FRIDAY
Two worlds collide
I’m out for a stroll. A man passes by on a horse and trap. There’s a stillness in the air as I witness this leisurely, idyllic sight.
I first became aware there was a horse and trap coming up behind me from the sound of hooves – a welcome respite from the usual rumble of big lorries feasting on our narrow, rural road.
There’s a soft swish as man and beast canter past, like extras in a black and white movie. It’s charming, evocative, timeless.
Then I notice that the man is on a mobile phone (while also holding the reins). The image of tranquillity fades a little.
Is this some symbol of two worlds colliding? A visual metaphor for the times we live in? (Okay, to be less dramatic, just a man on a horse and trap receiving/making a phone call).
SATURDAY
Needling Haystacks…
If you’d told me many years ago that the Eurovision Song Contest and the FA Cup final were happening on the same Saturday, I’d have been greatly looking forward to several hours of gripping TV viewing and an assured cocktail of drama, excitement and entertainment.
Those of us of a ‘certain age’ remember the era when FA Cup final day involved a five-hour build-up on BBC and ITV, complete with guest appearances by comedians, reports from the hotels where the teams were staying, and coverage of the players arriving at Wembley by bus.
ITV generally interrupted its marathon coverage to – quite properly – bring us our weekly wrestling treat, starring ‘Big Daddy’, ‘Giant Haystacks’ and other colourful characters.
The Eurovision Song Contest was unmissable too. Well, the actual performers we could take or leave – what we couldn’t miss was the voting, making our Eurovision viewing experience the entertainment version of enjoying general election counts while being largely indifferent to the actual governing that went on for (approximate) four-year cycles in between counts. Happy days.
Today, I ignored every single minute of the Eurovision, while tuning into the FA Cup final coverage purely for the actual football (as opposed to any attendant showbiz). It was dull stuff (Manchester City beat Chelsea 1-0), leaving me with no option but to remain nostalgic for Dickie Davies (presenter of World of Sport), Des Lynam, Jimmy Hill and Bob Wilson (just three of the BBC presenters of old), not to mention those Big Daddy/Giant Haystacks battles that bonded families around the TV screen every Saturday morning.
SATURDAY
Political arm wrestle
Come to think of it (see previous item), I used to watch the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis all those years ago too – in fact I used to go along sometimes. This, I hasten to add, was for journalistic purposes; I also went to the Fine Gael gatherings.
In those days (late 1980s, into the 1990s), such events almost guaranteed drama, colour, excitement and passion. The Fianna Fáil (FF) one had a free bar for journalists one year, but I digress.
As per the Eurovision Song Contest and the FA Cup final, I wasn’t drawn to TV coverage of today’s FF gathering – not because it was FF, but because these days, such party conferences are usually very boring. Maybe they should have a half-time show, as per the Superbowl. Anyone for a return of the wrestling?
SUNDAY
Ray-dio daze
In the Sunday Independent, Ray D’Arcy – a nice man who’s still smarting from being dropped by RTE Radio – was more than happy to talk to reporter Niamh Horan about a fall in listeners for a number of his old employer’s shows.
Ray recalled recently meeting two ladies on a beach in Waterford. According to Ray, the ladies said: “Ray, we miss you on the radio. What were they thinking at all?”
Some readers may recall that former Taoiseach Enda Kenny spoke of meeting a man “with two pints in his hand” – with said drink-laden man then discussing Government policy with the nation’s acutely observant leader.
There is no evidence to suggest that either of the two ladies on the beach in Waterford are related to the man who had two pints in his hand.
MONDAY
Let it be…
Oh for God’s sake… criticism of Paul McCartney’s singing is trending online. People are actually giving out about a recent performance by the ex-Beatle, who will be 84 next month.
Maybe his critics should just appreciate that the genius is still with us, still performing too. Quibbling about the quality of his singing these days is a bit like complaining that golfers Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods aren’t quite burning up golf courses like they did in their youth.
Paul McCartney is arguably the greatest songwriter of all time, and a great musician/singer too. I’d love to have seen him live in concert. (Maybe when I’m… I dunno, 64).
TUESDAY
Arsenal’s title
So Arsenal are Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years, securing the title tonight without having had to kick a ball (Manchester City needed to defeat Bournemouth to keep their challenge alive, but that game ended 1-1).
Cue celebrations in our house, where our son inexplicably chose to support Arsenal over Leeds a few years ago.
TUESDAY
Still gunning for Keir
Arsenal’s title win is good news for Keir Starmer, as the British Prime Minister is a very genuine supporter of the famed Gunners.
The bad news for Keir Starmer is that he might have time to get to more Arsenal games next season. Wes Streeting, Andy Burnham and one or two others are warming up on the subs’ bench – and it’s likely that Starmer will be summoned from the political pitch quite soon.
WEDNESDAY
Meanwhile, on housing…
Beware any sudden mention of ‘heated’ Dáil exchanges – it usually means bluster is winning over substance… again!
Today, being immersed in putting together the final touches for this week’s edition of the Roscommon People, I didn’t get a chance to check online and see what’s happening elsewhere – until just now.
According to the RTE website, our old friend – the ‘heated’ Dáil exchanges – turned up again today.
During an exchange of long sentences on housing – you certainly couldn’t call it a debate – Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald described the Taoiseach as “a sleeveen.” Mr Martin appeared to be suitably affronted, and began firing jibes back across the chamber.
Could it possibly get any more tiresome?
