@BBCMarkSimpson So long as rugby doesn't introduce the forward pass. 😀
@alaninbelfast A welcomed antidote!
@photolinepic I didn't realise that Long's Fish and Chips was still there. A true institution that I must revisit.
“It is essential to enter into official opposition …
“It is essential to enter into official opposition at Stormont to ensure that existing parliamentary machinery operates for the common good… Our fidelity to the united Ireland ideal remains unaltered by this decision.” —Nationalist Party, as Northern Ireland anti-partition party, in statement ending policy of non-cooperation in the Northern Ireland Parliament, 2/2/1965. The Irish Times,... Continue Reading →
“I can think of nothing which would work …
“I can think of nothing which would work more strikingly the great changes of our times, or the strengthening of our Republican self-respect, than to see a member of the British royal family coming to Ireland on a private visit, travelling freely round Ireland, without anyone paying special attention.” —Sean Lemass, as Taoiseach, on demonstrations... Continue Reading →
UTMB Arc of Attrition 2026 review
Waiting to board the Ryanair flight from Dublin to Newquay, the sight of fellow passengers wearing running trainers and inspecting their phones with the LiveTrail running app, confirmed that I was among a pack travelling to participate in the UTMB Arc of Attrition race. Before leaving the tiny airport at Newquay, I met fellow runner... Continue Reading →
“We should support the civil rights campaign…
"We should support the civil rights campaign in the North... There is a majority there that wants unity with Britain and we must respect that, but at the same time we must reject their right to oppress the minority." —Conor Cruise O'Brien, 25/1/1969, as delegate to Labour Party conference. The Irish Times, 27/1/1969. #civilrights #ireland... Continue Reading →
“It is wrong that we act on beliefs…
“It is wrong that we act on beliefs; we should judge on the facts.” —Arlene Foster, 21/1/2017, responding to questions about the Renewable Heating Initiative (RHI) scandal. #factchecking #northernireland #qotd #otd
“We both share the same rivers, the same …
“We both share the same rivers, the same mountains, and some of the same problems, and therefore I think it is reasonable that the two premiers should meet and discuss matters of mutual interest, and that is actually what we did today.” —Terence O’Neill, as Northern Ireland Prime Minister, in television interview after meeting Taoiseach,... Continue Reading →
“In this situation partition will become so obviously …
“In this situation partition will become so obviously an anachronism that all sensible people will want to bring it to an end.” —Sean Lemass, as Taoiseach, on an effect of membership of the Common Market (later European Union), for which the UK and Ireland (unsuccessfully) applied, 14/1/1962. The Irish Times, 15/6/1962.
“When London gets a chill, Northern Ireland gets …
“When London gets a chill, Northern Ireland gets the flu and Derry gets pneumonia; it’s that sort of relationship.” —Peter Shore, as UK Economic Affairs Minister, 1/1967. Paul Routledge, John Hume, Harper Collins, 1998, p. 56.
“Ulster stands at the crossroads… There are, I …
"Ulster stands at the crossroads... There are, I know, today some so-called Loyalists who talk of independence from Britain — who seem to want a kind of Protestant Sinn Féin... Rhodesia, in defying Britain, at least has an air force and an army of her own. Where are the Ulster…