Category: Uncategorized
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The Japs
The Great Institution of Chatham Street (TGI of CS) is not open to the masses 24 hours a day. This is a situation that I often have difficulty dealing with. It’s a cross I am obliged to carry. I like to think that I bear this affliction with the utmost grace and dignity. As such…
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Rival Establishments
Strange as it may seem there actually exists Rival Establishments to The Great Institution of Chatham Street (TGI of CS). I have yet to fully comprehend the logic of this situation. It is not the only thing in life which escapes my comprehension. Recently a friend spoke to me of one such Establishment. The Rival…
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Brian, Paddy and Me
Sporting discussions and debates are regular occurrences in The Great Institution of Chatham Street (TGI of CS). It’s that kind of place. Football, GAA and golf are my personal favourites, having attempted to play all three at various stages of my humble existence (I grew up on Dublin’s northside, rugby seemed to exist only for…
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We can do it
I have a limited knowledege of Rugby. I watch some of the internationals and the occasional European game. I was actually in Landsdowne Road when Ulster won the Heineken Cup In 1999. But I am far from being well versed on the finer points of the scrum, line out and other such vital matters. Having…
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Interesting people
Homeless people are not boring. Yes, they have addiction and/or mental health issues, relationship problems and difficulties managing money. They are many things. Dull is not one of them. I began my career in homelessness one day when I was perusing my personal bible at that time, The Irish Times. The Times is one of…
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Not quite the Champs Elysees
Dublin’s main thoroughfare is O’Connell Street. It’s a disappointment. At a time when Ireland was struggling to break free of the shackles imposed upon it by its next door neighbour, Daniel O’Connell became a political icon. Known as ‘The Liberator’, he had many successes, however he ultimately fell short when it came to the Promised…
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Mandela and Me
Nelson Mandela was, arguably, the greatest statesman in the history of mankind. I’m quite sure that both Donald Trump and Boris Johnson have made at least one positive contribution to the betterment of the universe in the course of their respective lives. It’s just I haven’t yet heard of any of them. So for me,…
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Blind mans bluff
To a large degree I feel comfortable about the prospect of going blind. I would prefer if it did not happen; however, the world will not end if it does, although the reduced independence would be somewhat bothersome. Occasionally I chat with friends about this subject. Comparisons start to come into play. For me, my…
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Thank you for the music
A few years ago I attended a public interview with Ennio Morrricone, the renowned Italian film music composer. I am a huge Morricone fan. For me he has composed some of the most beautiful music ever heard. The soundtracks for ‘Once upon a time in America’, ‘The Mission’ and ‘Cinema Paradiso’ are my personal favourites.…
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Disability drama
Life in the vision impaired lane can be a little dramatic from time to time. Walking into a pole, missing a step or kerb, occasionally colliding with a toddler; something which is usually followed by much not so harmonious wailing. Why do young children insist on being so small and so vociferous? Really. A few…
Blind light 