SATURDAY
John Bishop at 3Arena
It really isn’t possible to dislike John Bishop, is it? Not even when he tells about 11,000 people that he owns a house in Majorca, adding – with perfect timing – “You paid for it!”
Tonight, we were amongst the 11,000 or so who packed into the 3Arena to see the Liverpool-born comedian, currently touring with his new stand-up show ‘Back at It’.
About the only thing that wasn’t at least a bit funny was the price of a pint, or should I say less than a pint… €8 for a Heineken in a plastic container. No surprise there, in fairness.
Very few comedians actually tell jokes these days – it’s almost all observational, train of thought-type content – but Bishop was particularly light on structured material. He really does (mainly) just chat about his life to the audience.
The good news is he’s (mostly) very funny when doing so, and he’s hugely likeable, a man of great charm. It helps that his love of Ireland is clearly very genuine.
A few weak meanderings aside, Bishop had the huge audience in the palm of his hands as he chatted about touring Ireland on a motorbike, choosing ‘The Irish potato famine’ as his specialised subject on Mastermind, recounted his thus far unsuccessful attempts to get an Irish passport, name-checked Belmullet, and spoke movingly of his late mother. It was a very enjoyable night in the company of a lovely man who is a born entertainer.
SUNDAY
Train talk
On the train to Dublin yesterday, we met a lovely Mayo lady who was happy to talk until long after the cows came home. But on the train back to Roscommon today, the two ladies seated opposite us speak only to one another, and in very hushed tones, like off-duty snooker commentators. From an eavesdropping perspective, it’s not ideal. In contrast, a young woman across from us is very loud as she phones a friend and tries to hatch an elaborate plan to explain her absence from work to her boss. In Athlone, a big man gets on and begins booming into his phone about political manoeuvring.
Needless to say there is no coffee/tea trolley, some well-paid Irish Rail number-crunchers presumably having seen unsatisfactory catering income projections coming down the line… before bravely sacrificing public service at the altar of their civic mindedness.
MONDAY
Mary O’Rourke
I’m pleased to say I received the famous Mary O’Rourke ‘withering look’ on one occasion. We were both guests on a radio show, and whatever observation I made on a political issue of the day clearly met with her disapproval. And so I was quickly the recipient of a look of some admonishment!
Her passing last week (aged 87) has been widely mourned. She was a giant of Irish politics, a trailblazer for women in our society, a distinguished national public figure for over 40 years, and a proud champion of Athlone.
After her political career ended, her autobiography (‘Just Mary’) revealed a talent for writing. Her touching reflections on the love of her life, her late husband, Enda, were a feature of her many media interactions (and writings).
Born where the Hodson Bay Hotel stands today, Mary O’Rourke was a member of a very distinguished political family, which included her late brother, Brian Lenihan, who served as a TD in Roscommon before rising through the Fianna Fáil ranks and becoming one of the most popular public figures in the country.
President Higgins was amongst those attending her funeral today, where she received a great send-off (a good friend of our family, Fr Pat Murphy, was Chief Celebrant). Her sons Feargal and Aengus, and Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin, all delivered fitting tributes to a remarkable woman, mixing the political and the personal… capturing the essence of a mother, grandmother, friend and politician.
Mary O’Rourke leaves an impressive legacy, both publicly and privately. To quote her old boss Charlie Haughey, she did the State some service. May she rest in peace.
TUESDAY
Night Owls…
Falling asleep late, with the TV still on in your bedroom, is something that will occasionally happen during your life… in our case, it sometimes means waking up to Sky News, or the consistently sombre EuroNews.
This morning, after a long and busy Monday in the office (and with the TV on overnight) I was awoken by a solemn voiceover providing analysis over a graphic titled ‘Pakistan’s losing run’. I presume it was cricket; it certainly got me out of bed bright and early.
I suppose it could have been worse; one could have a restless night and be awoken by the peculiar phenomenon that is Telly Bingo.
I’m sure my experience isn’t an uncommon one! But I feel some sympathy for insomniacs/light sleepers/shift workers, given some of the viewing options (streaming services notwithstanding) that middle-of-the-night/early morning TV viewers are left with.
Those snoozing in the living room chair in front of a screen – or waking in front of one in the middle of the night while in bed – can look forward to Dr Phil, Judge Judy, Teleshopping, or any number of repeats.
I suppose one could always record The 2 Johnnies…
The late John Naughten
When I happened to meet Cllr John Naughten on Wednesday of last week, we exchanged a brief, friendly greeting.
Like everyone else, I was stunned to hear of John’s unexpected death just two days later.
He was a particularly mild-mannered, courteous and pleasant gentleman. I’ve known John for over 20 years and it was always a pleasure to meet with this most unassuming of people.
John’s untimely passing has stunned the entire community. Our hearts go out to his wife and children, his mother, siblings and extended family members.
The huge support John consistently attracted in local elections is proof of his popularity, of his innate decency and likeability, qualities that attracted the affection and trust of the public. It also reflects his work ethic.
First and foremost, he was deeply respected as a family man, farmer, neighbour and friend, a member of a community he served with understated commitment and distinction.
We will all miss John. My thoughts are with his grieving family. May he rest in peace.
