Not so grumpy anymore
This is the last time I’ll be writing about Penny. I promise. But when I wrote that blog yesterday, I really didn’t expect the reaction it provoked. We are indeed, with some notable exceptions, a nation of dog lovers. Sure, there are people who don’t get it. But if you’re a dog lover you do. … Continue reading I promise this is the last time: My thoughts for Penny
We lost our adorable little dog, Penny, early today. A miniature Schnauser, she was not yet six years of age. She’d been sick off and on since December – she had a severe mouth and throat infection which went away, came back and went away again. But for the past few months we seemed to … Continue reading We are heartbroken. After just six short years, we’ve been left Pennyless.
I had a good Cheltenham. Not as good as Rachael Blackmore or Jack Kennedy. But good. It was especially satisfying for me because I know absolutely shag-all about horse racing. Not a blessed thing. And that’s despite being sent to Cheltenham and Galway and Listowel over the years, to cover the social aspect of those … Continue reading Cheltenham was great for Rachael. It wasn’t bad for me either!
THERE are those who, I know, would call me a Grumpy Old Man. Indeed, some of those close to me think that, in particular, I am a Grump Old Driver. A Road Rager. This is not true. There are only four things that annoy me when I’m driving: Other motorists Cyclists Pedestrians People on those … Continue reading There are only four things that annoy me when I’m driving: Motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and people on scooters.
(It’s a while since I blogged.* But I might get back to it. I’ve been busy putting the finishing touches to a memoir which you will be thrilled to hear, will be published next month, It is called “And Finally. A Journalist’s Life in 250 Stories. Anyway, on with the blog,,,) I was writing about … Continue reading English isn’t as easy as we tend to think it is…
YOU know that my family (kind of) claims ownership of the Poolbeg Chimneys. That’s simply because my father authorised their building and signed the cheque, so to speak, when the job was done. And while it wasn’t his own money, it was his call, it was his decision and it was his foresight. Indeed, the … Continue reading I really hope that, someday, our chimneys will get the stamp of approval
I’ve seen the future. It’s Ireland, 2043. That’s just 23 years away. You might not recognise it. For example, this week in the future, there is a protest outside the Dáil – or Assembly of Responsible Democratic and Multi-Cultural Citizens as it now known. Men, God bless them, are protesting at their lack of representation … Continue reading I have seen the future. And I don’t like what I’ve seen…
Well it’s going to be a different Christmas isn’t it? Looks like I won’t get to do one of my favourite Christmassy things which is to stand on Grafton Street on Christmas Eve looking as smug as I can as last minute shoppers, panic all over their faces, rush from shop to shop looking for … Continue reading Carol singing: You can still raise a few bob if there are only two of you and it’s lashing rain. Well, we did!
Do you think it would be a good idea if poor people wore signs so we’d know they’re poor. I mean, it’s ok if you’re rich and you’re in the Horseshoe Bar in the Shelbourne or playing golf in Adare. You’re not going to bump into poor people there. But when you’re just, you know, … Continue reading Imagine having neighbours who don’t even own an apartment on the Costa del Sol let alone a house with a pool!
At last! I’ve finally figured out the whole Covid thing. The conspiracy theorists were kind of right. There IS a conspiracy. And it’s at the highest level. And it originates here in Ireland. You see, the whole point of Covid was to stop The Twelve Pubs of Christmas. OK. So we’ve had to suffer a … Continue reading Yes. It IS a conspiracy. But when you find out why you’ll be glad that it is!
