The Northside, land of my birth, upbringing and where I still live, had been neglected.

And so, of a cool and cloudy Wednesday morning, it was off down Abbey Street, around by Busaras, onto Amiens Street, past Connolly Station before hanging a sharp left onto Portland Row which took me up to Summerhill and the eastern tip of the North Circular Road.

Yes, it was North Circular Day.

On Summer Sunday’s this is a part of the city that is closed off to traffic.

Croke Park territory.

Throngs of people moving in and out of pubs, tickets being bought and sold, fans making their way to one of the worlds iconic sporting cathedrals.

One of the many great things about GAA matches in Croke Park is that there is no need to separate rival fans. Having said that, it takes a brave culchie to go up on Hill 16 when the Dubs are playing.

Passing through the junction of Sherrard Street, I am reminded of the old SFX Centre, one time home of The Passion Machine, the innovative theatre group that launched writer Roddy Doyle and actor Brendan Gleeson.

Going through the junction of Dorset Street, I am soon sandwiched by the Mater Hospital on the left and Mountjoy Women’s Prison on the right.

Heading up through Phibsboro, I pass Dalymount Park, home of Bohemians Football Club and occasional concert venue of yesteryear.

Moving up through Cabra, I pass the old cattle market across from Hanlons Corner, now a City Council housing estate.

Crossing over Oxmantown Road, I look down at the Artisan Dwellings of Stoneybatter and before I have time to say ‘the old town is showing more sighs of life by the day’, I had arrived at The Phoenix Park and the conclusion of my wee tour.

Soon The Ranch beckoned and I headed home.

And all was still well.