagraíonn tú imeacht mar seo. Tá sé ar nós cóisir a eagrú agus imní ort an dticofaidh aon nduine le dhul ag ceiliúradh leat agus tú théis ualach bia agus deoch a cheannacht.

Níl aon bhia ná deoch ceannaithe agamsa don ócáid seo ar bhealach ach tá na bóithre marcáilte agus chuile shórt eile déanta a théann lena leitheid d'ócáid a eagrú.

Beidh neart bia agus deoch le fáil ina dhiaidh sin freisin Tí Cholmáin mar sin má tá sibh thart buail síos agus bíodh jog agaibh nó mini jog agus píosa chraic ina dhiaidh.

The Cyclist will also be in attendance to run

Christine Ó Donnell walks out of Piers Morgan Interview

2011-08-18T04:25:00.000-07:00

It's clear from the off that Piers Morgan wanted to corner Christine Ó Donnell on her very conservative opinions but she was having none of it. They're both arrogant and self-centred so the best of luck to them both.

Wee love you in Stabannan Brendan

2011-08-18T02:57:00.000-07:00

Big Bren relishing a pint of G outside The Cross Bar
in Stabannan on arrival

As evening began to draw in on Stabannan yesterday, the brave cyclist who had made the long trek from An Cheathrú Rua to Louth was drawing in on Stabannan. Three long days in the saddle in aid of the Jack and Jill Foundation certainly deserved celebrating and I am reliably informed that The Cross Bar in Stabannon was the venue for the party. The Red Quarter would like to congratulate Brendan on a great cycle and fund raising initiative.

P.s It's also nice to see that my tracksuit has found a nice home after all these years :)

Murinho proving he is "Special"

2011-08-18T01:57:00.000-07:00

What is José Murinho doing pulling the Barca assistant manger's ear? What did he think this would prove when things were as heated as they were. It's hilarious though. He reminds me of Fr.Dougall Maguire in Father Ted.

Tough times don't last but tough people do

2011-08-17T02:15:00.000-07:00

Big Bren in training

Steven Seagall once asked a token gesture tough guy in On Deadly Ground; "What does it take to change the essence of a man"? to which the tough guy answered, "I need time". I'm not particularly sure what that has to do with this blog entry but I'm sure there is some relevance there somewhere.

My brother Brendan is 2/3 of the way through a mammoth cycle challenge in aid of the Jack and Jill foundation. This is a fantastic foundation which provides care and support to children with neurological development issues as well as respite care for their parents. www.jackandjill.ie

Mark & Kevin ditched Bren

He started off on Monday from An Cheathrú Rua and headed north towards Maam Cross. He was accompanied along the way by Mark and Kevin, our brother in law and eldest brother. They dropped Brendan like a hot potato there and off he set into the sunset, buttux clinched and alone. His final destination was meant to be Ballyhaunis in Mayo but on arrival and no doubt inspired by the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico's Copper Canyon's he decided to keep going to Carrick on Shannon in lovely Leitrim.

This truly was an epic journey to begin the challenge. 170km's of hard graft, kept company only by thoughts of life in general and probably humming Bob Dylan songs.

Brendan & family & Big Ron

Day two would bring him from Carrick on Shannon to Cavan town which is about 75km's. This would be a much easier day after he had eaten into a considerable chunk of day two's route on day one! As well as the weather making things easier for the lonesome cyclist, he was no longer lonely as a crew from iRadio were tracking his every wheel rotation. Fair play to them for increasing the exposure to the great cause.

Today at noon, Big Bren will set off on his final day of the challenge from Cavan town to Stabannan in the Wee County. A remarkable achievement by a remarkable man who last year brought us around the year in 24 pints. Seemingly, he will be accompanied by other cyclists today on the final leg of the journey and they will undoubtedly have a Guinness or two this evening and well deserved too.

Hats off to Brendan for taking on this challenge of over 300km's. I'm sure the funds he has raised will go a long way to helping a family who badly needs it. And if you can spare a few bob, please donate below.
http://www.mycharity.ie/event/breandan_o_heaghras_event/

Oh yeah and it's obvious what that Steven Seagall reference is all about now, as well as tough guys lasting, so do comments from shit films.. Ciao fest!

London Riots

2011-08-09T08:15:00.000-07:00

Scumbags stealing from injured, innocent victim

Oh Mary this London's a wonderful sight
With chav's there stealing flat screens out in the daylight,
Tracksuits and cheap chains they wear them with pride
If you want to be normal there's nowhere to hide

But Mary if you come here make sure you do see
The chav's with their looting run out on the street...

D-Day for the Dubs

2011-08-05T03:23:00.000-07:00

This is when it gets really sticky in the Championship. The race for Sam is beginning to gather momentum and the old familiar names are there in the mix again. Dublin, Tyrone and Kerry and a few slightly surprising names also in Donegal and Mayo. Dublin v Tyrone matches are always niggly affairs and more often than not serve up a feast of quality football.

Dublin have hardly lit up the football world in this summers championship and another Leinster title is just a par for the course at this stage. They were unimpressive to say the least against Wexford and were very lucky against Kildare. Maybe it is a case that the Dubs know they have the tools to dismantle any of the Leinster teams at a canter and do what they have to do to beat them even if that means doing it ugly.

Tyrone have been a team with a hangover but are now sobering up. Mickey Harte has had an unbelievably disastrous year personally and that must have had some effect on the panel, how would it not? Now that the Ulster men are at the business end of the tournament, the gloves will come off. The McMahon's make up 2/3 of the full back line and this will aim to curb the influence of O'Gara up front. He's a huge man and can be dangerous when used properly but I don't think he's a natural footballer. Matched like for like in the physical stakes and his threat should be stemmed.

Obviously, Tyrone will try and stop the Brogan brothers play and it will be interesting to see how they approach picking Alan up, really this is where the game will most hang in the balance. If the Dubs get easy possession then Bernard Brogan will be able to do damage inside.

Funny enough however, it is interesting to see Martin Penrose and Owen Mulligan reinstated to the Tyrone attack and Stephen O'Neill ready to make an impact as well. Penrose is a class act in my own humble opinion. He is a nightmare for any back with pace, poise and guile. He could be the crucial player for Tyrone if he can run straight at the Dublin backs with Sean Cavanagh coming off his shoulder. Cian O'Sullivan and Ger Brennan will not fancy this!

Dublin haven't played either since the Wexford match and although they maybe going well in training and upping the level of intensity to championship fever, it just isn't the same. Tyrone had a look about them against Roscommon that they were a team who were finally coming to after being knocked out and undoubtedly they too will have brought the intsensity level up that extra notch. Remember, they are the team with experience of winning the ultimate prize a few times before, and deep down Dublin knows that.

Dublin have Barry Cahill and Mossy Quinn who can help when things are going south but they are not big game changers. Mid-field will be a complete battle ground and by mid-field I also mean the half back/forward lines. Whoever can conquer middle earth more convincingly will do it. It seems like an obvious enough thing to say but in championship matches not everyone will have a good game.

Can Dublin keep it going for 70 minutes? Can Tyrone shake off the hangover? We'll find out on Saturday evening. Personally, I think Tyrone will win this one, but it won't be easy.

Republic Keane on Robbie to play

2011-07-26T01:13:00.000-07:00

Click on the link below to have a look at an article I wrote for the Football Speak website about Robbie Keane.

http://footballspeak.com/post/2011/07/26/Republic-Keane-on-Robbie-to-play.aspx

Darren Clarke

2011-07-18T02:35:00.000-07:00

After 21 years of trying to win a major, Darren Clarke managed to win the British Open yesterday. Bí cinnte go raibh oíche go maidin ann. Well done! Irish golf stronger than ever.

An deas (Very nice)

2011-07-08T07:36:00.000-07:00

Cuid dona cúil is fearr a aimsíodh riamh!!

Some of the best goals ever scored!!

There's only one Marty Morrissey

2011-07-08T04:16:00.000-07:00

Marty Morrissey - The Committee Room RTÉ 2 Wednesday's @ 8pm

You gotta know when to fold

2011-07-08T03:41:00.000-07:00

Fógra do Phádraic de Paor

Is cearrbhach úafásach mé ach ó am go ham pléascann bolcán dóchais taobh istigh dhom (fuaimeann sé sin go dona) agus ceapann mé go bhfuil mé in ann an beart a dhéanamh. Sampla maith de seo ná nuair a rinne mé accumalator an samhradh seo caite agus corn an domhain faoi lán seol san Afraic Theas.

Imreoirí Uruguay ag ceiliúradh

Dhúisigh mé go luatha ar maidin mar go raibh mé féin agus mo bhean ag dul go Condae an Chábháin ar feith cúpla lá. Bhreathnaigh mé ar mo "World Cup Guide" a fuair mé ón News of the World ahem agus roghnaigh mé ocht gcinn do chluichí. Chuir mé deich gcinn do euros mhilis go mbeadh an bua ag fóirne áirithe - ar a laghad bheadh píosa gáirí againn ag faire amach dona cluichí.

Tráthnóna dé Sathairn agus bhí cluiche amháin fágtha agus na cinn eile ar fad tar éis dul mar a phioc mé iad. Come on Uruguay a bhí mé ag rá agus mé ag breathnú ar an gcluiche a bhí siad ag imirt i gcoinne Ghana. Chuaigh sé go am breise agus bhí an bua acu. Íontach uilig, an pota óir ag fanacht liom sa siopa geallghlacadóireachta agus nach mé a bhí sásta. Bhí muid ag ceiliúradh agus an méid céanna eolais ag Deborah faoin ngeallghlacadóireacht agus a bhí agam féin as in tada! Chuir mé glaoch ar mo dheartháir céile tar éis dom roinnt mhaith téacsanna a sheoladh go bhfeicfinn céard a bheadh le rá aigesan mar go mbíonn seisean ag imirt i gcónaí.

Stereotypical Conamaraman in Londain

In abairt amháin, bhris sé mo chroí agus leis sin mo spiorad. "I take it you put down Uruguay to progress to next round and not to win" Huh? Mhothaigh mé ar nós fear as Conamara i Londain fadó agus gan mórán Béarla aige. "Oi Paddy, hurry up with that concrete and stop talkn rubbish" Sorry Sir, I come over nowa!

Mhínigh sé dom go bhfuil rialacha an gheallghlacadóra an-soiléar agus go gcaitheann an cearrbhach a bheith chomh soiléar céanna ionas nach dtiteann an lug ar an lag nuair a théann tú isteach ar thóir do chuid airgid. Bhí mé in ísle brí ach chuaigh mé isteach acu ar aon nós agus d'iarr mé dóibh an raibh sé fíor an méid a bhí le rá ag mo dheartháir céile - BHÍ. Nach cuma.

Tá mé chun an rud céanna a dhéanamh an deireadh seachtaine seo don chraic agus seo thíos na cluichí atá mé chun a roghnú. Tá rud éicint ag rá liom go dtabharfaidh Loch Garman cluiche maith dona Dubs ach níl an misneach agam seasamh leo don accumalator seo faraor.

P (Peil) I (Iomáint)

An Mhí v Gaillimh (An Mhí) P
Corcaigh v Gaillimh (Gaillimh) I
Baile Átha Cliath v Loch Garman (BÁC) P
An Dún v Liatroim (Tír Eoghain) P
Port Láirge v Londain (Londain) P
Tiobraid Árann v Port Láirge (Port Láirge) I
Laois v Cill Dara (Cill Dara) P
Ard Mhacha v Cill Mhantáin (Ard Mhacha) P
Longfort v Tír Eoghain (Tír Eoghain) P
Aontroim v Luimneach (Luimneach) I

Ní dóigh liom go mbeidh mé in ann odds ró-mhaith a fháil dóibh seo ach ní bheadh fhios agat.

Le cúnamh dé beidh mé ag ceiliúradh

GAA should promote games as tourist attraction

2011-07-06T04:48:00.000-07:00

Offical GAA logo

Maybe I'm wrong but I've never seen GAA games advertised on the Fáilte Ireland television adverts or on their website for more than 3 seconds. I think that Gaelic football and to a greater extent hurling could be helpful in bringing sports fans to this country especially in the summer. And at a time when every industry needs as much help as possible, should the Government not help promote the games in a strategic way as well as just attending the games? Similar to the way many Irish men and women flood across the Irish sea every weekend in their droves during the Premier league season to watch Liverpool, Man Utd or whichever team they support, we could lure a significant number of tourists to Ireland to watch our games. We have a unique brand of games that are as good if not better than many other global sports. I had an interesting conversation recently with an American sport's radio talk show host who was mesmerised when I sent her a clip of the 2010 All-Ireland hurling final. Her actual words were "Oh my God, this game is amazing - why don't we have this in the States".

Some great hurling goals

A typically American angle on the point I was trying to get across but she was immediately drawn to its pace and skill. As much as we all love the Rock of Cashel and the Blarney stone and all those great Irish tourist attractions, why not promote the Munster Hurling final in Thurles as a must see attraction that is actually living and breathing right in front of you. The colour, sound and spectacle would bring a tear to any mans eye and an All-Ireland final day in Croke Park is a must as well. Croker was a feature of the Queen's visit but purely for historical reasons.

The special atmosphere between both sets of supporters on All-Ireland final day is always something to experience and is special. Ireland at it's best wearing its Sunday best with pride. I know we could never compete with the English Premier League in terms of revenue it generates for the English economy but considering that revenues generated by those famous English clubs in 2009/10 which was €2.479 billion by the way, surely it would be worth getting the ball rolling (Pardon the pun) on making our games tourist attractions as well. It could be worth it you know!!

Welcome to Ireland

Abair Amach é - Éist anseo leis (Listen here)

2011-07-04T07:22:00.000-07:00

Bhí sé do phléisiúr agam leithidí Liam Ó Maonlaí agus Gerry Banjo Ó Connor agus daoine suimiúla eile a chuir faoi agallaimh sa sraith seo darbh ainm Abair Amach é do Raidió na Life. Tabhair cluas dóibh más féidir libh.

http://www.mixcloud.com/raidionalife/abair-amach-e-34-liam-o-maonlai/#utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=auto_news_feed&utm_campaign=link&utm_content=upload

FBI step up their persuit of another elderly seriel killer

2011-06-24T03:50:00.000-07:00

The FBI have relaunched their hunt for one of the worlds most notorious seriel killers. She has been on the run since the early 1990's and has been spotted all over
the globe.

When stars have a bad day or days..

2011-06-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

The 'talented' Amy Winehouse

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/slideshow/britney-spears-bloated-3660665

Rory McIlroy ina mháistir

2011-06-20T07:07:00.000-07:00

Is é Rory McIlroy an t-imreoir is óige le 88 bliain chun comórtas an US Masters a bhuachan. Ní raibh an chuid eile in ann dul in aice leis ar an deireadh seachtaine. Tá na statisticí maidir lena shaol mar imeartha gairmiúil do-chreidte. Go n-éirí leis sa todhchaí!

Crochann McIlroy an corn

Subterranean Homesick Blues

2011-06-17T02:45:00.000-07:00

Ceann dona hamhráin is fearr ó Dylan i mo thuairimse agus físeán a bhí réabhlóideach freisin.

Brian Lenihan

2011-06-10T03:41:00.000-07:00

Brian Lenihan

There's an old saying that goes "Tough times never last but tough people do". Sadly, I don't think that the author of this phrase considered tough people who suffered with an illness. Lenihan was a tough man who made brave decisions for this countries future. He didn't always get it right but his heart was in the right place. An honourable man. RIP a mhac.

By Hook or by Crooke

2011-06-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

Hook Lighthouse

June bank holiday is usually full of sunshine and heat. This year the weekend seemed to be a little confused about what to do. It ended up giving us some sun, some heat and some rain. Too much rain really. However, spirits were not dampened and we set off for a great day in South Wexford and Dunmore East. Ar aghaidh linn go Hook Lighthouse, seemingly where the saying "By hook or by crooke" originates.

The phrase comes from the names of the villages of Hook Head and the nearby Crooke, in Waterford, Ireland. Hook Head and Crooke are on opposite sides of the Waterford channel and Cromwell (born 1599 - died 1658) is reputed to have said that Waterford would fall 'by Hook or by Crooke', i.e. by a landing of his army at one of those two places. From the mounted telescope at Hook we could spot Dunmore east across the bay. I spotted some pubs and was delighted when Jon Walsh suggested we take a trip over.

Dunmore East across the seas from Hook

We then went on the car ferry from close by the lighthouse across to Passage East in condae Phort Láirge and we drove for about ten minutes to Dunmore East, home of aformentioned Jon Walsh, my sister in laws boyfriend and huge Manchester United fan and fellow Tombrack United player.

Jon gave us a lovely guided tour of this beautiful seaside village before we settled in the Heaven hotel for some dinner and bank holiday Sunday drinks. I got the fish pie and had a lovely Guinness. Bhí fear Chonamara sásta cinnte, iasc agus porter. It was back to Coleman's then for a few more and home early. A great day, indeed, a great weekend.

Car Ferry to Passage East

It's a beautiful day.

2011-06-03T08:10:00.000-07:00

This is going to be short and sweet. Since I spoke to you last, we've had some visitors. You can read my article about the Queen's visit in the Sunday Times here soon

Queen Elizabeth 2 was here


Good old Barack popped in for a pint


And FC Porto won the Europa Cup in Landsdown RD

Tombrack United make a historic 3 in a row

2011-04-21T08:12:00.000-07:00

A beaming Alan Carthy accepts the Cup

Those in the know believed it was possible. Those on the outside looking in were curious. And those who didn't care either way lifted an eyebrow as Tombrack United which was founded 20 years ago this year by Peter Doyle and his faithful band of followers won their third league title in a row last night. It was made all the sweeter due to the fact that the club have recently moved into their own new premises in Ballyboy en route to Bunclody from Tombrack.

It was also a poignant occasion when our captain Alan Carthy dedicated the league win to young Seán Walsh who we lost to a drowning accident a fortnight ago. I never had the pleasure of meeting Seán even though our paths must have crossed on the training field the odd evening but, I have been reliably informed by many from Tombrack and Kilrush that he was a really lovely young lad and that he was a fantastic sportsman and athlete. I hope he enjoyed the final last night too!

Myself, Bob & John

Their was a great sense of calm and purpose amongst the panel last night from the off. Lads were sauntering around during the warm up with an air of confidence and belief in the guys that were by their side. I think our loss in the Billy Browne Cup final stood to us as well. Finals are for winning and not just being in. I have lost a few finals in my time, both in GAA and Soccer and it always leaves you with that sickening feel. Last night was different. I knew we were going to win last night even though Killenagh were a good side, keen and up for the task in hand. But we had the finish line in sight and like a marathon runner who is out on his feet coming to the closing stages, we too found that burst of adrenalin to make us surge towards the line

We have a very strong squad this season with new players such as Jon Walsh and Martin Hayden bringing seriously strong artillery to the force and have been integral in winning the league again. It makes Buggy's job (Manager) very hard and one I don't envy him having as I know that as a player all you want to do is play and give your best for the team and feel you should be out there regardless. This is only natural and if players don't feel like that then they should consider taking up an individual sport. Nevertheless I think this competition for places changes the dynamic of the squad in apositive way and makes everyone try harder.

The Frenzy of "winning"

Tombrack United's team spirit is second to none as well. I can honestly say that all the lads are really genuine fellas who are so easy to get on with and you'd happily go that extra mile for them on the pitch and that extra pint for off it. I recall one of our first matches last year when we were playing away on a dull September morning. We squashed into the dressing room and we didn't stop laughing until we all walked in unison out onto the field. The other team must have thought we were either drunk or crazy or both. We played them off the field and won. 3 points in the bag, thank you and goodbye. That to me epitomises Tombrack United. We are all good mates and have an unbelievable laugh together but when the shoulders must be put to the wheel, nobody shrinks away from the challenge.

Martin Hayden outside Coleman's Pub after the match

Next season will be harder but who knows what's ahead of any of us. We need only look at what happened to poor Seán Walsh to see that that is the case. But in times when money is scarce and people are out of work and the country is "figuratively speaking sleeping rough" the sense of community that Tombrack United gives all involved in whatever capacity, player, supporter, trainer, helper etc is worth more than any € the ECB or IMF could print. Tomorrow is another day, but for now I think we'll enjoy the sweet taste of victory...for the third year in a row. Richie.

Champions minus Rory Newe & Martin Hayden

Sunshine, Sorbet and the Smell of Victory

2011-04-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

Mount Leinster at sun down

This weekend we were blessed with what can only be described as ideal summer conditions. The sun spared none of its rays on Saturday as it poured down all day long. Deborah and I took it easy and soaked up some of the suns vitamins before taking an exciting trip to Aldi :) We were looking forward to later that evening of course as we were going to Wexford town to have dinner in Jacques French Bistro in Selsqar Square.

Jacques French Bistro

My sister in law's boyfriend Jon Walsh is an talented Pastry Chef there and it was nice to have the inside track on the menu. Though it must be said, the menu which was apparently recently changed was fantastic.      Before all that however, we had to go training at the new pitch in Tombrack. This is a magnificient facility for the club to have and will only get better in the coming years. We are trying to get the new grounds off to a good start by bringing our third league title in a row there at the close of this season. Last week we lost the Billy Browne Cup final but we lost alot more than that later that evening as one of the youth team players drowned while swimming in the river Slaney with his friends. It was a very sad day for all his friends and obviously devastating for his family. May he rest in peace.

Training was low key but a good run around nevertheless.We were expecting to pick up three points against The Ballagh who are at the wrong end of the table,unfortunatley for them. After that, it was a quick dash home, express shower and off we went to taste what the good people of Jacques French Bistro had to offer in the form of cullinery experteze. And by golly they didn't disappoint. To begin with the front of house staff were top notch, professional, welcoming and knew their stuff regarding the wine and food menu top to bottom.

I had the Kilmore Quay Crab Claws to start in a garlic and butter sauce served in the crab's shell. Delicious is the word! Then I had the veal medallions on some mash a veg. The portion was perfect and cooked to perfection. To finish I had the assortment of Sorbet and ice-cream. It really was terrific and I know that the other five including the Chef who was on his home turf was equally impressed. It is no surprise the restaurat has scooped up two prestigious awards this year already including Best Wine Experience (Leinster) and Restaurant of the Year 2011. I will definitely go again and will recommend it to others.

As for the match the next day, our expectations rang through as we beat The Ballagh 9-2 in what ended up as a farce of a mismatch. It turned out to be a dream weekend for the aformentioned Chef Jon Walsh as he scored two goals on the day and my brother in law John Coleman also found the net - a good performance by Tombrack United. You can only beat what is in front of you as they say. That leaves us with only four games left and another win will see us lift the cup for the third season in a row. An unbeliveable achievement for such a small club. Nár laga Dia sibh a chomrádaithe.

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable weekend!

Katie Piper - A Super human being

2011-04-06T04:26:00.000-07:00

Katie Piper

You can idolise all the footballers and pop stars you want but until you come across someone like Katie Piper you won't fully understand what the words heroic or bravery means. In the past few weeks my wife and I have been watching a documentary called "My Beautiful Friends" on Channel 4 about a former model and TV presenter called Katie Piper who was attacked outside her flat in London with her face and body burnt with Sulphuric Acid during that attack.

She met a man called Danny on Facebook and they began seeing each other. Two weeks into their relationship he carried out a vicious sexual assault on her in a London hotel. She thought she wouldn't get out of the ordeal alive, but after eight hours later she convinced him that they had a future together and they left the hotel together. Obviously, she would have told him whatever was necessary to get out alive. After returning to her flat later that day she decided not to call the police. A decision that proved very costly in the end for Katie but one can only imagine the fear she must have experienced after such an ordeal.

Danny began texting her asking her to go to a nearby Internet cafe where she could access an e-mail he had sent her. After some time Katie decided to go. When she left her flat, she noticed a hooded man approaching her from across the street but thought nothing of it initially. She immediately assumed he was a beggar as he was holding a coffee cup with both hands. While she held her phone between her ear and shoulder and tried to get some change from her handbag the "beggar" threw the contents of the coffee cup into her face. This of course was the sulphuric acid and the nightmare began then for Ms.Piper.

She knew straight away that Danny had orchestrated this attack and could feel the acid eat away at her face. She ran into her local cafe seeking assistance and they called the ambulance. Her story since is shocking and sad but the more I hear of this young woman the more inspiring she becomes. A remarkable person with super human powers in terms of being able to deal with the shit cards she has been dealt.

She has gone through at least 30 something general anaesthetic operations to reconstruct her face and everyday brings a new challenge for her and through all this she remains positive and has now started her foundation. She is unbelievably inspirational and brave and still beautiful and must be an absolute God send to other burn sufferers.

We can all learn something from her and everyone who has suffered like her. We are all guilty of complaining about stupid small things and taking what we have for granted and Katie's bravery is like a bolt of cop on.

I hope she continues her fantastic work and that she herself continues to recover well from her traumatic past. She definitely is a hero of mine now and I'm sure the many hundereds of thousands who have seen her on Channel 4 feel the same way.

Below you will see links to her documentaries, well worth a watch. Also her organisation.

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/katie-my-beautiful-face/4od#3019774
http://www.katiepiperfoundation.org.uk/

Could this be what Charlie Sheen is at?

2011-03-31T03:55:00.001-07:00

Really....Off the rails

2011-03-31T02:53:00.000-07:00

Trinny Lennon & Brendan Wan

I'm sorry if I offend anyone with this but I was watching Off the Rails last night for the second week in a row. (My wife was watching it and if I want to watch sport, I have to occasionally watch these programmes so I can say, but I watch your programmes too) Anyway, it's just wrong. Irish television for starters has a rotten habit of looking across both sides of the water, ripping off ideas and throwing them on RTÉ as "new" programmes coming to our screens.

And, I have actually sat in RTÉ commissioning briefings that were open to the Independent Producers of this land and the commissioning editors encouraged would-be tv makers in attendance to have a look at successful formats and to "reshape" them. Off the rails has lost its purpose in my own most humble view. Let me point out that I actually like Brendan Courtney and Sonya Lennon as presenters. Quirky metro male meets safe suburban sal, sometimes it works, sometimes they bomb and that's ok too. It's not like I have a hugely successful show behind me to slate them as presenters but I am a punter who pays a tv licence so I think my view however humble is justified.

What's Bren wearing? My mothers scarf and short pants

I take issue with Brendan Wan and Trinny Lennon bringing vulnerable women for the most part away on what they assume will be a glorius makeover and from what I have witnessed in recent weeks has been a desperate attempt by the stylists. Yes, it is my opinion but when they encourage the victim and because of that the viewer buy the most expensive jeans so they will last longer and save money in the longrun I think it puts added pressure to normal households where that kind of expense is now really not possible.

Caroline & Pamela unlucky to get the chop

But that's not the main issue really. The stylists, both nice people i'm sure and good at what they do usually look ridiculous themselves. Why is it that "fashionistas" always to me look like they are just trying too hard. They dress their victims up in dresses that highlight their spare tyres and use the whole "show off your curves" trick instead of raising the white flag and hand out Mumu's all around. I don't know but I think this programme should be seriously revamped or brought to a dignified end. Head to Toe on LSD doesn't cut the mustard!

The Kill Team

2011-03-29T07:35:00.000-07:00

This isn't for the faint hearted. Really disturbing scenes from Afghanistan.
During the first five months of last year, a platoon of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan went on a shooting spree, killing at least four unarmed civilians and mutilating several of the corpses. The “kill team” – members of the 5th Stryker Brigade stationed near Kandahar – took scores of photos chronicling their kills and their time in Afghanistan. Even before the war crimes became public, the Pentagon went to extraordinary measures to suppress the photos, launching a massive effort to find every file and pull the pictures out of circulation before they could touch off a scandal on the scale of Abu Ghraib.

The images – more than 150 of which have been obtained by Rolling Stone – portray a front-line culture among U.S. troops in which killing innocent civilians is seen as a cause for celebration. “Most people within the unit disliked the Afghan people,” one of the soldiers told Army investigators. “Everyone would say they’re savages.”
Many of the photos depict explicit images of violent deaths that have yet to be identified by the Pentagon. Among the soldiers, the collection was treated like a war memento. It was passed from man to man on thumb drives and hard drives, the gruesome images of corpses and war atrocities filed alongside clips of TV shows, UFC fights and films such as Iron Man 2. One soldier kept a complete set, which he made available to anyone who asked.

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/photos/the-kill-team-photos-20110327/0602176

Tá sé seo thar a bheith go maith

2011-03-23T07:15:00.000-07:00

Tar éis gur tháining an físeán sin amach do fhoireann Shasana ag promsáil thart agus Grand Slam Chapmions 2011 a ghlaoch orthu féin, bhí muid ag fanacht leis an steacht ar ais, bhuel tá sé tagtha. Féach ar seo - Priceless!

Swing low sour chariot

2011-03-22T01:53:00.000-07:00

This was never meant to be released after the dream was failed to be realized but someone couldn't resist. There must be some Irish man or woman working for Nike who go their hands on this. Funny stuff!

Tsunami in Japan 8.9 on the Richter scale

2011-03-11T03:04:00.000-08:00

Níl mé ag magadh faoi céard a tharla i Tokyo ach is an-amhrán atá anseo.

Show reel for real

2011-03-07T03:51:00.001-08:00

Ní cheapfainn gur árdaigh mé mo show reel ar seo cheana mar sin seo chugaibh anois é.

Abair Amach é ar an aer anocht @ 6.30in

2011-03-04T03:32:00.000-08:00

Abair Amach é Dé hAoine @ 6.30pm

Cuirfear tús le Abair Amach é ar Raidió na Life 106.4 FM anocht ag 6.30in. Seo a leanas preasráiteas maidir leis;
Beidh sraith úr nua darbh ainm 'Abair Amach é' á chur i lathair ag Richie Ó hEadhra ag tosnú ar Raidió na Life ar an Aoine 4ú lá do Mhárta ag 6.30in. Beidh Ó hEadhra ag labhairt le pearsain mór le rá a bhfuil an-aithne orthu i saol na Gaeilge ach go háirithe. Ina measc siúd a bhéas i mbun comhrá le Richie Ó hEadhra, beidh na ceoltóirí Liam Ó maonlaí agus Gerry 'Banjo' Ó Connor, iar-rós Thrá Lí Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, an Seanadóir David Norris agus na craoltóirí Róisín Ní Eadhra agus Éanna Ní Lamhna. Cuirfear tús leis an sraith le Éanna Ní Lamhna ar an 4ú lá do Mhárta ag 6.30in.

Ryan Tubridy & Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin

Déanann an sraith seo iarracht aithne a chuir ar an duine taobh thiar don adhaidh poiblí agus eolas níos mion a thabhairt don éisteoir faoin aoí. "Tá mé ag súil go mór leis an sraith úr nua seo. Níl mórán oibre déanta agam ó thaobh raidió de agus tá sé íontach a bheidh mar pháirt do chuisle na cathrach ar raidió na life. Stíl ré-chúiseach a bhéas agamsa sna cláracha seo agus beidh mé ag iarraidh breathnú taobh thiar don phearsan a phéinteáiltear dúinn nuair a bhíonn na daoine seo ar an teilifís nó an raidió. Bíonn siad féin ag iarraidh siamsiacht a chuir ar fáil don chuid mó mar sin beidh deis labhartha acu féin fuathu féin anois" a deir Ó hEadhra.

Tá aithne ar Richie Ó hEadhra mar gheall ar an obair a rinne sé ar son na Gaeilge leis an ngrúpa Na Macallaí i Loch Garman agus ar a chuid obair sna meáin chumarsáide ag láithriú cláracha teilifíse do TG4 agus RTÉ. Bhí sé mar láithreoir ar shraith sacair TG4 'Sacar Beo' agus bhí sé le feiceáil ar ár scáileán ag dul ar chúl an cheamara ar an gclár iomráiteach 'Aifric' freisin. Chaith sé seal in Institiúid spórt Thuaisceart Éireann freisin don sraith Scéal Ó Thuaidh a craoladh ar RTÉ Two áit a raibh sé ag traenáil le cuid don peileadóir is fearr sa tír.

Le déanaí bhí Ó hEadhra ar ár scáileáin sa chlár 'Stróc' a léirigh Independent Pictures. Chom-chruthaigh sé an clár fáisnéise spórt a bhain gradaim IFTA amach 'Tall, Dark and Ó hAilpín' i 2007. Chomh-léirigh sé clár fáisnéise do RTÉ Raidió 1 darbh ainm 'Yola - Lost for Words' agus bíonn sé le feiceáil agus le cloisteáil ar chláracha raidió agus teilifíse eile go mion minic, The Business le George Lee ina measc. Bíonn Ó hEadhra ag blaggáil agus ag scríobh dona meáin chlóite chomh maith. The red quarter.blogspot.com é'n leathanach féin agus scríobhann sé roinnt altanna don Irish Daily Star agus The Time Online freisin. Tá sé ag obair ar a chéad albaim ceoil i mbliana freisin.

Liam Ó Maonlaí & Bono

Abair Amach é - Raidió na Life 106.4 FM ag tosnú Dé hAoine 4ú Márta 2011

Shame the Celtic Tiger didn't stick around as long as the Princeton Tigers or is it?

2011-03-03T07:10:00.000-08:00

The legendary Princeton Tigers

They say they can be fickle creatures and lack loyalty, the tigers. They are members of the Felidae family and are the largest of the big four cats in the genus panthera. That seems to be the case when we consider the Celtic Tiger.

It seems like a distant memory at this stage and as the Irish people wait for a new government to be formed, evidence that the joys of the Celtic Tiger did not benefit everyone and scrape its claws on everyones front door with more people begging on the streets of Dublin than ever before.

The opposite can be said for the Princeton Tigers however. Princeton never decreed that it's teams be referred to as the "Tigers". Orange and black were the colours chosen by their athletes in the 1860's and the nickname caught on in the 1880's when sportswriters called the players tigers. They are still known proudly as the Princeton Tigers and are an intimidating sight on the battle field.

Beggar in Dublin

As I walked by one of these beggars during lunch hour, I felt guilty for not giving them some money. I could have given them a paultry sum which is all I could afford and would have made me feel better and helped them buy half a coffee or something.

The Celtic Tiger is back where it belongs in my opinion. We were greedy people when it was in town. And the funny thing was that the only ones who felt its impact were the fats cats themselves. The rest of us were given loans we could not afford and mortgages were given every Tom, Dick and Harry.

So as we approach St. Patrick's day, spare a thought for those who are in a less fortunate situation that yourself and remember the Princeton tigers who lived up to the true meaning of their nickname being brave and courageous in the face of all adversity. Ireland needs that mentality in it's darkest hour, just like our Cricket team showed yesterday in the World Cup defeating England in Bangalore.

Kevin O'Brien & the Cricket team gave us all a boost yesterday defeating England

An-lá dona hÉireannaigh i mBangalore

2011-03-03T01:43:00.000-08:00

An la inné do fhoireann na hÉireann i gcoinne na Sasanaigh. Milis ar chuile shlí.

I can't believe he kicked the poor owl

2011-03-02T03:34:00.000-08:00

Mr. Sheen shines on TV screens

2011-03-01T01:16:00.000-08:00

When our own now former Taoiseach Brian Cowen went live to the nation in a highly "congested" state and gave Cathal Mac Coille of Morning Ireland that infamous interview, we listened in disbelief. It wasn't so much that the Taoiseach had been drinking and singing songs into the wee small hours the night before while our country was in the shit heap and that the worst economic downturn since the foundation of the state was now upon us that amazed us. But where were his highly paid media advisors who had let the interview go ahead?

In the above clip, you will witness more self destruction. The poor soul is in the same bracket of dillusion as Gadaffi at this stage. There isn't a more eloquent way to say this, Chalrie Sheen looks like shit and he is talking a hell of a lot of shit too. For God's sake, why does someone not help the man before he is just another one of those cases that "couldn't be helped".

Two and a half men is axed - Charlie Sheen - What a complete nut job

2011-02-25T01:56:00.000-08:00

Two and a half men has been axed following Charlie Sheen's ridiculous behaviour in recent times. This interview with Alex Jones helped executives make up their minds.

Óráid Joe Connolly i 1980 - Classic

2011-02-24T04:02:00.000-08:00

An-óráid go deo agus an-trachtaireacht ó Mhicheál Ó Hehir.

Tuaim Breac ag dul sa treo ceart

2011-02-21T02:50:00.000-08:00

Don triú bliain as a chéile, tá muid ar thóir na craoibhe i sraith sacar Loch Garman. Ó bunaíodh Tuaim Breac Aontaithe i 1991, níor éirigh leis an gcumann corn ar bith a chrochadh go dtí go ndearna muid an beart trí bliana ó shin ar an bpáirc baile i gCraan.

Bhí an inseacht chéanna ar an scéal anuraidh agus le cúnamh Dé beidh muid in ann an corn a thabhairt linn arís i mbliana. Tá ocht gcinn do chluichí crua fanta againn agus is é seo thíos mar a bhreathnaíonn an tábla.

Division Three	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts

Bree Utd	16	11	3	2	59	26	36
Tombrack Utd	14	10	3	1	45	17	33
Blackwater	16	10	3	3	43	25	33
North End Utd 2nd	18	9	4	5	50	24	31
Caim Utd	16	7	5	4	30	18	26
Raheen Utd	16	6	4	6	26	23	22
All Blacks 2nd	16	6	2	8	34	45	20
Killenagh	12	5	2	5	15	18	17
Crossabeg 2nd	14	5	0	9	24	46	15
Courtown Hibs 2nd	16	3	1	12	19	50	10
Forth Celtic 2nd	13	2	2	9	16	39	8
Ballagh	15	2	1	12	19	49	7

Feicfidh sibh an 'Crossbar Challenge' a rinne ceann dona leaids a thaifead nuair a bhí an pháirc chomh crua le áill thart ar mí Lúnasa. Ní bhreathnaíonn sé go maith dúinn ach bhí an-chraic ann mar sin féin.

Dúshlan thrasnáin Tuaim Breac Aontaithe

Liam Ó Maonlaí - Worry Not

2011-02-18T07:11:00.000-08:00

Liam Ó Maonlaí performing his song 'Worry Not' on BBC's Transatlantic Sessions with notable contributions from Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Martha Wainwright and Emily Smith. Go hálainn ar fad.

Maigh Eo chun an beart a dhéanamh ar deireadh

2011-02-17T01:50:00.000-08:00


Gilmore, Kenny & Ó Máirtín

Cé gur mó suime atá ag muintir Mhaigh Eo i mbuan Chorn Sam Mac Uighir a bhuachan, beidh siad sásta go maith má éiríonn le Enda Kenny an lá a bhaint amach ar an 25ú Feabhra. An fiche ceathrú Taoiseach ina iomláine orainn ach in am atá deacair i stair na Poblachta.

Freemen of Mayo
Cora Staunton,
Enda Kenny,
Louis Walsh....

Tá sé seo an-bharúil

2011-02-16T08:26:00.000-08:00

Tá sé seo an-bharúil ach ag an am céanna bheadh trua agat do chréatúr bocht. Trés drole.

Gattuso an t-amadán

2011-02-16T02:04:00.000-08:00

Ba chomhair go bhfaighfeadh Gattuso tréimhse fada ar fionraí mar gheall ar an gcineál seafóid a bhí ar siúl aige aréir i gcoinne Spurs. Ba chomhair go mbeadh cárta dearg faighte aige faoi thrí ar a laghad.

Joe Jordan, Harry Redknapp & Gattuso tar éis dó Jordan a bhrú sa muinéal

Ronaldo

2011-02-15T01:28:00.000-08:00

Tá an fíor Ronaldo tar eis éirí as. Bhí sé do-chreidte nuair sé ar bharr a réime. Seo físeán a thaispeáineann cuid dona scilleanna a bhí aige chomh nádúrtha sin. Beidh geansaí ar fáil dó i dTuaim Breac más maith leis, agus cúpla pionta Guinness ina dhiaidh Tí Choleman.

In Bloom

2011-02-11T04:26:00.000-08:00

New York mayor issues gaffe apology

Mhichael, a mhac.

Mr Bloomberg said he did not mean to offend anyone in his comments about the society's Manhattan headquarters.

He said normally when he walks by the building "there are a bunch of people that are totally inebriated hanging out the window waving".
Members of the Irish American community criticised the mayor.
He said he was talking about a party the society has yearly during the St Patrick's Day Parade.
City Council Speaker Christine Quinn said the remarks were "surprising and inappropriate" given the mayor's long history of support for the Irish community.
She said she was pleased he had apologised.

Allé le bleu nó Éire Abú?

2011-02-10T06:09:00.000-08:00

Tar éis dian-mhacnamh, tá mé ag iarraidh mo thuar a athrú don Domhnach. Éire 24 -24 An Fhrainc.

***********************************************************************************

Meastú an mbeidh an bua ag na Francaigh san Aviva ar an Domhnach. Tá cúlra chumasach acu praiseach a dhéanamh do phleananna na hÉireann, ag an stair atá fios. Tá mé féin chun an nod a thabhairt dár leaids féin.
Éire abú le cúnamh Dé.

Tógraí nua & súil le bua

2011-02-03T08:35:00.000-08:00

Le Cúnamh Dé i mbliana

Tá mé cinnte go mbím ag cur pian ar roinnt daoine ag labhairt faoi albam a thaifead i gcónaí ach níl sé chomh héasca sin tá mé ag rá leat - ar dtús báire caithfidh tú na hamhráin a scríobh agus a bheith sástas leo. Tá sé seo beagnach déanta ach ansin tagann an chéad phian sa tóin eile. Caithfeaar maoiniú a fháil chun an taifead a dhéanamh nó an tógra a mhaoiniú tú féin. Tá airgead sách mór i gceist leis seo. Ar aon chuma, chun scéal fada a dhéanamh gearr, tá sé ar na bocáin do 2011.

Freisin, tá mé i mbun sraith raidió a chuir le chéile do Raidió na Life - tá mé an-tógtha leis seo agus ag súil go mór leis. Tá clár amháin sa gcan agam mar a deirtear agus tá súil agam go mbeidh siad ar fáil ar an mblog seo nuair a bhíonn siad déanta. Ta Liam Ó Maonlaí agus David Norris chun labhairt liom so beidh spraoi ann cibé rud a tharlaíonn.

Agus ar deireadh an bua sin atá mé ag caint faoi, tá mé ag caint faoi Tombrack United ár ndóigh - Seampíní dhá bhliain as a chéile i Sraith Sacar Loch Garman. Tá an seans againn an "Double" a dhéanamh i mbliana agus le cúnamh Dé, éireoidh linn an sprioc sin a bhaint amach. Tá foireann an-láidir againn agus bionn muid ag traenáil an-chrua ach tá sé deacair é a choinneáil suas. Ar aon chuma, tá súil agam go n-eireoidh linn na coirn a thabhairt ar ais go Tuaim Breac sna míosa atá amach romhainn.

Tuaim Breac Aontaithe Seampíní 2009/2010

An Éigipt

2011-02-01T04:01:00.000-08:00

Ag iarraidh fáil réidh le Mubarak

World's Stupiest Goalkeeper

2011-01-28T02:06:00.000-08:00

Self explanatory!

Hill 16 la la la, OMG

2011-01-27T01:38:00.000-08:00

Jedward iad féin

Fair plé do bhord peile Átha Cliath. Tá siad chun réalta móra do chuid saol an cheoil ar nós Jedward, Damien Dempsey agus beirt eile a bhfuil sé ráite go bhfuil Imelda May ar cheann acu a chur chun páirce ag leath-hama sna cluichí sraithe a bhéas ar siúl i bPáirc an Chrócaigh.

The "Dublin Spring Series" atá siad a thabhairt ar an ócáid seo agus beidh tuismitheoir agus páiste amháin in ann freastal ar cheithre chluiche agus na ceolchoirmeacha seo ar chostas do €55. An-mhargadh go deo. Níl aon dabht faoi ach go dtabharfaidh sé níos mó daoine chuig na cluichí agus beidh an-chraic ag an lucht féachana. Ach meastú an mbfuil Páirc an Chrócaigh réidh do Jedward?

Laoch na Dubs, Bernard Brogan

Deportivo Brasil's Gladstony gets the bum rush

2011-01-26T05:22:00.000-08:00

I feel sorry for this stretcher bearer, he is only a teenager and Gladstony must be heavy enough. It is however very funny, almost like a skit.

Gentleman does not go gently into that good Frontline night

2011-01-21T07:40:00.000-08:00

I posted this video on my facebook page a few weeks ago but it was so entertaining and funny that i said to myself, yes, I should throw this on my blog. It really epitomises the feeling of the nation at the moment and even though the poor man must have problems or comes accross as someone who does (he must do if he was "waiting years for this opportunity"). Look at the little old lady to the man's right, she is so uncomfortable - comedy could not be written better or indeed acted out as good! Enjoy a chairde.

Cé acu seo a bhéas mar Thaoiseach againn tar éis an olltoghchán

2011-01-19T02:26:00.000-08:00

Is it Bertie or is it Biffo?

Who loves ya baby

Eamon Gilmore

Villa Bent Over as Keane eyes up Sunderland

2011-01-19T01:29:00.000-08:00

Quinn & Keane go back a long way

I said it all along but I will say it again now for those in the back. Robbie Keane's future as a striker in the top tier of English football rests on the shoulders of his former Republic of Ireland strike partner and Sunderland FC Chairman Niall Quinn. Mother Theresa as Roy Keane once infamously knicknamed him will surely now pounce on his fellow Dubliner in attempt to quickly fill the void that has been made by mediocre England international Darren Bent.

Obviously, Sunderland manager Steve Bruce will have a major say in any signing of any incoming player but this type of decision would seem to be glaringly obvious. They need someone who can score goals at this level. Bada Bing. Bent is an natural goalscorer and has been bettered only by Drogba and Rooney in recent years in the quest for the top goalscorer accolade. Robbie Keane is also a natural goalscorer and has a similar style to Bent as much as the two have been that fraction on the "slow" side to be the complete article when it comes to being world class strikers.

Doubt it's 3 fingers he's showing him now

However this would seem to be a no-brainer considering Sunderland have made a lot of money on the bizarre decision that Bent has made in leaving. And the fact that traditionally the Black Cats have struggled to bring top quality talent to the north east, one would imagine it is a tailored made deal for a man who needs first team football and a club who needs a striker of the of Keane's quality.

Whatever happened with the so-called Birmingham deal and the wages asked for it sure is a stumbling block. Keane won't be sold for much over £7 million when all things are considered and it's a crying shame for the man that so much time has been wasted since that "glamour" move to Liverpool over a year ago.

"I don't want you here haha" I know haha...

Had Dalglish been manager at the time, Keane could well be an Anfield legend by now and he and Torres could well have forged a great partnership not too unlike the one Keane enjoyed with Dimitar Berbatov in the halcyon days at Spurs. If this move doesn't happen then things will be pretty serious for the Republic's all time top scorer. It would appear that it is a match made in football heaven but only time will tell if the God's are shining on him at last.

H'way the Boys!

Birmingham not so Keane anymore

2011-01-17T09:35:00.000-08:00

Keane used to be main man.

Birmingham have dropped their interest in the Irish captain due to the fact that it just didn't make financial sense in the long term considering his age, length of contract and the wages he would undoubtedly seek. Tá sé i bpicil cheart anois! Redknapp wants rid of him and one wonders what options are left open to a striker who is losing pace and confidence but who still demands wages of a top Premier League hit man.

Wishes Keane well but wants rid!

More importantly, it doesn't exactly augur well for the Republic of Ireland considering Keane has been the main threat up front for the past decade and it appears that under Trapattoni's "astute guidance" Keane will hardly be dropped. This is turning into quite a depressing 12 months for Mr. Robert Keane.

Dúshlán Annevalley - 12ú Feabhra Port Láirge

2011-01-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

The 5th AnneValley 5 Mile Challenge
Starting (about 200 meters from) and finishing at Harney’s Pub Dunhill, Co.
Waterford. Runners to collect numbers and timing chip from 9.30am until 11:30am on morning of race in Harney Pub, Dunhill.
Check out www.annevalleyrunning.webs.com for further race day details
Race Starts @ 12noon.
Race has Approved AAI Race Permit.
Accurately mapped course.
Chip Timing.
Overall & Category prizes.
Refreshments supplied after race in Harney’s Pub
Showers available after race.
Course Map can be found at http://www.runningmap.com/?id=152619
Website : www.annevalleyrunning.webs.com
www.aroundtheyearin24pints.blogspot.com

Dóibh siúd atá in ann - déan. Dóibh siúbh nach feidir - stop ag caint! Beidh muid ann!!

2011 and away we go

2011-01-13T03:24:00.000-08:00

The first post...get it?

Seo mo chéad alt don bhliain nua. Bhí tréimhse an-ghnóthach agam ó roimhe na Nollag ar aghaidh mar go bhfuair mé post nua san Árd Chathair agus gur thosaigh mé amach ar shaol nua mar chomaitéir nó commuter dona fíor-ghaelgeoirí inár measc.

Thosaigh mé amach ar nós searach óg soinneanta nach raibh mórán eolais aige ar an gcineál seo saol - ag éirí i bhfad ró-luatha ar maidin agus é beagnach fós ina oíche taobh amuigh, chiallaigh sé seo go raibh mé i bhfad ró-thuirseach um thráthnóna agus níl sé sin go maith ár ndóigh. Ach tar éis léirmhéas a dhéanamh ar mo chuid taicticí taistil theis an chéad lá, thuisligh mé ar an bhfoirmle cheart - b'é sin tiomaint go Bré agus an Dart nó an Dort a fháil go stáisiún na bPiarsach cúpla nóiméad siúil ón oifig.

The Dort to Bray

Tá mé ag baint an-taitneamh go deo as an bpost go dtí seo caithfidh mé a rá agus mé ag tabhairt aire do shuíomh idirghréasán Foras na Gaeilge. Cé go bhfuil mé fostaithe ag an gcomhlacht Media One, tá mé lonnaithe in oifigí an Fhorais atá ar chearnóg Mhuirfean mar sin tá an-suíomh oibre agam.

Áit dheas agus daoine dheasa leis. Droch bhliain don tír seo a bhí i 2010 agus tá súil againn uilig go mbeidh 2011 níos fearr dúinn ar chuile bhealach. Droch thús áfach agus scéal fíor- bhrónach faoi Michaela McAreavey a dúnmharaíodh agus í ar mí na meala lena fear céile John. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.

Spriocanna Pearsanta

Annacurra Mountain 10km 2010

Ní leagaim amach spriocanna pearsanta ar nós "New Years resolutions" dom féin dháiríre ach is maith liom margadh a dhéanamh liom féin ionas go spreagadh an margadh sin mé chun na spriocanna a bhaint amach. Cineál aisteach ach ar bhealach oibríonn sé. Má dheirim liom féin, má bhaineann tú seo amach, is féidir leat siúd a dhéanamh :)

Ar chuid dona spriocanna atá uaim a bhaint amach i 2011 tá;

Mo phost nua a dhéanamh chomh maith agus is féidir liom agus mo lorg fein a fhágáil ar
Tabhairt faoi tograí nua teilifíse agus raidió más féidir
Iarracht a dhéanamh níos mó airgead a shábháil (I know)
An sraith a bhuachan le Tombrack United as an triú bliain as a chéile..Stair
Coinneáil aclaí agus le cúnamh Dé séasúr eile peile ghaelach a imirt le Coill Rúis/An Eascaigh Mór - braitheann sé seo ar am mar gheall ar an bpost nua
Cuairt a thabhairt ar mo cholceathar agus a chlann i mBoston le Deborah agus an James Joyce ramble a rith má thagann dátaí le chéile
Beagán taistil a dhéanamh - Bhí mé i mBerlin, Cornwall & Krakow anuraidh agus thaitin siad go mór liom
Teacht suas le breis spriocanna agus an bhliain ag dul ar aghaidh.....

Yazz of course

Tá súil le Dia agam go mbeidh bliain mhaith agam féin, mo chlann agus mo chairde agus an tír. Bhí páiste ag ceann do mo chuid cairde agus a bhean céile le déanaí. Tá mé cairdiúil le Ciarán ó bhí muid thart ar 5 bliana d'aois nó mar sin agus bhí mé thar a bheith ríméadach dóibh nuair a chuala mé uaidh go raibh buachaill acu - peileadóir eile cinnte. Coinnigh ag imeacht ar aon chuma, the only way is up mar a deir Yazz fadó.

Dáil Musical in honour of Olli Rehn

2010-11-26T08:16:00.001-08:00

The Star of the Show

This year's Dáil musical will be the Charles Dickens classic 'Oliver's Twist' in respect of Olli Rehn's recent visit to our fair isle. Brian Lenihan has been heard rehearsing his contribution 'You've got to pick a pocket or two' in his office after cabinet meetings recently.

Mr.Lenihan will sing
'You've gotta pick a pocket or two'

Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith looked very agitated in the corridor the other day seeking Mary Ó Rourke's advice on whether he was in key or not - he was performing his rendition of 'Food Glorious Food' - no doubt referring to the 53 tonnes of free cheese the Government plans to distribute before Christmas.

There will be other notable performers such as Minister Harney who was obviously practicing "As long as he needs me" by herself in the corner of the Dáil bar while an Taoiseach was belting out a version of "Who will buy" in the early hours in the same drink hole. He didn't seem to lack in confidence.

It was difficult for a second to make out what John Gormley and Mary Coughlan were singing, both as usual were out of tune with one another and were also out of time singing "I'd do anything". Lastly, it nearly brought a tear to my eye when I went to relieve myself and i heard Dan Boyle in a toilet cubicle reluctantly singing "Boy for sale". He must have been tweeting at the same time or something because it seemed his mind wasn't on the job at hand and I'm almost sure he was sobbing.

The full cast in no particular order...

The White Elephant speaketh

2010-11-23T07:09:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lc9bPfVxCX0&feature=related

With people like this in our parliment, is it any wonder the country is up shit creek? Ní cheapfainn é!

Once upon a time in a land called Ireland

2010-11-03T08:42:00.000-07:00

Me, Minister Carey & Liam Mulvihill

Once upon a time, in a land called Ireland. Green turned to grim, our economy was flopping. Biffo's, Green gos, Nama's & Quangos, Endas, Eamos & credit rating droppings. Bailouts, pay cuts, Levy's & pensions, Norris in the Park all kinds of sexual tensions.

Disclaimer-I don't know who this is

Losing our jobs, losing our money, losing our heads - not one bit funny. A dhaoine uaisle, tis the way we are, us Irish love a good moan and a jar. Be it election or morning congestion, forget the blame or those dirty big bankers. Take the pain, see our leaders get fatter, sure we'll be ok as they lived happily ever after!

Oireachtas & Maratón Bhleá Cliath

2010-10-27T02:52:00.000-07:00

Beidh mé thíos i gCill Áirne ar feith an lae Dé hAoine mar go bhfuil seastán ag Na Macallaí san INEC in éindí leis na gnóluchtaí agus eagraíochtaí eile Gaeilge. Beidh sé go maith labhairt leo siúd atá sa mbád céanna linn féin agus nótaí a bhabhtáil. Tá muid ag dul faoi mholtóireacht Ghlór na nGael freisin do chomórtas na bliana seo mar sin, ní bheidh sé éasca mar a deir an fear eile.

Seo mé féin & Big Bren théis an Annacurra
10km mountain run i mí Eanair

Ba mhaith liom comhghairdeachas a dhéanamh leis na luthchleasaithe a rith maratón Bhleá Cliath Dé Luain, go háirithe mo dheartháir féin Breandán, cineál 'seasoned Marathon runner' anois é le Berlin, New York agus Florence rite aige cheanna ach tá an-bhliain traenála déanta i mbliana aige bail ó Dhia air an bhfear. Bhí sé in ainm's ceann Londain a rith trí bliana ó shin ach bhí gortú ag cuir as dó mar sin chuaigh mise in éindí leis le haghaidh tacaíocht a thabhairt do Ronán agus turas ragairneach a thabhairt ar na háiteanna mór le rá sa chathair stairiúil sin. House of Commons, London Eye, Natural History Museum, Trafalgar Square, The Crown & Anchor, Nell Gwen agus mar sin de. :)

3.43 a rith sé i mBÁC. Cuimhne i gceart ar sin - bheadh tú i mBleá Cliatha go héasca as Gaillimh. Shílfeá gur ag magadh atá mé faoi ach ní shea ach a mhalairt, ní cheapfainn go mbeinn féin in ann ag an maratón....fós!

Nothin' like a good dose of nostalgia

2010-10-20T03:20:00.000-07:00

There sure ain't nothin' quite like a good dose of nostalgia, especially when it comes to TV theme tunes and intros. It's a classic road trip game 'guess the theme tune' and it always puts people in a good mood.

Here are some guilty favorites from my own 80's childhood. Feel free to add your own if you like via comment below.

The dishy blonde was an American
actress called Susan Walden
& was also in MacGyver & Matlock

Danger Bay - Grant Roberts always had that Steve Silver mint quality about him but his kids really got on my nerves. There was a dishy blonde as well, her name escapes me now but I am nearly certain Grant was taking care of business there.

Poor Relic had a drink problem

Beachcombers - Another Canadian classic I believe that was made up of quirky, pathetic characters and a token gesture native American for political correctness. But it was so obvious why he was there it was incorrect, even a child could see that.

Littlest Hobo - Yes, that annoying dog who always managed to give Lassie a run for his money and who could always find his way home.

Great theme tune

Perfect Strangers - This may have been a bit of an odd choice for a youngster but Balkie was a great character and it was great after finishing my intense homework of Busy at Maths 4 and New Treasury of English questions.

Great Show

Taxi - This was another peculiar one for a young boy growing up as I reminisce. It starred Danny De Vito, his wife Marilu Henner, later to star in Cheers, Tony Danza from Who's the Boss and of course the great Andy Kaufman as Ladka. A brilliant Saturday night favourite.
"Richard, go chodladh".

Katherine Helmond who played
"Mona" is now 82

Who's the Boss - Tony Danza and Alyssa Milano. Enough said.

There are just some classics that come to mind.
I will top them up from time to time. God, I love nostalgia.

Bhfuil an Trap leagtha?

2010-10-12T08:59:00.000-07:00

Vladimir Weiss - Dóchasach i gcoinne Éirinn.

Tá Trapattoni agus Weiss go mór faoi bhrú anocht mar gur imir na Rúsigh foireann na hÉireann den pháirc an oíche cheana agus bhí cluiche náireach ag an tSlóvaic i gcoinne Armenia as baile freisin. Dár le liosta FIFA, tá foireann na Slóvaic luaite níos airde thuas an dréimire ná na Rúisigh.

Miroslav Stoch - in ann a bheith dána!

Oh oh! Le bheith fírinneach faoi áfach, níl seans na ngrást go bhfuil siad níos fearr ná na Rúisigh cé gur éirí leo iad a bhualadh i Moscó an mhí seo caite. Bhí siad san Aifric Theas sa samhradh chomh maith agus rinne siad maith go leor - níos fearr ná rinne Éirinn ár ndóigh.

Beidh na sciana amuigh anocht mar sin agus beidh an dá fhoireann ag iarraidh trí phointe a fháil ach cé gur árdaigh go leor daoine, imreoirí ina measc ceisteanna faoin stíl imeartha a roghnaigh Trapattoni i gcoinne na Rúise (an sean stíl agus meirg ar) ní cosúil go bhfeicfidh muid aon athraithe réabhlóideach anocht. Given, Ó Shea, Dunne, St. Ledger, Kilbane, Lawerence/Fahey, Green, Whelan, McGeady, Long & Keane é'n foireann a rachaidh chun páirce agus beidh siad ag iarraidh feabhas a chuir ar an taispeántas cinnte ach an mbeidh siad in ann? Cúigear astu siúd a bhíonn ag imirt seachtain i ndiaidh seachtain, beirt i bpríomh roinn Shasana agus tá an ceart ag Trapattoni nach bhfuil an caighdeán ann.

Tiocfaidh Shane Long isteach in áit Kevin Doyle ach meastú an mbeidh mórán tionchar ag an iar-imreoir mhionúir Thiobraid Árainn ar an gcluiche? Ní bheidh más liathróidí mhór fhada a choinníonn siad ag lascadh isteach ina threo, go háirithe gan camán ina láimh aige.

Céard a tharla do Leon Best nó Caleb Folan a mhaireann ar an gcomhraic san aer? Folan a d'imir i gcoinne na hIodáile i Bari! Níl siad ag imirt go rialta dá gclub is dóigh, Sea...ach ní bhíonn leath don fhoireann ach oiread.... Tá Long ar nós cú agus má fhaigheann sé deis rith i dtreo na gcosantóirí beidh sé contóirteach. Cuirfidh mé m'airgead ar McGeady an eangach a aimsiú anocht - C'mon McGeady, ná scaoil síos anois mé!

Tá sé an-deacair an cluiche seo a ghlaoch nuair a smaoiníonn tú gur imir na Rúisigh thar barr i gcoinne foireann na Slóvaice i Moscó ach go bhfuair an tSlóvaic seans amháin gar do dheireadh na himeartha agus bhí iomlan na bpointí acu ag dul abhaile. Is aisteach an chaoi a dtéann sé amantaí but that's football. Bheadh sé milis dá mbeadh an t-ádh sin ar Trapattoni anocht.

Dhéarfainn féin go dtiocfaidh muid as Zilina le pointe amháin ar a laghad. Ní dóigh liom go bhfuil an caighdeán céanna ag imreoirí lár páirce na Slóvaice agus a bhí ag fir Advocaat agus tá an 'siege mentality' ar ais ag foireann na hÉireann. Is léir gur shíl cuid dona himreoirí go raibh siad níos fearr ná bhí tar éis an oíche sin i bPáras agus seans go bhfuil a gcosa ar ais ar an talamh arís faoi dheireadh.

Rudaí athraithe ó shin ar chuile bhealach!

Tá cúlú eacnamaíochta againn sa tír seo le tamall anois, an uair dheireadh a bhí 'recession' sa tír bhí an-fhoireann go deo againn agus d'imir siad stíl cineál céanna. Sín'n fhadhb faraor ná nach bhfuil na himreoirí sin againn anois. Bonner, McGrath, Houghton, Whelan srl. Bhí go leor don Paddy factor i gceist an t-am sin freisin, sílim go dteastaíonn buicéid don Paddy Factor chéanna as seo amach má tá uainn Euro 2012 a bhaint amach!

Dúirt Bill Shankly uair amháin "A lot of football success is in the mind. You must believe you are the best, then make sure you are"

Sílim go n-oibríonn sé sin nuair atá imreoirí den scoth agat ó cheann ceann na páirce. Feicfidh muid!

Seo chugainn na Rúisigh

2010-10-08T07:06:00.000-07:00

Tá tuairim ag chuile dhuine faoi chluiche na hoíche anocht mar sin tá sé in am agam féin mo chaipín a chaith sa bhfáinne. Díreach amach, déarfaidh mé 2-1 d'Éirinn. Dána, tá's agam go bhfuil sé sin dána ó tharla nár cháill na Rúisigh ach uair amháin amach as an cheithre uair déag a thugadar turas go Ирландия (Éirinn) i Rúisís ach mothaím dearfach faoin oíche anocht.

Cén fath a bhfuil mé dóchasach mar sin a chloisim sibh ag rá? Bhuel tá sé simplí ar bhealach. Is ollamh do chuid na peile é Trapattoni agus tá an cineál seo cluiche feicthe aige cheana agus a mhacasamháil don chineál foireann seo imithe trína lámha cheana. Tuigeann sé ar dtús báire cén chaoi cluiche a chosaint ar bheagán acmhainn. Is bainisteoir diúltach é, ach ag an am céanna b'fhearr liom bainisteoir diúltach a fhaigheann torthaí dearfacha sa bhfad-théarma ná Maverick a fhaigheann sólás as an sean ráiteas Éireannach sin, 'A Moral Victory'.

Tá dul chun cinn mór déanta againn sa tír seo i dtéarmaí spórt agus tá muid ag súil le níos mó agus níos mó i gcónaí. Nuair a d'éirigh chomh maith lenár ndornálaithe i mBeijing, bhí chuile dhuine ag fiafraigh cén fath nach bhféadfadh muid an cineál leibhéal céanna a shroichint sna spórtanna eile? Ceist mhaith. Ní féidir a rá go bhfuil an dornálaíocht níos éasca tá sé sin cinnte!

Ach anocht sílim agus Éirinn sa mbaile agus iad muiníneach iontu féin go bhfuil an meon cheart acu chun an láimh in uachtar a fháil ar na Rúisigh. Ní cáillteanas mór é Pavlyuchenko dháiríre agus de réir mar a bhí Dick Advocat ag labhairt ní cosúil go mbeadh sé ag tosnú ar aon chuma. Ní maith le Arshavin a bheith ag imirt i gcoinne leithidí Richard Dunne ach má thugann siad spás dó tá sé contóirteach.

Tá aithne againn ar Yury Zhirkov óna chuid imeartha le Chelsea agus ó Euro 2008. Tá seisean go maith ag teacht chun cinn mar chosantóir ach tá sé in ann a bheith ciotach go maith san ngreamú mar sín ní chuireadh sé íontas ar bith orm dá nathródh McGeady agus Lawerence cliabhán chun Zhirkov a cheannsú agus é a chuir faoi bhrú.

Mothaím go bhfaighfidh McGeady a chéad chúl idirnáisiúnta anocht. Tá sé ag imirt níos fearr ná bhí riamh agus tá an moncaí a bhí ar a dhroim agus é le Celtic caite uaidh aige. Is cosúil gur fheil an athrú go Moscó dó. Tá an-mheas ag imreoirí na Rúise ar agus faitíos freisin. Ni scaoileann Robbie Keane síos riamh muid i gcoinne na fóirne móra (An Ghearmáin & An Spáinn - Corn Domhain 2002, An Iodáil & An Fhráinc i bPáras 2009) agus beidh seisean ag iarraidh a léiriú do Harry Redknapp gur fiú a áit ar fhoireann Spurs é agus cuirfidh mé schilling ar go bé a bhaineas an teangach amach freisin. Cruthíonn Doyle fadhbanna san aer do chosantóirí i gcónaí - sílim féin go dtugann a chúlra CLG buntáiste mhaith dó chun a láidreacht a úsáid go háirithe san aer.

Sílim go dtiocfaidh cúil as saor chiceanna nó ciceanna cúinne mar ní foireann muid a aimsíonn cúil as imirt oscailte go hiondúil cé gur bhfuair Doyle agus Keane péire san imirt i gcoinne Andorra.

Ba chomhair go mbeadh an-chluiche ann ar aon chuma mar go gcaithfidh na Rúisigh an bua a fháil nó beidh siad beagnach as an áireamh do Euro 2012 tar éis dóibh cáiligh i gcoinne Slovakia sa mbaile. Níor cháiligh siad don chorn domhanda ach oiread mar sin teastaíonn uathu teacht amach go láidir.

Tá dearmad déanta ar Pháras faoin am seo, cineál, agus dóchas ag fóireann na Poblachta go bhfuil siadsan in ann an Phólainn agus an Úcráin a bhaint amach. Feicfidh muid céard a tharlóidh nios déanaí.

Éire abú!

Calling all Plastic Connies...

2010-09-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

Bhí braith orm cuir isteach ar chomórtas áirithe ag Oireachtas na Gaeilge i mbliana. Ní aon gnáth chomórtas áfach ach oiread - an Rolls Royce dóibh agus an ceann is mó cáil agus tóir - Corn Uí Riada ár ndóigh! Wow wee I say.

Níl sé éasca bíodh fhios agat amhrán ar an sean nós a chasadh go cumasach, snasta! Agus dóibh siúd a cheapann nach bhfuil i gceist ach scéal brónach a rá mar a bheadh tú ar leaba an bháis, smaoinigí arís. Is scil an-deacair go deo atá ann amhrán gan tionlacan a chasadh.

Dúirt Bob Dylan uair amháin gur chuir sé as dó go mbíodh daoine ag rá nach raibh sé go maith ag casadh. Thug sé cuireadh dóibh siúd a bhí dhá cháineadh iarracht a dhéanamh na nótaí a bhuail seisean a bhualadh. Níl fhios agam cé mhéid a bhain trial ach oiread.

D'fhéadfá Bob Dylan a shamhlú ag casadh amhrán ar an tsean nós freisin mar gur san stíl sin a bhí go leor dá chuid amhráin féin scríofa, cé go raibh tionlacan giotár aigesan agus banna ceoil níos déanaí ina shaol ceoil ach bhí an bun-phrionsabal mar an gcéanna. Tóig amach an tionlacan as 'The Ballad of Hollis Brown' mar shampla, aistrigh go Gaeilge é agus tá Dylan ag casadh amhrán ar an sean nós!!

Bhíodh banna ceoil agamsa agus mé níos óige in éindí le triúr eile do mo chuid cairde agus a dhiabhail bhíodh an-chraic go deo againn, Minera a thug muid orainn féin. Sheas muid an fód ar son na hÉireann i gcomórtas idirnáisiúnta an Phan-Cheilteach i dTrá Lí fiú. Níor éirigh linn an bua a fháil ach bhí muid bródúil gur éirigh linn dul chomh fada sin agus gan muid ach seacht mbliana déag d'aois ag an am. Danas a bhí ionainn dháiríre ach níor tugadh leath oiread áirde orainn ar chúis éicint.

Sé Liam Ó Maonlaí a chuir an síol seo i mo chloigeann faoi tabhairt faoin gcomórtas sean nóis. Bhí sé ag seinm ag an bhféile chultúrtha Gaeilge a eagraíonn mé féin agus mo chomhleacaithe óna Macallaí anseo i Loch Garman chuile bhliain. Bhí Liam ag seinm i mbliana agus bhí sé do-chreidte amach agus amach mar 'headline'.
Bhí an oiread sin smachta aige ar an lucht féachana go raibh sé in ann dhá amhrán sean nóis i ndiaidh chéile a chasadh agus ní raibh giog as aon nduine, agus ní mar gheall gur codladh a chuir sé orthu ach oiread a mba chúis leis an gciúnas.
Bhí draíocht áirithe ag baint leis agus bhí nasc idir é agus iad siúd uilig a bhí ag éisteacht leis ar chearnóg Selskar faoin spéir oscailte. Shílfeá gur ar feith na hama go raibh chuile dhuine den lucht féachana líofa sa Ghaeilge agus gur thuig siad an scéal a bhí taobh thiar dena hamhráin.

Meastú an mbeinn féin in ann an smacht sin a fháil a deir mé- soineannta! 'Former Pan Celtic Star wows Glastonbury with sean nós number Amhrán Mhuinse' The Sun! Agus ansin dúisíonn tú suas...Ach bheadh sé an-suimiúil dom féin a fheiceáil a mbeinn in ann amhrán ar an tsean nós a smachtú agus a bheith onraic faoi ós comhair sluaite an Oireachtais.

Árdaíonn sé ceisteann ionam féin mar fhear a rugadh agus a tóigeadh i gConamara freisin. Nach bhfuil sé scríofa i mbunreacht Chonamara áit éicint go mba chomhair go mbeadh aon duine a rugadh agus a tóigeadh sa gceantar álainn sin in ann na rudaí seo a leanas a dhéanamh gan ceist ar bith?

Ba chomhair go mbeadh tú in ann;

Seoltóireacht
Amhrán ar an sean nós a chasadh
Currach a iomair
Fataí a chur agus a bhaint

An 'Plastic Connie' mise mar sin mar gheall nach mbeinn in ann ach ceann amháin acu seo thuasluaite a chomhlíonadh, nó ceachtar acu a chomhlíonadh go snasta? Cé mhéad duine a rugadh agus a tóigeadh i gConamara a bheadh in ann meastú?

Calling all Plastic Connies...Plastic Connies to the information desk please..

Down and Out

2010-09-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

Cheap mé féin go mbeadh an lá leis An Dún ach is léir nach raibh na 'rebels' chun géilleadh inné cibé rud a thiteadh amach. Fair plé don dá fhoireann, an-chluiche peile, go háirithe an dara leath. Bhí sé go deas imreoirí a fheiceáil ag bualadh ciceanna saor ón talamh freisin. Nach iomaí peileadóir agus cluiche ceannais atá feicthe ag Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh síos trína mblianta, tá súil agam go mbeidh laethanta deasa aige mar dhuine don lucht féachana anois.

Bhí an cluiche ceannais buaite ag Tiobraid Árainn nuair a d'fhág Henry an aicsean

2010-09-06T06:15:00.000-07:00

Bhí sé tuillte acu níl aon dabht faoi sin ach ba léir domsa ar aon chuma gur cháill go leor do fhoireann Chill Cainnigh misneach nuair a d'fhág Henry páirc na himeartha. Théis cluiche ceannais na bliana seo caite ní dóigh liom go mbeadh aon duine seachas lucht tacaíochta Chill Cainnigh nach mbeadh sásta Eoin Kelly a fheiceáil agus corn Liam Mhic Cárthaigh ina láimh aige. Imreoir den scoth agus fear uasal ina theannta sin.

Ach a Thiarna bhí Lar Corbett go maith agus cé nach bhfuair sé in oiread don sliotar agus a mba chomhair dó, níor chuir sé aon chuid dá chuid seansanna amú. Níl aon dabht faoi ach gur thóig sé iomarca céimeanna agus é ag déanamh ar chúl na gcait don dara cúl úd ach ní fhéadfá lucht a fháil ar go háirithe nuair a chaith Jackie Tyrell a chamán leis ar stíl Kung Fu.

D'imir chuile dhuine dona Tiobradaigh as a gcraiceann agus nuair a chuir Brendan Cummins an sliotar idir na postaí leath bealach tríd an dara leath, bhí sé soiléar go raibh an 'drive for five' tar éis briseadh síos. Bhí trua agam do Henry Shefflin nuair a bhí ar an pháirc a fhágáil tar éis dá ghlúin crapadh faoi. Ní bhíonn sé go deas imreoirí a fheiceáil ag fágáil na páirce mar sin am ar bith.

Bhain Shefflin trial as an nglúin mar a dhéanadh Gladiator ar bith ach faroar níor éirí leis an ceann is fearr a fháil ar a chorp. Bhí íontas orm nár chaith sé tacaíocht ar bith ar a ghlúin a thabharfadh beagán eile láidreacht dó ach is dóigh go mbeadh a fhios ag na saineolaithe leighis níos mó ná mise cén slí is fearr chun tabhairt faoi na rudaí sin.

Ba léir ansin gur cháill an fhoireann i gcoitinne beagán misnigh. Gairid ina dhiaidh dó an pháirc a fhágáil, chuir Richie Power puc saor amú agus cé gur chuir sé idir na gcipíní an chuid is mó dona hiarrachtaí, chuir sé roinnt mhaith ar lár freisin, an-chostasach i gcluiche ceannais na hÉireann.

Níor aimsigh Eddie Brennan scór ar bith, tháinig Benny Dunne chun páirce agus d'aimsigh cúilín, baineadh TJ Reid a bhí ag imirt thar barr don pháirc agus scóráil cúl báire Thiobraid Árainn Brendan Cummins cúilín. Ag breathnú siar ar an gcluiche, ba léir óna rudaí thuasluaite go raibh sé ag titim go deas d'fhoireann Chúige Mumhan i rith an lae. Hindsight mar a deirtear.

Fair plé dóibh agus fair plé d'fhir Brian Cody agus Cody féin freisin. Is iad a d'árdaigh an caighdeán agus is iad fós atá mar eiseamláir ag na fóirne eile. Beidh siad ar ais agus cé go raibh an lá le Tipp inné, is léir ó bheith ag breathnú ar foireann mioniúir na gCait nach bhfuil stop ar bith leis an mbua atá acu imreoirí den scoth a chruthú i gcathair an mharmair.

Viva Aviva

2010-08-12T02:38:00.000-07:00

So bhí muid san Aviva, níl an fhuaim chéanna ag an ainm sin agus atá ag Lansdowne Road agus ní bheidh riamh sílim. Níl aon stair nó scéal ag baint leis ach airgead, ach céard is féidir a dhéanamh is dóigh, sin é an chaoi a bhfuil rudaí sa lá atá inniú ann. We're a long way from home now toto.
D'imir Robbie Keane sa ngeansaí glas don 100ú uair aréir bail ó Dhia 's ar Mhuire air an mbuachaill agus é fós in ann cúil a aimsiú - níor éirigh leis aréir áfach ach tá sé in ann, dháiríre!

Ar bhealach ba chuma faoin torradh aréir, ba ócáid bhródúil a bhí ann do lucht sacar na tíre seo agus lucht spórt i gcoitinne. Ar nós páistí maidin lá Nollaig ag taispeáint na bréagáin álainn snasta nua a thug Seaintí dóibh. Bhí an cluiche beo ar Sky Sports 1 & HD 1 & 3-D 2 and HSC 3 and Sky Smell 23 aréir mar sin chonaic an domhain é.

Chuala mé fear amháin ag rá agus muid ag déanamh ár mbealach amach go mall as an stáid "It'll be interesting to see if it'll be as shiny and clean in a few years time though" Nach beag a bhí ag cuir as dó - Irish cycnicism is dóigh, you just can't beat it!

D'imir an Argintín na hÉireannaigh amach don pháirc don móramh don chluichí ach ba bheag íontais a chuir sé sin ar aon duine. Cuir an dá fhoireann i gcomparáid agus tá na milliúin punt, euro cibé airgead reatha sa difríocht. An t-aon Messi a bhí ag Éirinn ná Paul McShane agus sin Messi le Y (Messy).

Ach ar a laghad tá stáid bhreá anois againn. D'fhág Tíogar Cheilteach rud éigin againn is cosúil. Ar aghaidh leis na Euro qualifiers anois. There's no show like a Gio show!

Ceol Cé 2010 - An-line-up go deo agus in AISCE!!

2010-08-04T02:46:00.000-07:00

Is ar an 28ú Lúnasa a bhéas Féile Ceol Cé na bliana seo i gcearnóg Selskar i mbaile Loch Garman. Iompóidh an chearnóg isteach ina lár-ionad chultúrtha don lá ar fad áit a bhéas imeachtaí don chlann uilig ag tarlú.

Beidh péinteáil éadain ar siúl chomh maith le dealbhadóireacht ballúin agus go leor eile. Ina theannta sin, beidh taispeáintais cheardaíochta le feiceáil ar an gcearnóg, déantús chiseáin agus potadóireacht ina measc.

Beidh ceol mar chroí-lár ag an bhféile seo agus tá ceoltóirí don scoth chun a bheith i láthair ar an lá. Beidh na Celtic Roots agus na Wilds Turkeys gur as Loch Garman dóibh ag seinm luatha sa lá agus is ceol tradisiúnta a bhéas faoi chaibidéal acu siúd.

Beidh grúpa Samba Loch Garman ag tabhairt blaise idirnáisiúnta don lá freisin agus iad ag cuir taispeáintas spleodrach ar fáil dúinn.

Is iad Luan Parle agus Clive Barnes iad na chéad cheoltóirí a bhéas ar an bpríomh stáite ag 5.30in agus gairid ina ndiaidh siúd beidh an draoídóir Gerry Banjo Ó Connor agus a bhanna.

Tabharfaidh Liam Ó Maonlaí óna Hothouse Flowers go ceann scribe muid ar chearnóg Selskar le ceann dá chuid ceolchoirmeacha íontach phaiseanta. Ní thugann Ó Maonlaí faoi ceolchoirm riamh nach gcuireann sé a chroí agus a anam isteach ann agus tá muid ar fad ag súil go mór leis sin.

I ndiaidh na himeachtaí seo ar fad i gCearnóg Selskar, beidh Vertigo – banna ómóis do chuid U2 ag seinm san Sky and the Ground ag 10.45in agus beidh an áit ag racáil leis go deirneach.

Ní bheidh cead aon ól nó bia a thabhairt isteach ar chearnóg Selskar ach beidh neart bialainn agus café’s ar oscailt chun bia agus deoch a fáil.

Is ócáid saor in aisce a bhéas i bhFéile Ceol Cé agus tá súil againn chuile dhuine a fheiceáil ann agus iad ag déanamh iarracht a gcuid Gaeilge a labhairt.

The inexperienced gambler - A lamb to the slaughter

2010-07-05T06:25:00.000-07:00

It was meant to be such a great weekend. My wife and i hit the road up the M3 heading for the beautiful Brefini county of Cavan and more specifically the Radisson Blu Farnham Estate for a relaxing weekend. I had half a mind on the weekends sporting fixtures which were to be my golden ticket and a source of payment for this weekend of pampering and also a half a mind on which spa treatment i wanted to get. Maybe a little feminine but in this day in age, being the metreosexual from Conemara that i am, anything goes.

So this was what my accumalator bet consisted of. Uruguay to beat Ghana. Spain to beat Paraguay. Germany to beat Argentina. Sligo to beat Galway. Tipperary to beat Wexford. Serena to win Wimbledon (Can't spell her opponents name) and Kerry to reign supreme in Munster once again.

Wow I thought to myself, how could one be so brave as i placed a €10 note in front of the bookmaker. "The last of the big spenders" she snarled. Bitch! i thought to myself but i wasn't going to let her get to me. For a moment as I stood at the counter i felt like Maximus in the Gladiator. A mans man, in betting office surrounded by other MEN in track suits and runners almost the uniform of the experienced gambler. Then i felt like an imposter with my shirt and pants until i realised valid currency is the only uniform that's recognised and that binds us all together.

The odds came to 27/1 and I was happy with that knowing a clean sweep would return €280. We arrived at the beautiful Farnham Estate and had a relaxing swim in the fantastic hydrotherapy area. It really is a top class resort and the staff are very friendly. It's an ideal retreat for couples who want to get away from it all for a while and participate in an activity that doesn't revolve around alcohol like many other Irish social activities do and have always done.

There is something for everyone at Farnham Estate. There is an 18 hole golf course, woodland walks or cycles, bicycles can be rented out at the hotel. Clay pigeon shooting and you can obviously enjoy a treatment at the spa and take some free classes to boot. I would strongly recommend the Relaxation Class which is incredible. The whole spa thing is quite selfish in some way as it is all about ones self - but baring in mind the way we live our lives nowadays, it is nice to have some "me time" as they saying goes.

After dinner on Friday, I watched Uruguay dispose of Ghana in somewhat controversial circumstances. It went to penalties and the South Americans won the day. I felt sorry for the Africans for a split second until it dawned on me that my €10 accumalator was riding on all ties and this was one of them. Uruguay to beat Ghana - Check. (Or so i thought)

After breakfast on Saturday morning i began to think about the big bet i had placed. One muck-up and i was gone. Deborah went to the gym and i went for 9-holes of golf. I am on a bit of a golf buzz at the moment but it's not as much fun playing alone especially when there are two people in front of you who think they are playing in the British Open - they took so much time with their shots which left me more time to dwell on whether it was a good idea to back the young Germans against the clever Argentinians and would Sligo have the belief to finish the job on their home patch.

Anyway, Germany comprehensively beat Agrentina and i was still on course. Sligo and Galway were also locked in combat and it really went to the wire. As a Galway man with a Sligo father, it was hard not to shout for Sligo as they really deserved to win in the first match and will always be underdogs against Galway. It looked as though Galway had done enough until Sligo burst to the fore in the last few minutes. It was extremely exciting and had it not of been for the extra strong fruity herbal tea we were drinking, i'm not sure i would've been able for the pressure. Fair play to the Yeats county men for proving they are now a team to be reckoned with not only in Connacht but in the All-Ireland series as well.

We went to the relaxation class after the matches and it was a great way to unwind after all the excitment. After a lovely dinner in the Botanica restaurant, it was time to watch Spain v Paraguay. Spain who had colonised Paraguay back in 1537 when Juan de Salazar de Espinosa arrived in Ascunsión and must have said "yeah, i like this place" and settled there. They were now taking on the country who are often called Corazón de América or The Heart of America.

The history between the two countries would suggest a dramatic match and it lived up to that suggestion. Paraguay were awarded a penalty to put them ahead in second half but failed to capitalise, Spain went up the field and were themselves awarded a penalty almost directly from the subsequent action. Xabi Alonso converted the kick but had to retake - his second attempt was saved. The game was poised and my bet was left hanging in the balance. Then in a flash David Villa had the ball in the Paraguay net and they were through to the semi-final of the world cup for the first time in the history of Spanish football.

So there i was, 6 out of 6. Uruguay, Germany, Spain, Sligo, Tipperary, Serena Williams all winners. Kerry to beat Limerick and happy days. I text my brother in law John to tell him of my good news and in one reply he ruined it all. "You had Uruguay? The bet means in 90 mins - sorry bud". Nooooooo. Only a novice gambler could be so naieve, so innocent, so stupid. I got it so right but so wrong in the breath.

We thoroughly enjoyed the weekend in Cavan and as guests of the Radisson Blu Farnham Estate Resort and Spa. We left Cavan fresh and ready for the world but i was gutted that i was done by the bookies. What a stupid rule i thought. And i still maintain that it is, i mean if you write on a sheet that one team will beat another and they do, regardless of penalties or otherwise they still beat them. No?

However as we all know, the bookies never lose. Watch out fellow inexperienced gamblers, don't be fellow lambs to the slaughter.

Corn an Domhain - Desperate Housewives na mban

2010-06-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

Sssh, an gcloiseann sibh é? Tá sé ag teacht ar nós locomotive. Ok bhuel níl sé tada ar nós locomotive ach tá sé ag teacht go luatha. Corn an domhain atá i gceist agam. An cóisir sacair is mó ar domhain agus ní bheidh muid ann. Ní bheidh muid ann mar gheall ar soicind amháin do chamilearacht ó Thierry Henry agus a láimh, ach tá dearmad déanta againn ar sin anois, cineál.

Níl mo bhean céile ró-shásta faoi láthair mar go n-athnaíonn sí ón meanga beag atá ag dul thart orm go bhfuil sé ag teacht freisin. Feicim ina súile féin é nuair a bhíonn an ráiméis sin 'Desperate Housewives' ar siúl oíche dé Máirt ag 10.25pm ar RTÉ Two. Aaahhh, tá's agam fiú cén t-am a bhfuil sé ar siúl mar gheall ar an bpian a chuireann sé orm suí síos ag breathnú ar. Déanaim do mo bhean é, is maith léi nuair a chaitheann muid roinnt ama lena chéile tráthnóna théis na hoibre.

Ach fan go bhfeicfimid leitheidí Torres, Gerrard, Kaka, Messi, Rooney srl srl in aon chomórtas amháin agus iad uilig ag iarraidh greim a fháil ar bhaithsis maol Jules Rimet ar an 11ú Iúl. Beidh sé suimiúil arís i mbliana mar cé go raibh lucht na meáin chumarsáide cumarach ar feith tamall an-fhada gan tús a chuir leis an gceiliúradh sular cuireadh cois le liathróid ar bith, tá siad ag titim isteach sna sean nósanna arís. Tá carlsberg agus go leor brandaí mór eile ag teacht leo. "Dare we dream" atá mar théama ag fógra teilifíse Carlsberg. I think you just have a mhac a ba bhreá liom a rá leo.

Terry Venables i gcomh linn i bhfógra The Sun agus Bobby Moore ag fanacht ag barr na céimeanna leis na h-imreoirí i bhfógra. Ní cheapfainn féin go n-eoireoidh le Sasana. Cinnte tá imreoirí don scoth acu ach is Celebs iad agus tá sé deacair acu feidhmiú mar aonad amháin. Níl orainn ach breathnú ar Lampard agus Gerrard mar chruthúnas, sea tá an stíl céanna imeartha acu ach ba chomhair mar imreoirí phrofeisiúnta go mbeadh siad in ann theacht ar réiteach eadarthú chun leigheas a fháil ar an bhfadhb. Not for me Bill. Seans go gcuirfidh mé airgead ar na Yanks iad a bhualadh sa chéad chluiche freisin!

Cé acu a bhéas an bua mar sin? Bhuel, tá sé chomh maith agam mo chloigeann a chuir ar an mbloc le haghaidh an chraic. Déarfaidh mé An Spáinn. Tá na h-imreoirí acu, tá painéal láidir acu agus bainisteoir chumasach Chruthaigh siad do chuile dhuine, iad féin ina measc go bhfuil an moncaí sin caite don droim sa deireadh thiar agus go bhfuil siad in ann comórtais móra a bhuachan. I mo thuairim fánach féin, beidh na 'Usual Suspects' ann gar don deireadh freisin, An Iodáil, An Ghearmáin, Argintín, Braisíl ár ndóigh agus Na Francaigh tá faraor orm a rá.

Ba bhreá liom foireann ar nós USA a fheiceáil ag déanamh go maith agus ní chuirfinn tharthu é. Tá siad ag feabhsú le blianta fada anuas agus iad i gcluiche ceannais an Confederations Cup anuraidh. Ar aghaidh linn mar sin, dé Aoine seo chugainn, párás dona fir agus dona mná, blaise dá mbuidéal leigheas féin. Is fíor le rá gur é Corn an Domhain Desperate Housewives na mban. Bhuel, cuid acu ar aon nós!

Dathanna nua, foireann nua ach an CLG ceanna céanna

2010-05-21T04:53:00.000-07:00

Níor cheap mé riamh go mbeadh dathanna Leitir Móir dhá chaitheamh agam riamh agus mé ag dul chun páirce ag imirt peile.

Leis an fhírinne an inseacht, thaitin muintir na n-oileáin liom riamh agus tá an-fhoireann peile anois acu nach bhfuil sé aisteach gur dathanna Leitir Móir, príomh namhaidí An Ceathrún Rua leis na mblianta atá ar gheansaithe mo chlub nua peile anseo i Loch Garman.

Bhí mé in ainm 's cluiche peile craoibhe a imirt inniú ach mar gheall nach bhfuil an fhoirm aistriúchán imithe thrí oifigí Chomhairle Laighean FÓS níl cead agam. Is iad na rudaí beaga a thugann tú faoi ndeara nuair a athraíonn tú as do cheantar fhéin nó nuair a bhíodh tú chomh h-úsáideach a bheith ag imirt le do chairde féin leis na cianta agus athraíonn tú chuig áit iomlán difriúil.

Na dathanna, difriúil. Na nósanna agus na daoine a bhíonn bainteach leis an CLG ó cheann ceann na tíre, mar a chéile. "Do you play any bit a hurlin'" a deir siad liom. "God no, if you see a Conamara man with a hurl, you'd better run" a deir mé féin.

Tá fhios agam go n-imríonn siad iománaíocht i Maigh Cuilinn agus i gCumann Mhicheál Breathnach agus sa Spidéal ach tuigeann sibh céard atá i gceist agam acgus tá súil agam gur thuig siadsan freisin.

Leanann na heachtraí ar aghaidh!

Théis séasúr fada chrua, ceapann siad go mbuailfidh siad na All-Blacks?! Hmm

2010-05-18T02:55:00.000-07:00

Ní bhí Paul Ó Connell, Denis Leamy, Stephen Ferris ná Luke Fitzgerald ar an eitileán ó dheas don chamchuairt idirnáisiúnta samhraidh seo agus fós tá daoine don tuairim go mbeidh muid in ann bua a fháil i gcoinne na All-Blacks agus iad sa mbaile.

Níl aon dabht faoi ach gur "ré órga" í seo i stair rugbaí na hÉireann ach bíonn sé ina "ré órga" i gconaí i dtéarmaí rugbaí san Nua Shéalann. Tá Éirinn áirithe ar an cúigiú foireann is fearr ar domhain ar liosta an IRB taobh thiar don Fhrainc, An Astráil, An Afraic Theas agus Nua Shéalann ach beidh orthu an stádas sin a chruthú go mór i rith an tsamhraidh, rud a bhéas deacair théis an séasúr a chuaigh tharainn.

Beidh sé suimiúil a fheiceáil cén painéal a thugann Kidney leis, ach mar an gnáth "Seosamh an Ghalúnach" ag breathnú chun cinn, ní chuirfinn fhéin aon airgead go mbuailfeadh muid na All Blacks. Dhéarfainn go bhfuil seans againn in aghaidh na hAstrálaigh mar ní maith leo imirt inár naghaidh le blianta beaga anuas ach feicfidh muid linn is dóigh.

Focal suas.

Cá mbeidh Sam ag dul i mbliana?

2010-05-14T06:49:00.000-07:00

Cuirtear tús leis an gcraobh chomórtas an deireadh seachtaine seo ó Thuaidh, ó Dheas agus i gcúige Laighean agus ba chomhair go mbeadh an-choimhlintí le feiceáil. Ní deas an rud é le rá ach tá sé soiléar go maith nach bhfuil ach foireann amháin ag dul chun páirce an deireadh seachtaine seo atá seans réalaíoch acu a bheith i bPáirc an Chrócaigh deireadh mí Meán Fhómhair, siad sin ár ndóigh na seampíní, Ciarraí.

Tugann siadsan aghaidh ar Thiobráid Árainn atá ag dul i bhfeabhas le blianta beaga anuas agus slám dá gcuid imreoirí fé-21 ag imirt dona sinsir a bhain craobh na Mumhan sa ghrád sin amach níos luaithe i mbliana. Ní bheadh aon íontas orm dá gcríochnódh siad ar chómh scór ach ag an ám céanna, tá Ciarraí ar nós na Francaigh san rugbaí, cé cineá Ciarraí a rachaidh chun páirce?

Ó thuaidh tugann Árd Mhaca agus Doire aghaidh ar a chéile. Ní h-iad seo na fóirne a bhí chomh láidir roinnt blianta beaga ó shin ach tá siad ag tóigeáil don toghchaí ag an ám céanna mar sin ba chomhair go mbeadh cluiche láidir Ultach ann.

Agus i gcúige Laighean, beidh Ceatharlach i gcoinne Chill Mhantáin. Tá mé féin ag súil leis an gcoimhlint seo mar go bhfuil an dá fhoireann seo an-chothrom dár liom. Nuair atá chuile fhoireann eile ag iarraidh coirn a bhuachan, is leor cluiche amháin craoibhe a bhuachan dona leaids seo. Tá scoth na h-imreoirí ag an dá fhoireann, Leighton Glynn agus Dara Ó hAnnaidh atá ar ais ó bheith thar lear do Chill Mhantáin agus ár ndóigh iar-réalt na Aussie rules Thomas Walsh. Ár ndóigh, tá Micko fós le Cill Mhantáin agus beidh sé ocrach i mbliana cinnte.

Dhéarfainn féin go mbeidh an bua ag Cill Mhantáin ach beidh sé fíochmhar.

Van Bommel ag cuir amú raz

2010-05-14T03:55:00.000-07:00

Breathnaigh céard a rinne Mark Van Bommel tar éis dóibh sraith na Gearmáine a bhuachan deireadh seachtaine seo caite. Chaith an t-amadán an beor álainn Gearmanach thar ceann an iriseora soinneanta a bhí ag ceapadh gur ag tabhairt deoch dó a bhí sé.

Féach thall nó cliceáil thíos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE6rz5BfShA&feature=player_embedded

Gerry Ryan 1956 - 2010

2010-05-07T09:13:00.000-07:00

Cibé tuairim a bhí agat ina threo nuair a bhí sé i mbarr a shláinte, bhí sé deacair a chreidiúint go raibh sé á chur i gcré na cille inné. Ba craoltóir don scoth a bhí ann agus bhí fhios aige sin, ach níor bhain sé mí-úsáid as ach oiread.

Níl fios fós céard go díreach a tharla do Gerry Ryan ach deirtear nach raibh cuma ró-shláintiúil air le roinnt seachtainí anuas.

Bhí fhios ag cách gur thaitin an chraic agus an "ceiliúradh" le Gerry ach ní féidir linn a rá gur é sin a chuir críoch lena shaol go tobann agus gan é ach 53 bliana d'aois. Go deimhin, tá sé brónach ag smaoiniú gur cáilliú ina aonar é, fear go raibh grá agus meas ag an chuid is mó don phobal i gcoitinne air, imigh as an saol gan duine ná deoraí ina chuideachta.

Aireoidh a chlann go mór uathu é, agus iad siúd a bhíodh ag éisteacht leis ar 2FM rialta. Agus ag deireadh an lae, tá an tír chomh beag go bhfuil sé fíor le rá go mothaíonn chuile dhuine go bhfuil spás mór fágtha aige ar bhealach áirithe.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Seampíní, Champions, El Campeon - The same in any language

2010-05-02T08:08:00.000-07:00

What a day it has been. Tombrack United have won a Wexford Junior league for the second year in a row. While most people's fixation on soccer is directed towards the English top flight today, a healthy crowd of loyal supporters flocked to Craan to see Tombrack United take on St.Michaels aka the Gárda team in the penultimate match of the season.

Tombrack were bolstered by their top scoring striker Mick Savo Kelly who few back especially from the Jersey Islands where he had just started a new job to make the match. Savo did not just make up the numbers, as usual he was on fire latching onto a Brian Byrne cross to open the scoring in stylish fashion.

It was a goal that relaxed not only the supporters but also the players who had half a mind on how last year's first attempt at a league victory had ended. In defeat.

Tombrack played like champions after that, Mark McDermott as safe as a young Packie Bonner between the sticks hoovering up anything that threatened the 18 yard box. Darragh Hendrick was again both an attacking and defensive right back. No sooner stamping out Gárda opportunities than creating at the other side.

Both central defenders Alan Carthy and James Bob Newe were a rock as ever and the Mayor of Asquinthian didn't let the side down. The Mayor is definitely in the shake up for player of the year and it is a testament to the type of character he is when he can juggle his Mayoral duties with his football obligations. Truly admirable.

Another man who is in the shake up for player of the season is John JJ Coleman. John who still holds the Guinness World Record for the most successful sideways slide tackles gave St.Michael's alot of headaches up the right today and will be gagging for the start of next season already such was his verve in attack this season.

The centre mid field partnership has been two fold this season. The enigmatic Brian Byrne coupled with either The visionary Martin Armstrong or the gritty Stephen Jordan made for a potent combination. The trio gave manager David Buggy Kennedy a huge nightmare in selection this season as they were equally troublesome for opposing sides. They each deserve high praise and were again devastating today.

Robert Bernie, with Dan and Ger in close quarters used his silken skills and pace to the utmost today. Thankfully the rumours that he was joining Lord of the Dance are untrue as he would be a huge loss to this progressive Tombrack side.

Upfront the Chuckle Brothers of Mick Savo Kelly and Richie Ó hEadhra were like twins suckling from their mothers bosom again today. The telepathy was instinctive and the passion for the cause was clearly evident in every individual endeavour. Ó hEadhra who had a successful trial with Herth Berlin earlier this season gave up the chance to play in the Bundeslega to play with Tombrack and both must be commended for their contributions this season. They were class.

All the panel were immense this season, Rory Newe who scored today had a blinder, James Hendrick, Tony Mackey, and young Eoin Carton were all sensational. The beautiful 'Pa the man Whelan' would fit in as well in Monté Carlo as he would Monageer and he even scored today.

I cannot let this opportunity pass without hailing the efforts of the most successful Tombrack United manager ever, David Buggy Kennedy. Buggy's dedication and effort was inspirational all season long and his tactical awareness was worthy of a higher division, which he will one day grace no doubt. This has been a fine season again for the North Wexford side.

Comhghairdeas Tuaim Breac. Go n-éirí libh!

Pápa fós dul go dtí an Bhreatain ach bhfuil Elvis ar a iPOD?

2010-04-26T05:22:00.000-07:00

Tá sé ráite go bhfuil an Pápa Benedict XVI fós ag iarraidh cuairt oifigiúil a thabhairt ar an Bhreatain théis do thaidhleoir sóisireach i rannóg na Gnóthaí Eachranacha a rá gur chomhair don Phápa Clinic Ghinmhilleadh a oscailt, Pósadh lanúin Aerach a bheannú agus a Bhranda féin a chuir ar líne coiscíní. Hmm...ní dóigh liom go mbeidh an taidhleoir seo ag fáil árdú céime ró luatha sa todhchaí.

Go poiblí cinnte bhí David Millaband an-churtha amach faoin ráitis úd ach ní dóigh go ndéanfaidh sé mórán dochar do pháirtí an Lucht Oibre i gcoitinne agus an oll-toghchán ag teacht aníos.

Dúirt Árd-Easpag Canterbury Dr.Rowan Williams "the Irish catholic Church has lost all credibility because of its poor handling of the scandal of paedophile priests" roinnt seachtainí ó shin agus níor dúradh tada ach that they were "strong words". Ar an chéad dul síos, "No shit Rowan a mhac" a thagann chun cinn agus uimhir a dó ar cheap Rowan an fear bocht go raibh sé tar éis ráiteas stairiúil a dhéanamh agus mar cheannasaí go raibh sé ag léiriú deá-shampla? Más rud é gur cheap, is léir go bhfuil a chloigeann siúd sa ngainneamh freisin. Nach bhfuil fhios ag na madraí ar an tsráid nach bhfuil Eaglais na hÉireann ag déileáil go maith leis an scannal.

Tá daoine tuirseach don chaint sílim. Mar a deir an Rí é féin Elvis Presley "A little less conversation, a little more action please."

Review of The Ross Hotel Killarney

2010-04-23T06:24:00.000-07:00

My wife and I decided to shake off the gloom of the recession
last

week and make the most of our few days off so we headed to Killarney i

ríocht álainn Chiarraí. Killarney, with its amazing lakes and

mountains is one of the most beautiful places on earth, especially

when the sun is shining and thankfully the Gods were with us during

our brief stay.

We set off from Loch Garman Wednesday morning enthusiastic and excited

having booked The Ross hotel online days previous. A quirky boutique

style hotel in the heart of the town that looked great, the sort of

accommodation we would really enjoy.

We stopped off in the picturesque town of Lismore in county Waterford

along the way for some lunch which was an added bonus before arriving

in Cill Áirne just as Queen Victoria did back in 1861, a little tired

from the journey but happy to have arrived. And although it suits us

just fine not to have any royal blood in us, the way were greeted

would make one believe we had.

First Impressions

The front of house staff were exceptional from day one which always

sets the tone and are an invaluable asset to any hospitality business.

We dealt with Martina and Eleanor mostly and they were highly

professional and always friendly. The Ross hotel in Killarney is a

classically modern family run Boutique hotel that makes you feel

relaxed from the moment you walk in the door. The ambience in the

plush foyer with its fantastically comfortable designer couches is

such that it makes you want to throw yourself into their bosom for a

nap or sit back and enjoy a coffee while reading the paper.

The Rooms

We checked in and took the lift to our deluxe room on the third floor.

Again, attention to detail is taken very serious everywhere in the

hotel, for example, the gorgeous velvety couch that is located at the

top of the stairs between the second and third floor is so comfortable

that you could easily sit and relax for an hour or two. There were two

big king sized beds in our room with a lovely view of the old church

and the square where all the jarveys were lined up. The bathroom was

also spacious with a separate shower and bath. The only negative I

would have with the room was the lack of tea and coffee making

facilities and the iron. Hotel rooms in general have very poor irons

so it is hard to be overly negative on such a small detail.

The Pink Lounge and Lane Cafe Bar

The Pink Lounge, situated between the foyer and the bar is an

impressive room designed to make you feel you are definitely on

holiday or for those staying on business, it is an ideal place to

unwind or access the internet. It also makes a lovely transition

between the foyer and the bar area and provides additional seating if

the bar is very full. There is a fancy candle display neatly inside

the wall which is stunning when the lights go down in the evening as

well.

The Lane Cafe Bar was one of my favourite parts of the hotel. An ultra

modern space made even more appealing with classic cocktails and jazzy

music features comfortable seating, an impressive menu and

professional bar staff.

Contemporary design mingles here with an old fashioned ambience if you

get my drift. The music is appropriate but perhaps a little repetitive

after a while.

The Food

After we had checked in and beautified ourselves, we had a glass of

wine outside in the lane which is a glorious little sun trap and

nicely tucked away while deciding on our activities for the next

couple of days. We also had a look at the menu which was excellent and

decided to eat in on our first night. It proved to be a good decision.

The food was extremely tasty and well prepared and the portions were

substantial.

Breakfast the next morning lived up to the dinner the night previous

being prepared to perfection and tasting every bit as good. The usual

array of cereals and juices were accompanied by all types of breads

and the páipéar nuachta which is a nice touch often forgotten in some

hotels. The staff again were top class, friendly and professional and

what really impressed me about the menu was the option of getting

liver and kidney with your full Irish. I know it isn't everyone’s cup

of tea but I love that kind of food so I was in my element. The food

was so good we ate in the bar the second night as well and enjoyed the

tapas and some cocktails prepared by the highly skilled bar staff who

were always good to chat to.

Leisure Centre

The Ross Hotels leisure facilities are located across the road an its

sister hotels premises, The Killarney Park Hotel. A highlight is the

outdoor hot tub which should not be missed. Leisure facilities also

include a spa where you can have any amount of treatments but we

decided not to go down that route on this occasion.

Location and Night Life

The hotel couldn't be located in a better place as it is right in the

middle of town but the rooms are away from any noise at the same time

which is ideal. The hotel was completely renovated in 2007 and the

design is such that you can access the hotel from either side giving

you access to the main street or the street leading to the outlet

centre. There is a great night life in Killarney with fantastic

variety. Up the lane from The Ross is Courtney’s pub to which we

wandered one evening to find the local Dóchas Drama group rehearsing a

few scenes from the John B. Keane play 'The Field'. They were

performing that Saturday to a group of American tourists who would

follow them from pub to pub while they played out various scenes. It

was a wonderful ideally passionately acted out by; Denis Earlie - Bull

McCabe, Michael Mills - Bird, Tadhg - Daniel McCarthy, Tinker Girl -

Niamh Burns, Priest - Tom Kenny, Flanagan - Dan Rohan & Widow -

Siobhán McAuliffe.

Overall

Overall we were very impressed with The Ross hotel and will definitely

return. It is a perfect location for a romantic getaway of for a group

of friends to have a fun weekend.

It scores a quality 7/10 in the Red Quarter Review

Aer Spás na hEorapa oscailte

2010-04-21T03:54:00.000-07:00

Céard sa diabhal atá mí-cheart meastú leis an domhain faoi láthair? Aimsir bhreá in Éirinn agus na milliúin Euro cáillte mar gheall ar Eyjafjallajokull.

Shílfeá gur leag mé láimh ar an méir chlár trí bhotún ach sin é fíor ainm an bholcán san Íoslainn atá ag cruthú na fadhbanna uilig thart timpeall aer spás na hEorapa.

Bíonn muid ar fad ag smaoiniú ar 'get rich quick schemes' na laethanta seo mar gheall ar an ngéar-chéim eacnamaíochta agus daoine ag cailligh postanna nó pé rud eile.

Ach tháinig smaoineamh agam agus mé ag tiomáint ar maidin. Nach mé a bheadh saibhir dá mbeinn in ann a theacht suas le fearas éigin a bheadh in ann innill eiltileáin a chosaint ón luaith lofa seo.

Níl fhios agam cén sórt rud a bheadh i gceist dháiríre. B'fhéidir cineál leagan inneall eitileán don 'fireguard' nó rud cosúil leis. Rinne mé féin eolaíocht go dtí leibhéal an Teastas Shóisireach agus leis an fhírinne a inseacht, ní raibh an cumas duais Nobel ionam riamh ná fiú duais ranga san ábhar chéanna.

Ach feicfidh sibh i gceann bliana nó mar sin go dtiocfaidh 'nerd' éigin in áit éigin suas leis an bhfearas áirithe seo agus beidh na comhluachtaí aer thaisteal ar fad ag déanamh scuaine chun an táirge seo a cheannacht.

Chuala sibh anseo ar dtús é!

A day in the Life - Irish Olympian David Gillick in warm weather camp in California

2010-04-19T02:24:00.000-07:00

A Day On Camp by David Gillick

We head to Irvine, California for a month every year from the end of March to the end of April. This year there is a total of 17 athletes from my training group in Loughborough University. The idea of the warm weather camp is to really just break up the monotony of training in Loughborough, get away for a bit and focus on training before the season start at the end of May. Due to the weather being a lot warmer, there is also an option of doing some early season competitions whilst out here.

We rent apartment for the month, so I’m sharing with 4 other lads. These lads I know well, I train with them 6 days a week, 11 months of the year, so I know their habits…. some are good and some are bad. But we all get on and as you can imagine we have a laugh!!

A typical day for me out here is rise about 8am. We train at 10am so I like to get up 2 hours before, have my breakfast and just wake up really. My breakfast consists of a bowl of porridge with natural yogurt and a protein, orange juice and banana shake. I work closely with my nutritionist Martin on what I should be eating on a daily basis, so I like to stick to his plan as best I can. It can be hard out in America, fast food everywhere!!

At 10am we jump into the rented mini van and head down to the track at the University of California, Irvine. A nice blue tack with good facilities and everything we need. We spend about 2/3 hours on the track.

This includes warming up (jogging, stretching and drills) followed by our session, which would consist of 450m, 350m, 250, and 150m runs, that’s a tough session!!

While we are out here in LA the emphasis is about quality rather than quantity, so our runs have to be good, which means fast, but we would have extra recovery in between.

After our session we do warm down drills and stretches. We would then head over to the gym for either ice bath or if it is bust with university students we’d grab bags of ice and head back to the apartment have ice bath’s there, followed by chilling out in the hot tub.

I’d spend the next few hours making my lunch and chilling out before we do some conditioning work in the afternoon. This would consist of core exercises and stretching…followed by the hot tub, not a bad life!!

The evenings are spent just chilling out really, everyone is tired by this stage of the day, so we tend to sit around playing FIFA on the Xbox. The difference between our training and an avid fitness enthusiast is that we work everyday, it’s our job and we are going to compete at the end of it, so every single day and session we do counts.

It is also a lifestyle, we have to make sure we have done everything possible, leave no stone unturned. We work to strict programmers outlined by our coach, all geared towards getting the best out of ourselves.

It can at times get boring, and you are out of your usual routine from home. Trouble with the states is you need a car to do anything; there is not much to do in walking distance. On rest days we try do something, see the sights, go to the mall and indeed hit the beach for an afternoon.

Nights out aren’t that often, but before we flew out here, we all had a good blow out, a very good blow out!!! It is important to let your hair down now and again, once it doesn’t get in the way of the work. At the end of the day we’re all human!

My long-term plan was always to make two Olympics, I was in Beijing and I hope to go London. I love what I do and I am very lucky to be able to do it, so I tend to stick at it for as long as I can. In the short term I have the European Championships this August in Barcelona, so my training is all geared for that, and I will start competing in June in preparation for them.

You can also see some clips posted on YouTube from the proposed documentary 'I am Gillick' on the video wall opposite this article.

Crystal Swing - National disgrace or antidote to national depression?

2010-04-13T03:26:00.000-07:00

An antidote is a substance that can counteract a form a poisoning. Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity. There is no doubt that this country has been poisoned in recent years by greedy bankers and developers and as a result, an air of depression has swept across the country, helped in no small part by a mainstream media that are infatuated with the recession. In a world that is saturated with news channels operating 24/7 the constant need for content makes the recession part of their staple diet.

Yesterday, Cork based group Crystal Swing appeared on the Ellen de Generes show which was recorded live in L.A last Friday. The show has an average viewership of 4.8 million people, a number greater than the population of the Republic of Ireland. The trio presented Ellen with a bottle of Jameson Irish whiskey and classically plámásed her proclaiming their appearance on the show as the highlight of their lives.

They played the audience like a well rehearsed master violinist would play a stradivarius using the "innocent Irish" stereotype to perfection. Then they performed their hit "She drinks tequila" which was received with a standing ovation before Derek performed a swashbuckling solo rendition of "The Hucklebuck". Even Ellen's ridiculous dancing looked plain in comparison to Derek's crazy half Elvis, half new born foal dance.

Yes there is an element of cheese with Crystal Swing..(perhaps the understatement of the year) but how can anyone not take their hat off to the trio. For a start, a bottle of Jameson which they probably got free from the brewery was marketing genius. Jameson's marketing people obviously realised what an unbelievable opportunity this was for free advertising exposing their product to a market they are always competing in with other big brands. Jameson themselves would've given Crystal Swing the price of the air fare to be their ambassadors had the TV show not coughed up. Credit to the Cork family all the same for cashing in.

With people losing their jobs left right and centre and our government urging us all to take the initiative to create our own business, Crystal Swing are leading by example. Thanks to a chance plug on the St. Paddy's day Ellen show, the band are now becoming a huge success and are on the brink of becoming commercially very successful.

They latched onto the plug like limpets to a trawler and away they went. Getting such exposure in the US is an opportunity very few people get but many crave. One would hope they have good people around them to steer their careers in the right direction from now on. If they do, they could go all the way in that genre, whatever it is.

They needn't worry about the begrudgers either as there will always be those who love to knock someone who is doing well. In fact, it is part of the Irish make up unfortunately.

You can be guaranteed as you tune into Six One news this evening that the Trade Union pay talks will get top story, followed by bankers of some description and probably an update on the Quinn/Anglo scenario.

Stories that will turn 4 million people off their dinners and laughing all the way through the recession will be the Burke family of Midleton fresh from a hugely successful debut on nation television in the US. They truly are the antidote to the national depression.

(Check out Crystal Swing on Ellen in the video wall opposite)

"It'd be a lovely little country if we could only roof it" Pat Shortt

2010-04-12T07:21:00.000-07:00

The Saltee Islands Wexford and Connemara. What a beautiful country we have if only we had more of this weather! Holiday at home in 2010.