THURSDAY
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!
