THURSDAY
Crossed wires
Have you ever answered a call from an unfamiliar number and regretted it after a few seconds, or a minute or two, especially if you engage? Of course you have!
We all know that scam calls are on a dramatic rise – but I’m not particularly referring to that phenomenon (personally, I don’t take risks with ‘suspicious’ looking numbers).
But every now and again you’ll take a call from a totally legitimate service provider/financial institution/someone doing a survey… and very quickly, you may regret it!
Today, I answered one such service provider. They wanted to offer me a discount. 90 seconds in, the questions were wearing me down. I was asked to spell out a few words (email address, etc) but the gentleman on the line was struggling to understand me – and I was struggling to understand him.
He wanted my email address spelt out. He seemed to like fruit. “Is it ‘P’ for pineapple?” he asked. Next, we agreed it was ‘S’ for strawberries and ‘O’ for oranges. Two and a half minutes in, and I still hadn’t successfully passed my work email address to him.
I have to admit that I hung up – that’s ‘H’ for hazelnut.
FRIDAY
Talking rugby…
A very enjoyable night in the magnificent Creggs RFC clubhouse, where the senior men’s team received their medals following their recent historic Connacht League and Cup double. The club’s end-of-season awards were also presented.
I had the honour of being Master of Ceremonies. In that capacity I interviewed former Irish international turned media pundit Bernard Jackman on stage. Bernard was as a very entertaining and affable guest.
Later, after meeting some of Creggs RFC’s rising young stars, I took my position in the ‘Nostalgia Corner’ with some of the Creggs legends. It was a great night.
SATURDAY
Pope and Arsenal
I was a little crestfallen when I heard the following comment on TV just now:
“… Pope being jeered by Arsenal supporters”.
Hot on the heels of President Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo, I was dismayed to hear that Arsenal fans are also giving the (relatively) new Pontiff a hard time. I appreciate that Arsenal supporters are under pressure just now, with Manchester City breathing down their necks in the Premier League title race, but there is no justification for them taking it out on Pope Leo.
Update: It turns out Arsenal fans were booing Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope because they felt he should have been sent off earlier in the match. As ever, I am glad to clarify the matter at the first opportunity.
SUNDAY
On the road with Rossies
We went to the big game in Castlebar today, and what an occasion it turned out to be for Roscommon supporters!
I passed on the press box and sat on the opposite side, one of our party of five. A big talking point was how uncrowded the stand was opposite us, clearly the public sending a message to the authorities over ticket prices for children.
Roscommon were slow to start, Mayo going four points clear early on. Diarmuid Murtagh’s goal settled us. Three quick points before half-time were timely, keeping Roscommon within touching distance of Mayo.
Roscommon’s second-half performance was sensational. Our shooting accuracy was devastating. Early scores gave the team confidence, and soon we had all the momentum. Roscommon dominated midfield, won the vast majority of kickouts, and excelled on the breaking ball. Once in possession, they attacked with great pace. It was exhilarating.
This second-half performance was one of the best I’ve seen in decades from Roscommon. It really was a beautiful day!
We had a bite to eat in Swinford on the way back. That journey home was a happy one. The GAA can lift the hearts of thousands of people in one afternoon. Well done to the Roscommon players and management. The county is proud of you.
MONDAY
Chris O’Dowd charms
There was no substance of note to Patrick Kielty’s interview with Chris O’Dowd on the Late Late Show (repeated tonight) – but then that’s the nature of most TV chat shows these days.
All the duo chatted about were Chris’s upcoming projects – which is how things work in the PR-driven celebrity world. It would be nice to see a chat show host delving into their guest’s ‘back story’ in the way that Michael Parkinson tended to on the BBC, and as Gay Byrne did here in another age. These days, you’ll seldom find that pursuit of depth on TV, Tommy Tiernan’s show being one honourable exception. At least podcasts are filling that void.
In any event, and as always, Chris was very entertaining. The studio audience were in stitches, and I too enjoyed the Boyle native’s wit and charm. Having adorned Graham Norton’s celebrity couch a few times, Chris O’Dowd is a very sure-footed chat show guest. And his career appears to be in good health just now.
For Rossies watching, there was the bonus of some positive chat about the Roscommon U-20 footballers, with whom former Roscommon minor goalkeeper Chris spent some time recently.
TUESDAY
The King’s speech
Home late from the office… to discover that King Charles has delivered an eloquent, witty, but also pointed speech to a (mostly) very impressed US Congress.
Ever since he all but rolled his eyes while his guest ad-libbed with characteristic verbal idiosyncrasies on a state visit to the UK last year, I’ve had a strong hunch that Charles isn’t a fan of President Trump’s. The King seems to put up with Trump’s eccentricities, rather than enjoy them.
From the highlights I’ve seen tonight, Charles’ speech seems to have included some subtle rebuking of Trumpism. In particular, the King’s reference to the principle that executive power is subject to checks and balances seemed very pointed – and was received by a big round of applause, Democrats thrilled with what they were hearing.
Earlier, President Trump noted that his late mother thought the “young Charles” was cute.
While missing ‘The King’s Speech’ – to coin a phrase – I also missed the first leg of the Champions League semi-final between Paris St-Germain and Bayern Munich. Did I miss much? Yes, just a 9-goal classic, those nine goals coming in 51 minutes!
WEDNESDAY
Connacht champions!
Roscommon have just won a sensational Connacht U-20 football final as we go to press. See details on page 44. Congrats!
