Category: Uncategorized
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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…
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Sorrento by dusk
Sorrento is a beautiful place. Assuming that you can see it. My own eyesight is a little bit restricted so I can appreciate the beauty of Sorrento. In a restricted way. A few months ago I signed up for a week in Sorrento with a travel company by the name of Traveleyes. As the name…
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Brexit and Boris
It started on 23 June 2016. Three and a quarter years ago. It feels like 33 years. Maybe 103. Actually 1003. Brexit matters. It will affect many people. Jobs will be lost. It may well lead to a return of border controls within the island of Ireland. Something we thought we were forever finished with.…
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The Dubs and Kerry
I’m a Dub. Born and bred. Lived in Dublin all my life. All of which makes my decision to place a bet on Kerry to win this years All Ireland football final against Dublin seem a little strange. Sport is one of life’s great inventions. It has the ability to take us out of our…
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Liverpool, United, Spurs and the rest
Most Irish soccer fans are happy when the English football team are beaten. Most likely it’s the whole ‘800 years of oppression’ thing, which is actually something of a myth. 400 years is actually closer to the mark. What’s 400 years between friends? So why is it that Irish soccer fans are so taken by…
Blind light 