“I believe the Londonderry disorder has brought the guns a step nearer.” —William Craig, as Northern Ireland Home Affairs Minister, in Stormont debate on events of 5 October 1968 in Derry/Londonderry, 16/10/1968. The Irish Times, 17/10/1968.
“Being disappointed by Captain O’Neill’s Government’s failure to …
“Being disappointed by Captain O’Neill’s Government’s failure to deal effectively with the root causes of unrest afflicting our society, we cease to function as official opposition until such time as the Government gives further concrete evidence of a sincere desire to remedy the situation.” —Nationalist Party, as Northern Ireland anti-partition party, in statement protesting against... Continue Reading →
Mourne Skytrail 20K review
Completing my first trail race (beyond my high school years) was a personal accomplishment, while revealing some truths about terrain, distance, and performance. It was my longest time spent running, at over four hours, and I was very glad to approach the finish line — I was pretty spent by the end. The morning after,... Continue Reading →
@photolinepic I particularly approve of The Street Photographer's Manual! 📸
French domestic politics has been an entertaining if dismal spectacle to watch over the past year. While the DUP agreed a confidence-and-supply agreement with Conservatives in a matter of hours, #Macron still doesn't see this except on his own terms. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/oct/07/the-guardian-view-on-political-chaos-in-france-the-gift-that-keeps-on-giving-to-marine-le-pen-and-the-far-right
“We might get back to the situation of …
“We might get back to the situation of 1912 when a Liberal Government tried to interfere in Irish affairs.” —Terence O’Neill, as Northern Ireland Prime Minister, warning of Unionist rebellion if UK Government intervened after Derry/Londonderry riots of 5 October 1968, 7/10/1968. The Irish Times, 8/10/1968.
“I uttered a prayer of thanks as the …
“I uttered a prayer of thanks as the blood spilled over my face and on my shirt… I knew that at last Northern Ireland as she really was would be seen before the world.” —Gerry Fitt, as Republican Labour MP, after being batoned by RUC at Civil Rights Association march in Derry/Londonderry, 5/10/1968. The Irish... Continue Reading →
Preparing for my first race with trail running kit
Just over 40 years ago, I learned how to run competitively by joining a high school cross-country team. To get any sort of hill climbing on the otherwise flat terrain of Midwest America, we’d go to the reservoirs and river valleys. One of my fondest memories was a race that took us through a forest... Continue Reading →
“If that flag is not removed tomorrow, I …
“If that flag is not removed tomorrow, I will organise a march and remove it myself.” —Rev. Ian Paisley, as leader of Free Presbyterian Church, in Ulster Hall address, referring to Irish tricolour at Republican Party headquarters in Divis Street, Belfast, 27/9/1964. Patrick Marrinan, Paisley, Man of Wrath, Anvil, 1973, p. 82
@alaninbelfast @bowstreetmall Perhaps it escaped from W5, where my seven-year-old nephew and I saw some last week? https://w5online.co.uk/whats-on/dinosaurs-survive-summer-2025
“What we have done today will go down …
“What we have done today will go down in history and in this way we will be more effective in showing the world that we are a peaceful people asking for our civil rights in an orderly manner.” —Betty Sinclair, as member of the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (NICRA), persuading marchers from Coalisland to... Continue Reading →
“The Catholics have been interfering in Ulster affairs …
“The Catholics have been interfering in Ulster affairs since 1641.” —Rev. Ian Paisley, as leader of Free Presbyterian Church, 14/8/1968. The Irish Times, 15/8/1968.