The genius of Gene

Gene Hackman was probably my favourite movie actor. He is unquestionably in the pantheon of greats, up there with Robert De Niro, Jack Nicholson, Marlon Brando, Anthony Hopkins, Morgan Freeman, Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, and many others, not forgetting the best of the stars of earlier eras such as James Stewart, Humphrey Bogart, etc.

Others, like Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, were great personal favourites of mine, but I can honestly say that Hackman was probably the actor who most captivated me. There was a period in the 1990s when he seemed to dominate our screens, producing consistently brilliant performances, often across varying genres.

Amongst his greatest roles were those in The French Connection, Unforgiven, and the chilling Mississippi Burning. I only discovered recently that he had a terrific cameo appearance (well worth checking out on YouTube) in the Mel Brooks comedy, Young Frankenstein.

A wonderful actor with an electrifying screen presence, Gene Hackman was undoubtedly one of the greatest figures in movie history.

Hackman (95) and his wife, Betsy Arakawa (65) were found dead at their home today. An investigation is underway. May they rest in peace.

FRIDAY

Oval and out

An otherwise normal Friday evening has just been hijacked by events ‘stateside’. Everyone’s talking about the row in the White House. President Trump and Vice-President Vance have humiliated Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky during extremely tense exchanges in the Oval Office. It made for very unpleasant viewing. Within minutes, Zelensky had departed.

I can recall seeing American presidents, going back to the era of the late Jimmy Carter, welcoming world leaders to the White House, and such events were always conducted with dignity and diplomacy, regardless of how strained relations might actually be.

What just happened in the Oval Office is unprecedented, not that I can agree with glum political commentator Larry Donnelly (reacting on Today FM’s The Last Word as I write), who seems to think it’s the end of civilisation (well, almost).

The meeting between Zelensky and Trump/Vance in front of the media was actually going fine for about half an hour. Then Zelensky to some degree ‘poked the bear’ in its own cave.

When the Ukrainian president started presenting his historical perspective of Russia’s treatment of Ukraine, and then challenged the vice-president on what he meant by diplomatic measures, it sparked a disproportionately fierce response from Vance. Trump took his cue from Vance’s outburst. The reservations – indeed personal enmity – both Trump and Vance have when it comes to Zelensky unleased a tirade of abuse.

It’s clear that Trump has lost patience with what he depicts as freeloading by Zelensky, while Vance unconvincingly implied that the Ukrainian president is not sufficiently grateful for US support (the evidence suggests otherwise).

These differences of opinion should have been articulated behind closed doors. Did they deliberately trap their guest in public? Perhaps. Zelensky was combative, but he was treated as no Head of State should be. This public dressing down was an example of low standards in high places.

SATURDAY

Pat Ingoldsby (RIP)

I was sorry to hear of the passing today of the unique poet/children’s TV presenter, Pat Ingoldsby. He was 82.

Known for his quirky writing style, he was a free spirit who often seemed to view the world through the eyes of a child. His poems and books were usually humorous, but many were poignant and moving too.

Growing up in Rooskey in the 1970s and ‘80s, I was always drawn to Pat Ingoldsby’s columns in the Evening Press, knowing that I would be reading some ‘off-centre’ view of the world. He lifted hearts and put smiles on faces.

At his peak, there was a heart-warming zaniness to his observations that was reminiscent of Spike Milligan. Here, in full, is an Ingoldsby three-liner on death:

DYING

‘If it was good enough
for Johnny Cash
it’ll do me’

SATURDAY 

The ego has landed

Former champion boxer Chris Eubank was a guest on The Tommy Tiernan Show tonight. It was a pretty extraordinary appearance.

Courteously told by the show host that he was coming across as egotistical, Eubank seemed startled, and huffed that he had been invited on to the show (“Your team asked me to come and see you”).

Always a bit on the eccentric side, Eubank appeared to be in full attention-seeking mode in this outing, regularly referring to himself in the third person as he spoke (at length) about spirituality (and what most viewers would consider his strange interpretation of it). Tiernan displayed commendable patience. Mind you, I still find Eubank likeable; people like him add variety to life.

While it felt like the most awkward chat show interview I’ve seen in years, somehow it managed to be only the second weirdest ‘TV moment’ of the week…

SUNDAY

The Oscar goes to…

The Oscars are a hard watch, so I can’t watch… all of the annual ceremony. No chance. But credit where it’s due, first-time host Conan O’Brien was excellent.

MONDAY

Rudest ratings

Reflecting further on Oval Officegate, it strikes me that an unquestionably rude Donald Trump was actually only the third rudest person in the room!

I’d give the runner-up spot to smug reporter Brian Glenn, who saw the way the wind was blowing and decided to have his own populist pop at President Zelensky.

Sneering Glenn had the cheek to pitch in with: “Why don’t you wear a suit? You’re at the highest level in this country’s office, and you refuse to wear a suit. Do you own a suit?”

Rudest person in the room on the day? That ‘accolade’ undoubtedly goes to the insufferably arrogant JD Vance. The vice-president was more annoying than President Trump, and much of the blame for the unseemly episode can be laid at his feet.

TUESDAY

Morning, Jim!

When I tuned into Morning Ireland (RTE Radio 1) midway through a discussion between Darren Frehill and Jim Gavin on the new Gaelic football rules, the atmosphere between them seemed ever so slightly strained.

At one point a polite but firm Jim said: “You’re the journalist”, following up with “You obviously haven’t read the data…”

Happily, they seemed to get back on track. Then Darren wrapped up the interview: “Our thanks to Jim… McGuinness.”

The post Paul Healy’s Week – 7/3/25 appeared first on Roscommon People.

Careful what you vote for

Catching up on last Sunday’s newspapers (now that our own publication is gone to bed), I see Jeremy Clarkson – a bit of a national treasure for millions of people – remains steadfastly gloomy about the UK’s decision to leave the EU.

Here’s Jeremy, writing in The Sunday Times of a recent trip abroad: “I have crossed many tricky borders over the years, and the paperwork always takes time. Iraq to Turkey took a moment, that’s for sure. And Rwanda into Tanzania was challenging as well. But nothing has ever taken as long as it took us to get from post-Brexit England into France.”

Lamenting that he and a film crew had to stand in a passport queue “behind three million Nigerians and a planeload of confused people from Japan”, he adds that this all unfolded while his partner was texting him “by the pool with a glass of wine because she’s Irish.”

Noting that Lord (Alan) Sugar has said if he was Prime Minister he’d crawl on his hands and knees over to EU HQ and “beg to be let back in”, Clarkson says he’d happily go with him – but is worried their knees mightn’t hold up well.

THURSDAY

EastEnders at 40 

One night about nine or ten years ago, I had a few pints in Roscommon town in the company of a Londoner who worked as a scriptwriter on EastEnders. A very pleasant man, he was visiting Roscommon with a cousin of mine.

Some of you will be aware of the much-hyped 40th anniversary celebrations of the BBC’s famous ‘soap’. The storylines over the past week or so have been building up towards tonight’s special live episode.

Now it would have been nice if the current residents of Albert Square had just gathered in ‘The Vic’ for a jolly knees-up tonight, but that’s not the EastEnders way.

Instead, the pub was destroyed by a gas explosion. Several patrons were trapped. They included pregnant Sonia, whose killer boyfriend caused the accident (by driving into some gas cylinders). As fate would have it, he died when a bathtub (loosened by the explosion) fell on top of him. Stoic Sonia, fresh out of jail herself (after being wrongly suspected of murder), overcame the trauma of the destruction of the pub – and witnessing her awful boyfriend’s death-by-bathtub – to give birth to her baby… all while surrounded by rubble, and her screeching, brandy-swigging half-sister (Bianca).

Meanwhile, Kathy Beale saves Cindy’s life, notwithstanding that Cindy was brandishing a gun at her hours earlier. While all this drama was unfolding, Grant Mitchell was back on Albert Square for the first time in nine years. Ross Kemp’s agent deserves a pay rise, because the actor did very little other than wander around his old Walford haunts while perfecting that ‘soap stare’ we are all familiar with.

The cast (and crews) were superb in tonight’s brilliantly delivered live episode, which sadly ended with the demise of one of the good guys, Albert Square veteran Martin Fowler, who died of kidney failure and cardiac arrest after being crushed under a girder (but not before proposing to his ex-wife Stacey).

Looking back, given all the drama at the Queen Vic, I probably should have lowered expectations when I took that member of the EastEnders team of writers to a couple of pubs in Roscommon all those years ago!

FRIDAY

Chris, Graham… and Boyle

On the always entertaining Graham Norton Show (BBC One) Roscommon-born actor Chris O’Dowd once again provided a promotion of his native Boyle that would cost a fortune in a formal marketing campaign.

Chris, long established as a terrific chat show guest, told the show’s millions of viewers – and guests including Ewan McGregor and Kate Hudson – of Boyle’s charm, highlighting the annual arts festival there, while adding that it’s the “UFO capital of the word”.

That latter claim related to the interest in UFOs of a number of Boyle residents, largely inspired by the late Betty Meyler, a resident of the town who was President of the UFO Society of Ireland.

O’Dowd, currently promoting Small Town, Big Story – his new six-part series which will debut on Sky from this Thursday, February 27^th – finished his unofficial Boyle promotion by telling Kate Hudson that her mother, the great Goldie Hawn, would be very welcome to the town any time!

SATURDAY

A French farce?

Sometimes, fact really is stranger than fiction…

It would have been an ideal sub-plot in a comedy caper on TV, but the following is apparently a true story. According to multiple news sources today, thieves in France stole a man’s credit card. One of the geniuses in the gang then used said stolen credit card to buy lottery scratch cards. One of those cards yielded the top prize… a tasty €500,000.

The gang, still obviously on the run, vanished before cashing in. Unfortunately for them, the owner of the stolen credit card – now aware of the lotto win – contacted the media.

Imagine how quiet the gang member who bought the lotto ticket must have gone when one of his associates explained the dilemma they were now in. How do the French fugitives cash in their €500,000 windfall… without their identity being traced?

Very helpfully, the man (Jean-David) whose card was stolen, has made an offer to the criminals: if they come forward, he will split the €500,000 with them. Nice one.

As a fan of puns (bad and otherwise), I was delighted to read that Jean-David is from… Toulouse. Yes, form an orderly queue with your puns… he has much Toulouse, the criminal gang stand Toulouse half a million, etc. Perhaps they’ll work out a compromise.

As of today, the French lottery folks say no one has claimed the prize yet. Quelle surprise…

SATURDAY/SUNDAY

Weekend sport

It was a busy weekend on the sporting front for local teams. In ladies football, Roscommon came so close to a great win, but Donegal’s late, late goal (a penalty) earned the visitors a draw in Johnstown.

Our senior football and hurling teams both lost, but there were great wins for Roscommon CBS (football), and for the county camogie team. For more, see our sports section.

MONDAY

Missing Matt

So, I turned on the radio twice today and Sinn Féin’s Matt Carthy wasn’t talking on either occasion. I can only assume I need a new radio…

The post Paul Healy’s Week – 28/02/25 appeared first on Roscommon People.

Cycle of life…

So I’m parking the car in Abbey Street this morning, unaware that I was about to witness a commendable attempt to break the world land speed record. Well, I exaggerate… a little.

Still, it was a bit much. As I emerged from my car, a young lad whizzed by at high speed along the footpath… peddling a bicycle.

What if someone had been emerging from any of the offices or houses on the street just as this cyclist was travelling past?

I don’t necessarily wish to be a party to dampening the exuberance of youth, but really, the moral of the story (for cyclists of all ages) is: footpaths are paths for people to walk on. They are not for bicycles.

Good morning. I will now have a cup of tea and google ‘Do people get grumpier as they get older?’

THURSDAY

Cycle of life (2)

In more bikes-on-footpaths news, after a meeting in Longford town this morning, I was walking… along a footpath. From behind came a slightly impatient demand: “Excuse me!”

I had moved aside before realising my fellow traveller was a man on a bicycle, complete with raingear and a bunch of flowers (Valentine’s Day).

Declining to acknowledge my prompt stepping aside, the romantic rider carried on… cycling along the footpath.

What is going on?

THURSDAY/FRIDAY

A communal sadness

A sense of lingering disbelief permeated the bitterly cold air in Ballintubber on Thursday evening. Disbelief that the village’s ‘Go to’ man has slipped away, that we are here, in huge, numbed numbers, for this reason. Hardly anyone spoke. A communal sadness and silence bonded the tapestry of mourners.

When we eventually reached the entrance to the old schoolhouse, it was immensely poignant. A montage of photos and newspaper/social media extracts reminded us of the remarkable breadth of Tony’s community work over the decades.

The late Anthony (Tony) Waldron touched lives far beyond Ballintubber, but there was a real sense in the village on Thursday evening of how personal his untimely passing is to the people there. It’s a beautiful village, lovingly maintained by a close-knit community. Over the years, I have observed the pride of place that is so evident in Ballintubber. This is a great community… and Tony Waldron, who died unexpectedly on Sunday, 9th of February last, was at the heart of everything positive there.

On Thursday, the photos really got to me… Tony’s central role in so many projects poignantly celebrated. There was one of Tony – as ever, the dapper dresser – chaperoning then-President Mary Robinson, many more of him with locals… images that evocatively linked milestones of a community’s ongoing development.

On Friday, the gifts brought up to the altar included Roscommon and Mayo jerseys, a Joe Dolan album, and the mobile phone that Tony always seemed to be on.

In his Homily, Fr Julian Lupot movingly highlighted what the late councillor meant to people locally. Referencing the Liveline promotional line – ‘Talk to Joe’ – the priest said that in the Ballintubber area, you talked to Tony if you needed help. He painted a picture of Tony which those who knew him could immediately identify with, that of him parked in his car, engaged in a phone call, slips of paper strewn around.

Bonnie Garvey delivered a lovely, heartfelt tribute. A niece of Tony’s sang a beautiful version of one of his favourite songs… ‘The Parting Glass’. David Waldron – his voice breaking at times – spoke of his brother’s “brilliant smile” and “contagious laugh”, while also thanking the people of Ballintubber for lovingly embracing their sibling.

Tony’s integrity, generosity of spirit, compassion, kindness and relentlessly selfless dedication to helping others throughout his life was celebrated. This was a fitting send-off to a local community’s departed champion.

So fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate’er befalls
Then gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all

(From ‘The Parting Glass’)

FRIDAY

Wrong host?

The most frustrating aspect of Patrick Kielty’s vapid interview with the brilliant Steve Coogan on the Late Late Show tonight was the fact that it wasn’t Tommy Tiernan’s interview with the brilliant Steve Coogan.

SATURDAY

Hitting right notes

Kerry v Dublin is ‘a dual that has gripped people for decades’ The Sunday Game tweeted by way of promoting this evening’s big game in Tralee.

I wasn’t quite as excited as the person looking after digital media for the RTE show, nor did I agree with their assessment; Kerry v Dublin is more a duel than a dual, I reckon.

Still, I dipped into RTE’s live coverage to see if this latest meeting between the two big beasts of the GAA would be in keeping with the spirit of the misspelt marketing. The early action from Tralee had Kerry threatening to humiliate the Dubs. 12 points ahead at one stage, by half-time the Kingdom were 11 clear. Even with a strong wind blowing, it looked like game over. I almost switched over to the final of The Masked Singer, where a Pufferfish was in a duel (not dual) with a Dressed Crab.

The second half saw Dessie Farrell’s Dubs slowly reel Kerry into view, before remarkably overhauling them with a flurry of great, late scores. It turns out that reports of Dublin’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. They won by a point, a pretty sensational turnaround, and a first win in 40 years in Tralee for the Dubs. Things may be looking up for Dublin football!

On nearby Virgin Media, Putterfish won its duel with the crab on The Masked Singer.

SUNDAY

Not bowled over

Some topical political commentary overheard in Roscommon town…

Man A: “I don’t think Trump wants a bowl of shamrock on St Patrick’s Day…”

Man B: “It’s another green he wants… (reference to Greenland)… then “I bet he’d take the bowl if it was full of dollars!”

MONDAY

Just a thought…

But seriously… there’s still no word of that traditional St Patrick’s Day invite to the White House for the Taoiseach.

Even if/when it does come, I note that radio commentators and doubters on social media are questioning if Micheál Martin would be brave enough to talk tough to Donald Trump… and tell him some blunt home truths.

Has anyone checked if Samantha Mumba’s available?

The post Paul Healy’s Week – 21/02/25 appeared first on Roscommon People.

Sending wrong message

I’d normally be cynical about calls for the Dáil to be recalled. The calls are usually mere political opportunism, some opposition party breathlessly demanding the immediate return of the Dáil in order that a perceived crisis is urgently addressed.

Such calls are no doubt sometimes genuine, but mostly it’s opportunism, those making the call delighting in embarrassing the government of the day. They are well aware that calls for the Dáil to reconvene will resonate with those voters who still have the will to care. Cue ordinary men and women in the street muttering stuff like ‘Did you see that shower are still on holidays? The country is in crisis and the TDs aren’t to be seen anywhere…’.

Besides, if the chamber is reopened in the midst of some emergency, does anyone seriously think that venting TDs will achieve anything that would be more beneficial than public servants (elected and non-elected) working away behind the scenes?

All of the above said (I did say I’d normally be cynical on this issue) it hasn’t been a good look for the Dáil not to have sat over the past fortnight (or so). Storm Éowyn had a devastating impact on the country, particularly in the west of Ireland. I do think that the failure to recall the Dáil this time has sent a bad message to the public.

Even if it had only been a symbolic gesture, reconvening the Dáil – particularly with a new Government having just taken office – would have sent a positive signal to people. It would have given the Taoiseach and his ministers an opportunity to show leadership (beyond soundbites in the media). It would have given people a voice (through their TDs) and most importantly of all, would have indicated that the plight of those most grievously impacted was being formally acknowledged. Instead, we had photos in the media of politicians (the Taoiseach included) attending the Ireland-England game at the Aviva.

I think had the Dáil been recalled on this occasion, it would have sent a message of symbolic solidarity, if nothing else, to those communities that were most affected. A message to people who – due to storm-induced circumstances – didn’t see Ireland v England in the rugby, or Ireland v Scotland last weekend either for that matter.

FRIDAY

Senator Scahill

Word comes through that Gareth Scahill is one of Micheál Martin’s 11 Seanad nominees (the Taoiseach having received a list of five choices from Fine Gael leader and Coalition partner, Simon Harris).

It’s an impressively swift rise up the political ladder for the Castlerea businessman. Up to just over eight months ago, he hadn’t yet held political office at all, now he’s a member of the Oireachtas – and the clear front-runner for Fine Gael in this constituency ahead of the next general election.

Scahill comfortably won a Council seat last June. However, his foray into local politics has turned out to be short-lived, as he will now have to vacate his Council seat following today’s elevation to the Seanad.

Before entering politics, Gareth Scahill had already established himself as a dedicated community activist. His rise to Oireachtas level is positive for Castlerea, and for the constituency. I wish him well in his new role.

SATURDAY

Eurovision latest!

When I realised that last night’s Late Late Show was a Eurovision Special, I was delighted… and availed of the opportunity to catch up on some end-of-week sleep on the couch.

Having very intentionally avoided every second of the show, I would have embraced having no knowledge of how our latest search for long-lost Eurovision credibility unfolded, but such hopes were shattered when I inadvertently heard a segment on Newstalk this morning.

Before I could take evasive action, the ever-enthusiastic reporter Henry McKean was breathlessly informing broadcaster Anton Savage that the winning song last night – and now our entry in this year’s Eurovision – is about a Soviet dog that died in space.

I’m all for originality – and we certainly haven’t had many songs about dogs that died in space – but I must admit to being quite stunned.

It felt like I had been transported into a Monty Python sketch, but it was really happening… Anton and Henry were now discussing the story behind Laika Party, the song that Norwegian singer Emmy will perform for Ireland in the upcoming semi-final.

Apparently a Soviet crew brought a dog called Laika into space on Sputnik 2 back in 1957, but the animal sadly died of hyperthermia. Now Laika’s back in the news, with the songwriting team penning a different outcome for the dog, in which it survives and parties in space. Of course that’s not what happened.

68 years on, it might be a bit much to expect a ‘sympathy vote’ for Laika to help reverse Ireland’s recent Eurovision woes. Time will tell!

SATURDAY

In the cinema…

A visit to Omniplex Cinema in Roscommon is always a pleasure. Tonight, we had a ‘family night out’ and went to see ‘A Complete Unknown’.

While it’s slow moving, and perhaps not to everyone’s taste, I thought this Bob Dylan biopic was enjoyable, the music very evocative. Timothée Chalamet was excellent as a young Bob Dylan.

SUNDAY/MONDAY

County mourns Tony

The sudden death of Cllr Anthony Waldron has come as a terrible shock. We were very good friends for many years, and it was always a pleasure to meet with this most unassuming of gentlemen.

The people of Ballintubber, Castlerea, Roscommon town and the entire county indeed are shocked by Tony’s untimely passing. We pay tribute to a great Roscommon man on pages 14 & 15 (see also page 10). Rest in peace, Tony.

TUESDAY

A walk in the park

A relaxing walk in Loughnaneane Park, where peacefulness reigns. There is hardly any noise, except for the sound of a saw, operated by a man in the distance.

Like Mote Park, and the Demesne in Castlerea, and other cherished local amenities, the recent storm impacted here; there are hundreds of branches tidily gathered together on the ground, as the clean-up operation continues.

The man with the saw, who is working on that clean-up in a cordoned off area, is being watched by a robin and a small dog. It’s obvious it belongs to the man (the dog, not the robin).

Several walkers pass, at least half of whom have a dog with them. Imposing in the distance stands Roscommon Castle, which has survived stormier days than we saw on January 24th. In the pond, the ducks embrace the tranquillity of another day, another year.

The post Paul Healy’s Week – 14/02/25 appeared first on Roscommon People.

All politics is local

On a human level, politics can certainly be a tough business. Politically, you live and die not by the sword, but by the stroke of a pen.

This week has seen two local politicians lose their Seanad seats. Aisling Dolan and Eugene Murphy both lost out on the highly competitive Agricultural Panel. It was a further significant setback for two public figures who just over a couple of months ago had their sights set on the Dáil.

Both are now at a crossroads in their respective political careers. Since late last year, Dolan and Murphy have both encountered stormy political seas.

Eugene Murphy has been high profile in these parts for 40 years, having been elected to Roscommon County Council for the first time way back in 1985. Today, political discourse is often via social media. Times have changed. In 1985, I remember Eugene in full flow addressing locals leaving Mass from the church in Strokestown.

He insists he is not finished with politics and has pledged to put his name before the people again when local and national elections next come around.

It hasn’t been a good week for our constituency. A fruitless Seanad election for local candidates followed on from Dr Martin Daly (Fianna Fáil) and Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) both being overlooked when that long list of junior ministers was revealed.

Both will be obvious contenders for promotion if and when a mid-term reshuffle takes place.

The assumption that Daly would get a junior ministry was hyped up too much (not by the new TD himself, but by party sources locally, and commentators too). It’s not usual for a first-time TD to get the nod. Taoiseach Micheál Martin is cautious at the best of times. His decision not to appoint Daly certainly put paid to any suggestion that the Ballygar man was promised a junior ministry in return for entering the political fray.

FRIDAY

Welsh woe

I didn’t see tonight’s opening game of the Six Nations Championship, but judging by online reviews, Wales were as poor as their woeful 43-0 defeat to France suggests.

It might be unfair on Wales (a great rugby nation that’s just going through a bad period) for me to draw the comparison, but I am reminded of what the eccentric Len Shackleton said after he scored six goals in Newcastle’s 13-0 win over Newport in a league match in 1946: “They were lucky to get nil”.

SATURDAY

Boyzone documentary

Channel-hopping, I came across a major new documentary on Boyzone (No Matter What, Sky Documentaries).

I wasn’t aware of this three-part series until tonight. Judging by episode one, it’s a raw and revealing no-holds-barred retrospective on the rise to international stardom of the Irish boyband that was formed, and ruthlessly controlled, by Louis Walsh.

I’ve only seen one episode at time of writing, but already it’s clear that there was a lot of turmoil behind the scenes, and that many questions arise about both Louis Walsh’s modus operandi and the conduct of the tabloid press. So many boybands/young pop stars have been victims of exploitation.

Episode one was intriguing, band members interviewed on their own, Walsh an unnervingly Machiavellian-like contributor in the shadows.

Mikey Graham has obviously been badly affected by his experience in the band, while the late Stephen Gately’s turmoil will clearly be a feature of the series.

SUNDAY

Giving everything…

Watching children play can be exhausting (and wonderful). Just now in our house, one of our nephews (aged 3) and our 21-month-old grandchild have embarked on a relentless series of laps of two rooms.

They’ve been running at high speed from living room to kitchen in playful pursuit of one another. Mostly following the same route, they’ve occasionally paused for breath while circling the ‘Island’, a bit like the pit stops which Formula One drivers take.

The energy levels and single-minded focus on display are something else. But even small kids’ energy levels have a limit. Finally, after several laps, they’ve both just plopped to the floor, exhausted.

I know it reminds me of something. But what? Then it comes to me. That night in 1975 when, thrilled to be out of my bed in the early hours of the morning, I watched Muhammad Ali v Joe Frazier live from Manila. When Frazier couldn’t take any more at the start of the 15th round, he sank on to his stool. Ali in turn immediately collapsed to the canvas.

SUNDAY

Rory & Shane

A TV and sporting highlight of this weekend has been the golf on Sky Sports, where Rory McIllroy and Shane Lowry have taken charge at the business end of the Pebble Beach Pro-Am. McIllroy won, Lowry’s birdie on the last ensuring he finished second. Both McIlroy and Lowry hit hole-in-ones during the tournament. Their exploits earned them combined prize money of almost six millions dollars.

MONDAY

Speechless…

Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy has spoken… so that others may not. The Ceann Comhairle has made it known that she cannot grant Opposition speaking rights to the Regional Independents, because they are already committed to supporting the new Government.

I assume that on hearing tonight’s twist, a suitably unimpressed Michael Lowry and Micheál Martin are both… speechless.

TUESDAY

The late Brian Murphy

What a terrific comedy actor Brian Murphy was. The sitcom star of yore died on Sunday (aged 92), with his passing being announced by his family today. Readers of a certain age may recall him from Man About The House (well, I don’t; when I think of him it’s for his role in George and Mildred). Much later, he was a regular in Last of the Summer Wine, which was perfect for his style, which usually involved playing a bumbling character who was down on his luck or, as the Guardian put it today, “constantly outmanoeuvred by contemptuous and implacable women”.

The (sitcom) woman who kept him on his toes most was Yootha Joyce, Mildred to Murphy’s very ‘hen-pecked’ George in the much-loved George and Mildred (1976-1979). That latter sitcom was a spin-off from Man About The House, which first introduced Murphy and Joyce to TV viewers.

Brian Murphy starred in numerous other popular TV programmes, and had film roles too. He will be fondly remembered.

The post Paul Healy’s Week – 07/02/25 appeared first on Roscommon People.

Dull sequel…

Having suffered from some kind of bug overnight, there was only one thing that could possibly cheer me up this morning. Yes, you’ve guessed it… Oireachtas TV.

Against my better judgement, I tuned in. In truth, I did so for reasons arguably at variance with those initially intended by the powers that be.

In not focussing on the actual politics (having instead tuned in for the circus), I feel a bit like the old ladies and children who used to attend the wrestling bouts featured on ITV’s World of Sport back in the 1970/1980s. But I digress.

Micheál Martin’s second coming as Taoiseach was a formality. Most viewers tuned in to see if there would be any repeat of yesterday’s childish behaviour, uproar which saw the new (and understandably rattled) Ceann Comhairle issue the political equivalent of GAA’s yellow and black cards, before opting for the red which led to a shameful 24-hour adjournment.

All members were on their best behaviour today, so this was like a dull sequel to an acclaimed movie thriller. Oh well.

THURSDAY/FRIDAY

Storm Éowyn

I began my ‘storm prep’ by turning what’s left of our old trampoline (now basically just a base) upside down. It was never going to budge after that, no fear that this now mostly redundant item would feature on social media on Saturday, bounding towards Knockcroghery via various fields.

Thereafter, I secured the bins, closed our windows, and waited for the storm after the calm.

Éowyn was brewing so aggressively from as ‘early’ as 9 pm, it was obvious we were in for something very ominous.

Our electricity went at about 5 am, returning 14 hours later, placing us in the ‘lucky’ category.

Like most people, we took a spin on Friday afternoon to view the damage. The storm caused carnage beyond power cuts, with extensive damage to buildings, and mass uprooting of trees.

Thousands of people in County Roscommon and east Galway (and nationwide) lost power, and water. Hundreds of businesses have been adversely affected locally.

Mind you, some businesses actually had a temporary boost. Once Storm Éowyn stopped baring its teeth, thousands of people flooded into the county town, mostly into the embrace of fast food outlets and premises’ serving coffee, not to mention in desperate pursuit of mobile coverage!

*As we go to press, thousands of people in our readership area are still without power (some without water too). There is frustration, forbearance too, and some anger. We have extensive coverage in this issue. Our thoughts are with those affected.

SATURDAY

Seamus & Tommy

I could see that Leitrim writer (and actor-director) Seamus O’Rourke was nervous when introduced as a guest on Tommy Tiernan’s Show tonight. He need not have been. His humanity and decency gently soared from his chair.

Just as we would have hoped, Seamus entered the distinguished pantheon of memorable interviewees. I’m a fan of Tommy’s interviewing style, but not every interaction is as riveting as popular wisdom might suggest. This one, however, was up there with the best, the chat between two like-minded men all the better for its simplicity, for the fact that both Tommy and Seamus appeared to be drawing from their own insecurities.

The best part was when Seamus spoke so rawly of his relationship with his late father. All over the country, middle-aged men (some women too) looked into their hearts and perhaps salvaged something from their past.

SUNDAY

Winning start

I didn’t get to the Hyde today (due to a family commitment) but we saw TG4’s coverage while having a very nice Sunday lunch in the Percy French Hotel in Strokestown.

It does the heart good to see a player like Ciaráin Murtagh trying what he did, in scoring a sublime, long-range opportunist goal. Down goalkeeper John O’Hare was absent with leave. See our sports section for more.

MONDAY

No smiles…

Why do the audience members for ‘Upfront with Katie Hannon’ (RTE 1, Monday nights) almost always look so miserable? (Answers on a postcard, if you wish).

It’s no reflection on Katie, who is an accomplished journalist and a very nice person (we’ve met).

I don’t think the gloomy audience faces are any reflection either on the panels the producers put together… usually a mix of politicians, journalists/assorted commentators.

Part of the problem is that the studio audience for ‘Upfront with Katie Hannon’ is too small in number/s; usually there are only about 30 people there. It doesn’t generate any atmosphere. Generally they look like they’d prefer to be trapped in a lift with Nigel Farage and Joe Brolly (which may well be the case).

Presumably this audience approach reflects RTE’s belief that an intimate gathering of carefully chosen people – who have some interest in the subject under discussion – will enliven proceedings and capture the attention of TV viewers.

But too often it looks miserable, as if RTE has pleaded with 30 people to donate an hour of their time for the greater good.

Maybe RTE should release the usually hyper audience from The 2 Johnnies’ Late Night Lock-In show into the ‘Upfront’ studio on Mondays. A bit of yelping and laughter wouldn’t go amiss. Then see what Peadar Tóibín and Matt Carthy (and company) make of that!

TUESDAY

Stirred, not shaken

It was the stirring of the tea that pushed some people over the edge.

This is the world we live in now. I kind of get it. Maybe the Taoiseach’s persistent, almost robotic stirring of his tea (coffee?) while being challenged by Rachel Connolly in Castlerea today summoned comparisons (however unfairly) with Marie Antoinette’s alleged ‘Let them eat cake’ comment in the 18th century?

On social media, people who sided with Ms Connolly – the Castlerea resident took issue with Micheál Martin over the Government’s handling of Storm Éowyn – expressed annoyance at the Taoiseach continuing to stir his tea/coffee during the exchange!

Here, their narrative apparently went, was a nation’s leader enjoying refreshments – stirring away to his heart’s content – while thousands of people are struggling without electricity/water.

Mr Martin listened to Ms Connolly, albeit with customary impatience at times. Then he responded (with some reasonable points). Then he sort of walked away, which probably wasn’t the wisest thing to do.

The post Paul Healy’s Week – 31/01/25 appeared first on Roscommon People.

On thin ice

It’s a PR company’s dream (well, not really; it’s just a quiet afternoon in the office).

Today, as people who aren’t walking like penguins (as advised recently by RTE) continue to slip and slide in those parts of the country most affected by the much-hyped snow and frost, a press release arrives into the Roscommon People from one of the many PR companies engaged in trying to maximise media coverage for clients.

‘Dancing on Ice returns to Virgin Media Television this Sunday’ reads the headline. What wonderful timing!

Meanwhile, Micheál Martin and Simon Harris continue to woo Michael ‘Kingmaker’ Lowry, dismissing questions about the controversial Tipperary TD’s character.

It looks like FF and FG are about to do business with Lowry and his Regional Independents Group, with no government role on the cards for our own Michael Fitzmaurice and Independent Ireland.

Dancing on ice… or skating on thin ice?!

FRIDAY  

Bunsen burner

Congratulations to all local students who participated so imaginatively in the 2025 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.

In my day, there was none of the ingenuity we marvel at these days! We got very excited when a Bunsen burner was introduced into our class (early 1980s), but I think our notably memorable science/chemistry exposure more or less peaked at that.

FRIDAY

If the cap fits…

Now it emerges that Deputies Michael and Danny Healy-Rae are in the ‘Government formation’ talks zone. Having previously met with Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin, the duo have now held talks with the Taoiseach, Simon Harris. Could Ireland be about to have its first ever (permanently) cap-wearing minister?

SATURDAY  

Lough Funshinagh

I was pleased to hear positive news on the Lough Funshinagh issue. The affected residents have been living through a dreadful ordeal.

An Bord Pleanála has now approved an application by Roscommon County Council for the development of an interim flood relief scheme to pump water from the lough and discharge it to the Cross River, within the townland of Carrick.

Roscommon Council and politicians across the political spectrum are welcoming this development, with the local authority saying it paves the way to provide much-needed relief to properties affected by the flooding.

In the meantime, efforts will continue to achieve a permanent solution.

SUNDAY 

Famous birthdays

A glance at the ‘This week’s birthdays’ section in the Sunday Independent is usually oddly satisfying. This weekend, it begins with a Roscommon man (Chieftains’ flautist Matt Molloy celebrates his 78^th birthday today).

As per the concept, there are many notable entries. Matt shares his birthday (12th of January) with former UK chat show host Michael Aspel, now a ripe old 92. I was surprised at how relatively young golfer Ronan Rafferty (61 on Monday), and snooker player Stephen Hendry (56, also on Monday) still are.

It’s interesting to see which celebrities share birthdays. Actor James Nesbitt, Claudia Winkleman (currently presenting Traitors on BBC One) and music promoter Pete Waterman all have their birthday on January 15th.

January 16th is also interesting: listed are singer Sade, model Kate Moss, radio presenter Ian Dempsey, snooker’s Cliff Thorburn, GAA star Denis ‘Ogie’ Moran, soccer’s Matt Doherty and James May (of Top Gear renown). Well, Dempsey is allegedly 64, but he is of course ageless.

There’s another Roscommon music connection (kind of), as singer Paul Young celebrates his 69th birthday on January 17th. Last summer, Paul married Roscommon woman Laura Kelly, who hails from Tarmonbarry. Love of the (Ros)Common People… sorry.

The ‘Wherever I Lay My Hat’ singer shares a birthday with both Michelle Obama and Jim Carrey (how is the latter now 63?).

Speaking of ‘How are they that age?’ type musings, if one-time youngest-ever Taoiseach Leo Varadkar turns 46 this Saturday (as he does), it’s a sobering reminder that we are all getting older.

Then again, if Samantha Mumba is only 42 this Saturday (as she is), it almost feels like we are all getting younger, or at least ageing more slowly than we thought!

MONDAY

In pursuit of justice

I went to Rooskey yesterday to attend the unveiling of a plaque at the residence of the late Liam Farrell, the nature of whose death in 2020 remains a mystery.

I’m originally from Rooskey. Liam was a family friend, and one of nature’s gentlemen. His family have been through a harrowing time since his passing, with numerous unanswered questions concerning what happened in the early hours of January 12^th, 2020.

Liam (87) was found dead outside the back door of his residence. His family are convinced that his death is suspicious and that their father was attacked by a third party.

There was a great turnout in Rooskey for Sunday’s ceremony as the people of the area came out in support of the Farrell family. A high-level Garda review of the original investigation is now underway. The Farrell family, and the local community, must get the answers – and justice – they deserve. We have a special report on pages 16 & 17.

TUESDAY

Tony Slattery 

It’s sad how many great comedians have ‘demons’ – the latter probably not a very PC word to use in this context. Be that as it may, I was saddened to hear of the passing today, aged 65, of British comedian Tony Slattery.

I read an interview in one of the British Sunday papers a year or two ago in which Slattery spoke about his mental health struggles. At the time, he spoke optimistically of a career comeback. It was well underway. He launched a podcast just last October and had a tour planned.

Readers who recall the popular Channel 4 show ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ – it ran from 1988 to 1999 – will remember Tony Slattery, then in his prime. He was a regular on the very popular improvisational programme along with fellow comedians such as Stephen Fry, Rory Bremner and Paul Merton.

Gifted, and very highly regarded by his peers, Tony Slattery had many struggles in latter years, and it is very sad that he has died just as he was going back on tour. As a pioneering comic talent, he shone very brightly. And he was loved. May he rest in peace.

The post Paul Healy’s Week – 17/01/25 appeared first on Roscommon People.

We arrive in Krakow. Poland has always appealed as a country to visit. A large country with a population of about 38 million people, it has an amazing history.

Now a crossroads between eastern and central Europe, it has emerged from Stalin-backed communist rule, not to mention the nightmare of being invaded by Hitler.

At one point in its long history, this fascinating country effectively ceased to exist for over a century. In 1772, Russia, Prussia and Austria divided up the Polish territory. A further partition effectively led to the state of Poland being annexed for 123 years, from 1795. Poland won its independence back in 1918, only to then be targeted by Germany in 1939.

Hitler planned to kill millions of Polish people, take the territory and replace the population with German colonists.

Poland was ‘liberated’ again in 1944, this time by Soviet forces, only to soon enter decades of life as a communist state… up to as recently as 1989. Today, Putin’s shadow hovers.

One can’t but marvel at the resilience of generations of Polish people. Tonight, we marvelled at the beauty of Rynek Główny, the magnificent market square in the ‘Old Town’, where we joined thousands of people who had gathered. An excellent fireworks display and a joyous, friendly atmosphere ushered in 2025. I hope it’s a good year for these wonderful people.

WEDNESDAY

After a long walk through Krakow’s charming streets, we stop for half an hour, taking a table outside an Irish bar. An Irish-American is in full flow with two English visitors at a nearby table, briefly breaking into an Irish rebel song. Now he turns his attention to us.

In his mid-60s, he still has his native Boston drawl, despite moving to live in Dublin 30 years ago. “Where are you guys from?” he asks.

On hearing Roscommon, he pauses, mentions some family connections, but is initially sketchy on the geography. We drill into it a bit, he mentions Athleague, I venture Four Roads.

“Four Roads!” He stands and reaches out for a big handshake. “That’s it! Four Roads! I never thought anyone would say ‘Four Roads’ to me in Krakow, and I’ve been here a few times! That’s amazing!”

THURSDAY

Amy Winehouse’s ‘Back to Black’ drifts evocatively into the cold night air from a restaurant. When I glance at the exterior, there’s a blackboard on a stand with the words ‘FUCK COVID and PUTIN’.

Next door, a plaque on the wall of a residence commemorates Zuzanna Ginczanka, a poet ‘who hid in this place before being murdered’ (by the Nazis).

“I tread a troubled track, My odds are stacked” the wonderful Amy Winehouse sings. Tragically, she died at the age of 27.

When I get home, I Google Zuzanna Ginczanka, where there’s confirmation that she was indeed a poet who became a literary sensation. That was until the SS swooped on her hiding place. She denied being Jewish; they executed her, either by firing squad or by a single bullet. Like Amy Winehouse, she was 27.

FRIDAY

Our journey by bus to Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp took just over an hour. Lots of time to think. Snow-covered trees, cold air, thoughts of the footsteps we’re following.

On arrival, there’s something of the eeriness we felt on visiting Dachau a few years ago. This is much bigger; there’s a main camp and several smaller ones.

After spending a long time queuing, we are bussed to where women prisoners were incarcerated, five to a wooden bunk in a stone block… the conditions stifling, utterly degrading, sucking the life from desperate people, most of whom were already doomed, the only question being when they would die, and how much they would suffer first.

Later, we tour the main camp. ‘Eerie’ doesn’t begin to adequately describe the feeling you get in a building that was used as a gas chamber, where as many as 6,000 men, women and children were killed on a daily basis. In total, about 1.1 million people were executed in the Auschwitz concentration camps/extermination centres from 1942 and 1944. Thoughts of this horror send chills down your spine.

SATURDAY

Outside a café, we’re approached by a friendly man who might qualify for the old ‘man of the road’ idiom. He has a worn rucksack, a slightly weathered plastic cup in hand, and a big smile shapes his face.

Once eye contact is established, we’re briefly best friends. He asks where we’re from, and beams a little more on hearing ‘Ireland’.

He pauses, as though checking folders in his mind. “Ah! Joyce! Joyce?!”

“Yes, James Joyce” I reply, and he’s pleased. He pauses again. Thinking.

“U2? U2?”

We nod.

I was going to name Roy Keane, or even George Best, but all we needed in this moment was the universal language of Joyce and Bono.

I could have mentioned a few Four Roads hurling greats to him but I guess lightning wasn’t likely to strike twice…

SUNDAY

The Oskar Schindler museum tour was excellent. If you visit Kracow, put it on your ‘to do’ list. We had a wonderful guide, a passionate native who infused our experience not just with detail (much of it harrowing) but with passion and emotion too.

MONDAY

Huge crowds are out and about in the ‘Old Town’, with the locals celebrating The Feast of Epiphany (also known as Three Kings’ Day), hundreds attired in paper crowns, a procession underway in the square.

We’ve greatly enjoyed this beautiful city, which is rich in architectural splendour, heritage, history and culture.

The Wawel Royal Castle, which we visited today, is worth exploring. There are countless restaurants, bars and cafes, the people are very friendly, and it felt very safe too.

TUESDAY

There was some snow in Krakow, but it was no colder than -2. We flew back to Shannon Airport in the knowledge that it would actually be to colder conditions (at least by tonight or Wednesday morning).

From occasional online browsing, I was aware that the now customary RTE obsession with upcoming ‘weather events’ continues, a highlight (lowlight?) of which was advice given to people on how to walk when conditions are slippy – as follows: “Walk like a penguin”). Amazing!

WEDNESDAY

Back at work in Abbey Street. There are unconfirmed reports that due to the current very cold weather, visitor numbers at Dublin Zoo are down. Even so, resident penguins there are reportedly very confused today.

The post Paul Healy’s Week – 10/01/25 appeared first on Roscommon People.

I am dispensing with ‘days’ in the sub-heads in this week’s column, because there are so many days over the Christmas period, and they end up forming a confusing string of 24-hour cycles that inevitably lose conventional structure.

It means very few of us are one hundred percent sure which day it is at any given time, at least until we check. Normal service will resume when we are fully into the very mundane January period.

For one night only

I was no help to the publicans over the Christmas, having only gone out one night at time of writing. We did dine out a couple of times during the day/evening, but in terms of having a few pints up to closing time I’ve only ventured out on the Thursday before Christmas.

There was a brilliant festive buzz in the magnificent JJ Harlow’s, where John Wynne and friends were entertaining a huge crowd with their regular Thursday night set.

There was an added Christmas atmosphere of course, and it was nice to see many familiar faces. High stools were at a premium, but the party of four I was in somehow managed to secure the required number due to outbound traffic and our impressive alertness.

Thereafter, it was a lovely night. There is something special about the way the Irish socialise. I met a few people I haven’t seen in several months, in some cases longer. The Christmas spirit effortlessly overcomes the passage of time, broken contacts, etc. At Christmastime you can meet someone you mightn’t have seen in a few years, and somehow the festive vibe conquers any awkwardness or uncertainty, friendliness and goodwill winning the day.

Earlier, we enjoyed an excellent meal in the Coachman’s Inn, Spurs and Manchester United playing out a cup thriller on the TV screens dotted around the premises. On our way into town, we had all agreed that the Christmas lights in Roscommon are just fantastic, the town centre looking wonderfully festive, warm and welcoming.

In terms of people, and quality of life, this is a great town.

Not going out…

On not going out much over Christmas… is that a Covid-19 ‘hangover’, or just because I’m getting older? I think it’s a combination of factors.

Truth be told, I wanted to enjoy quality time at home with our family… chocolates, the odd beverage and the remote control within reach.

Family for us now includes a precious, wonderful 20-month-old grandson (hence coverage of the Stoke-Leeds game on Sky the other night was occasionally interrupted by a small hand miraculously switching back to Cocomelon on Netflix).

By the way, one of the reasons some people have cut back on socialising over the years is because the taxi service at night in Roscommon town remains very limited. I don’t mind saying it; in fact it needs to be said. It has been a source of frustration for people for many years and doesn’t seem to have improved at all. It’s high time that local taxi drivers gave serious thought to some form of rota system that can satisfy public demand/help with nightly footfall. There may or may not be a role for publicans in any such creative approach.

*Leeds beat Stoke 2-0 to go top of the Championship; on Cocomelon, the wheels on the bus kept going round and round, a metaphor for life itself I guess. 

Bin there, not done that

There are three certainties in life, I think we can all agree. Death, taxes, and the utter frustration you will feel if/when you forget to leave the bins out. This morning, we realised we forgot to leave the bins out last night. Very frustrating, especially in the lead-up to Christmas! Luckily, we have one more chance (to get them emptied) before the upcoming festive excess. I say ‘three certainties in life’… I suppose it’s four if you count the 2 Johnnies getting shows commissioned.

Secret Santa limits

Once upon a time, someone wise (and probably old) realised that everyone was getting stressed. The source of the stress was obvious: there were too many Christmas presents to be bought… too much choice and too much running and racing.

The wise person had an idea, and thus the ‘Kris Kindle’ or ‘Secret Santa’ was born.

It only came to Ireland in recent years, after we’d spent the previous 20 or 30 years going mad buying stuff, making the Celtic Tiger boom period boomier (as Bertie Ahern would say), while also stubbornly continuing to buy, buy, buy, even during recessions. Something had to be done, and so we finally embraced the Secret Santa.

We all agreed on the genius behind it. ‘Sure it makes sense’. ‘Sure it was gone crazy’. ‘The kids don’t appreciate all the toys, they get so much’. ‘No need to include the adults!’ ‘Sure you’d need a trailer to carry all those presents’.

The Secret Santa would devour pre-Christmas stress and tension. Suddenly, there were less people to buy for. Ingeniously, there was an agreed spending budget/limit. And of course, while it might be rather unimaginative, there came into our midst an invention to rival any of the greatest in the history of civilisation… the One4all card.

Sadly, I detect a worrying new trend. Just when we should be well used to the Secret Santa system, a flaw has emerged. The budget/limit is no longer seen as mandatory. Human weakness is kicking in again. In recent years, the budget/limit is often disregarded. And so begins a terrifying sub-plot.

In households all over the country, a family member, who knew perfectly well what the limit was (usually €50-€80) is liable to brazenly stand up and hand over about €130 worth of gifts to ‘their’ Secret Santa, in full view of mortified fellow family members. And so the other family members, or at least those who had adhered to the limit, suddenly come out in a cold sweat. Nowadays, it is normal for people to exceed the limit, or perhaps to buy one item to the value of the agreed budget, before popping into 12 more shops to purchase half a dozen little ‘add-ons’. ‘Just a few things now, nothing special… and you can return them all if they don’t fit!’

Anyways, Happy Christmas!

Boris, Albert (& Noel) 

If it was made into a Netflix one-off, they could call it The Russian, the Rossie and the Rooskey (man).

The release over Christmas of State papers/national archives after the usual 30-year period brought back memories of the bizarre incident (or non-incident?) at Shannon Airport in 1994 when Russian President Boris Yeltsin failed to emerge from the plane while Taoiseach Albert Reynolds and various other dignitaries waited in vain to greet him.

The view at the time, and since, is that Boris had over-indulged in vodka, and was basically too drunk to meet his commitments. It was quite the diplomatic episode. With Rooskey-born Albert and several ministers waiting on the red carpet after the plane landed, there was no sign of Yeltsin. As Irish and Russian officials discreetly engaged, the (Irish) Head of Protocol told Taoiseach Reynolds that Yeltsin “might be the worse for wear on arrival”.

Enter the Rossie (Roscommon) connection. The State papers record that Roscommon town native Noel Fahy, then the assistant secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, later noted: “President Yeltsin’s indisposition was at one stage seen as curable” – in other words, that he would sober up – “but that in the end it was decided not to take a risk of events such as took place in Berlin” (when Yeltsin had been visibly drunk in public).

Yeltsin never got off the plane in Shannon (later claiming that he had simply overslept). An Irish diplomat later reported that when Yeltsin arrived back in Moscow, he was “loud and a little incoherent”, and in a “somewhat excited mood”, but “quite sober”. Later, Yeltsin wrote to Reynolds apologising for the “unfortunate mishap”.

Albert didn’t feel snubbed, and took the whole episode (and Yeltsin’s alleged drunkenness) in good humour. He was a teetotaller himself, but had seen worse in the Cloudland Ballroom (which he co-owned) in Rooskey over the years!

Unwrapped presents

Christmas should be a time of peace, celebration, joy. Sadly, this Christmas has seen no end to the rampant violence in parts of the world. The appalling slaughter of innocent children (and adults) continues in Gaza. Putin launched over 170 missiles into Ukraine on Christmas Day. Spreading terror is a 365-day commitment, it seems.

In recent years, Christmas Markets have blossomed into wonderful, communal, almost spiritual-like celebrations across towns and cities of the world. There is a joyfulness and warmth to them… people gathering in carefree and happy mood, the markets dispensing the spirit of Christmas, goodness pushing negativity, selfishness and unkindness to the shadows.

On the 20th of December, one such market was in full flow in a town in Germany. Five people were killed when a car ploughed into crowds attending the market in Magdeburg. One of the victims was nine-year-old Andre Gleissner.

He came into the world as recently as 2015. He learnt of the magic of Christmas, of Santa Claus, of goodness, hope and joy. He had volunteered to help out at the market. A family friend said that Andre had been “so looking forward to Christmas” but would now “never be able to unwrap his presents”.

The boy’s mother said: “Let my little teddy bear fly around the world again… now you are with grandma and grandpa in Heaven. They missed you very much as we miss you here now. You will always live on in our hearts”.

A cruel person carried out this barbaric, utterly unjustified attack, for only a cruel person could. One might make arguments about war, and the inevitability of such conflicts, but there is nothing to justify some of the horrors that are being perpetrated in our world. The death toll in Gaza (in 14 months) is put at over 45,000. Hundreds of thousands of people have reportedly been killed in the Russia-Ukraine war, now heading for three years on from the former’s invasion.

Rest in peace Andre Gleissner, one of thousands of innocent, beautiful children who didn’t get to unwrap Christmas presents last week.

Just check, mate

Today (Friday, 27th of December; I checked) chess great Magnus Carlsen walked out of the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in New York after being barred from playing because he was wearing jeans.

In a statement, governing body FIDE said its dress code regulations were designed to “ensure professionalism and fairness for all participants”. They issued the Norwegian player and current world number one with a modest 200 dollar fine and also gave him the opportunity to change into the correct attire.

Carlsen said he could turn up the following day in the recommended clothing, but FIDE responded by saying he had to change out of the jeans there and then.

Worryingly (for me at least), Carlsen said he’s too old at this point to care too much. He’s 34. Anyways, he walked out, stating that neither side in the spat “wants to back down”.

I guess it’s ‘next move’ to the organisers.

On the darts (kind of) 

For anyone who likes to watch men dressed as nuns drinking pints and singing ‘Zombie’ while standing next to someone dressed as Batman, or maybe a giant, excitable chicken, as world class players throw darts on a nearby stage, the Alexandra Palace in London is probably the place to be. I’m not aware if this social outlet is available anywhere else at the moment. Sky Sports is filming it every night; you should check it out.

For anyone who just likes to watch men dressed as nuns drink pints alongside people dressed as giant, excitable chickens, but with no world class darts added in, I have no particular advice.

Gavin and Stacey 

The Gavin and Stacey finale (BBC 1, Christmas Day) started off slowly, and at ninety minutes, was probably a touch too long. It had no pretensions about being anything more than a ‘wrap up’ on the much-loved series, which last aired in 2019, when Nessa (played by Ruth Jones) proposed to Smithy (James Corden).

That episode five years ago was quite a cliffhanger, leaving millions of viewers wondering what Smithy’s response might have been. With James Corden heading off to America in the interim – to great success as a chat show host, while simultaneously being rude to waiters – the chances of ‘Gavin and Stacey’ returning seemed slim as the years passed. But co-writers (and stars) Jones and Corden agreed to this one-off Christmas special, and were joined by all the original cast members.

This final episode was great entertainment, with some very funny one-liners, while also being very nostalgic. Judging by reaction on social media, viewers were delighted (and relieved) that there was a happy ending, with Nessa and Smithy getting married. There were some hilarious moments in this heartwarming finale. The entire cast were excellent, with Alison Steadman (as Pam) and Jones (as Nessa) leading the way. It’s been a great feel-good show, one that’s close to the hearts of millions of people. Roll on the repeats.

The post Paul Healy’s Week – 03/01/25 appeared first on Roscommon People.

Time agrees with People…

In my Roscommon People column published on December 12th (today as I write, but that confused even me), I noted that US President-elect Donald Trump is currently oozing confidence, exhibiting gravitas, and commanding the attention of the world’s media. Merely stating facts, I think.

I also observed that he has world leaders more or less fawning at his feet just now… concluding my piece by declaring that Trump is presently – to use sporting parlance – in “the form of his life”.

No surprise here then when it emerged today that Time Magazine has just named Trump as its Person of the Year!

FRIDAY

Say Nothing

Disney streaming series Say Nothing is a historical drama based on the Troubles in Northern Ireland. It’s excellent.

Lola Petticrew and Maxine Peake are particularly outstanding as firebrand IRA volunteer Dolours Price (younger and older), but the entire cast excels.

While the series covers many aspects of life in Republican circles from the 1970s on – through to historic IRA ceasefires and an uneasy peace – a particular focus is placed on the murder of Jean McConville (and the agonising wait by her children to find out what happened to their mother).

It’s an understatement to say that the series doesn’t spare Gerry ‘I’ve never been in the IRA’ Adams.

There will be varying views as to its historical accuracy, not to mention accusations of bias, but this is a terrific series. Pacy, dark, provocative and compelling, the acting and production is top class.

SATURDAY

That time of year…

It’s the most wonderful time of the year; I think we can all agree on that. Yes, another world darts extravaganza at the ‘Ally Pally’ is about to start, guaranteeing nightly entertainment and drama…

SUNDAY

Etihad-Enders

In British culture terms, there’s a new soap opera in town, for now at least. We could call it Etihad-Enders. Or something like that. It stars Pep Guardiola… as the Tormented Tsar.

The storyline isn’t complex: a football team (Manchester City) demolishes all opponents week after week, year after year, to the point where supporters of all other teams are totally sick of the serial winners (while reluctantly admiring their style).

But then there’s a plot twist. This team of all talents suddenly starts losing… almost every game. (For added  suspense, one win and two draws awkwardly and unconvincingly interrupt a bizarre series of embarrassing defeats. At time of writing, the previously majestic ‘City’ have lost eight of their last eleven games).

The increasingly bewildered players are important cast members, but the fascination is in watching team manager Pep Guardiola struggling with this new world order… as a range of mostly unwelcome emotions possess his normally quite composed body and mind.

Today’s episode was almost as far-fetched as an EastEnders Christmas Day double bill. Playing their traditional great rivals (let’s called them ‘United’), the under-pressure City appeared to have repelled the demons that have haunted them over recent weeks. City were leading 1-0, time almost up. But it’s our engrossing new soap opera for a reason… could there possibly be late drama?

Well, yes. Perennial hero-villain/villain-hero Bruno Fernandes coolly equalises with a penalty. Tortured by the unfairness of his grotesque new life, Guardiola contorts in anguish on the sideline. And then a ‘wonderkid’ – Amad Diallo is his name – summons the ball from the skies with a caress of his right boot, before conjuring a goal that is simultaneously beautiful and cruel, depending on which side of the Manchester football divide you’re on.

Suffering, perplexed, Pep stares at this latest slow motion calamity. For 87 minutes, he had cautiously watched his empire rise from the ashes, only for it to come crashing down again.

When will the demons, and the football Gods – and all presumed logic – end this madness?

MONDAY

Jim’s fundraising

A press release whizzes into our office to confirm that Jim Callery’s recent fundraising walk – along the entire National Famine Way, from Strokestown to Dublin – has raised an amazing €165,200.

Jim, who undertook the project to celebrate his 90th birthday this year, is a truly outstanding entrepreneur and philanthropist, a man who has made an enormous positive contribution to the cultural heritage of this country. He does what he does with marked modesty. He is a great Roscommon man. We have the story on pages 32 & 33.

TUESDAY

Another year…

Here at the Roscommon People office, we’re within sight of the finishing line, after a busy year. We have no paper next week (Christmas Week) but will have updates on social media. Our next issue will be out on Thursday, 2nd of January.

Thank you to our thousands of readers for your goodwill and support, and thanks also to our loyal advertisers. Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas.

WEDNESDAY

A chat with Santa

After interviewing all those election candidates recently (for our podcast series) I welcomed the opportunity to chat to a completely different type of guest today.

Santa Claus – for it was he – breezed into our office full of bonhomie, all handshakes and smiles, and promising to flood households with loads of goodies! Such a contrast!

Keep an eye out on our social media platforms over the coming days for our exclusive short podcast with Santa!

THURSDAY 

Verona makes history

History was made earlier today as Verona Murphy, a high profile Independent TD from Wexford, became the Dáil’s first ever female Ceann Comhairle.

It’s a remarkable rise by Deputy Murphy, and follows impressive manoeuvring by the eight-strong Regional Independent Group over the past week or so.

As part of this deal – Murphy had the backing of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael – the Regional Independents are set to form be a new Coalition Government with those two parties.

Speaking of which, journalist Fionnan Sheahan told Pat Kenny on Newstalk today that it was wrong to say we have no Taoiseach at the moment as Michael Lowry is, Sheahan dryly inferred, pulling the strings. Fionnan needs a new joke writer!

The post Paul Healy’s Week – 20/12/24 appeared first on Roscommon People.