In a different sporting world long ago, though some would scarcely believe it, this corner absolutely detested horse racing. Alteration to that first probably came about due to what somebody described to me the other day as ‘Exposure Therapy’. Put in simpler terms, if you’re around them long enough you’ll become like them. In the… Read More One Racecourse I definitely want to visit
The thing that surprised me most was the fact that it took a very open, honest interview with Wexford legend Tom Dempsey for me to catch onto and agree with the point he was making. To go forward with this production we must first go back. What is probably more years than any of us… Read More You don’t pay for a cow’s silage when ordering a litre of milk!
The question has often been fired in this direction, like a curve ball shooting out of a scrum – at which point did the realisation dawn that Colm O’Rourke was my favourite player and my hero? Who blessedly over the years has become a treasured friend. It’s a valid and interesting query, but one which… Read More Something new in every interview
No, you did not misread the headline. Whatever about being advantageous from a parking point of view or skipping queues or such like, over the most weekend there was an advantage that had to be seen to be believed! Well, that would’ve been the case were it not an instance of being forewarned and forearmed.… Read More Rare occasions when being in a wheelchair works to your advantage!
“Sam’s for the Hills” were the immortal words uttered by Anthony Molloy and now etched into Irish sporting folklore after he lifted Sam Maguire on behalf of Donegal for the first time in 1992. It also went on to be the title of a book co-written by Damien Dowds thereafter. The victory, sensationally fashioned by… Read More There’s loyalty in them there hills
There was once a Dunboyne footballer – no names, if you know, you know – who was selected for a county team despite not currying favour with the local Brains Trust. That is actually not unique, as, towards the end of his tenure as Meath manager, Sean Boylan brought Damien Byrne into the county panel… Read More To whom it concerns, it really struck a chord
It’s often said you learn something new every day. Quite rightly so too. Even if the manner in which information is imparted has altered seismically during my lifetime. Depending on the day of the week, my late father bought a minimum of two newspapers a day. Extras on a day the Irish Farmers Journal or… Read More Another “Attack on democracy”
Covid-19 has done many things to many people. Around the world, families have lost loves ones, those who survived their tangle with the dastardly thing remained ill for months thereafter. Businesses have gone under, entire business sectors narrowly avoided doing so. Yet for all the challenges it has drummed up for so many, it has… Read More The Cottage remains shrouded in mystery
They say timing is everything. So it would be hard not to feel there was an ulterior motive at play with the timing of the broadcasting of the recent Panorama programme on BBC entitled Racing’s Dark Side. Coming as it did in the lead up to both Gordon Elliott’s return from suspension and the Galway… Read More Gordon and Gavin targeted in Panorama witch hunt
Several times in recent months mention has been given to the fact new avenues have to be unearthed and explored in a sometimes vain attempt to maintain some degree of emotional strength and hope. Horizons have had to be broadened. With farming out of the equation by circumstances beyond my control and NPHET/the ‘Government’ making… Read More Will it always be sunny at the Racecourse Ground?