Sometimes its very easy to underestimate how much a person and their past actions have affected you.

Lesson learned.

As the time for 'the off' ticks closer and closer there are so many things to worry about; have I everything packed?, is the money in place?, am I gonna hate it?, will I get homesick?, will I understand a word anyone is saying and equally will they understand me? (This last one shouldn't be too much of a problem - all you need is a trusty translator - dictionary?! what they're for wimps!! Get a local...not only will you quickly be exposed to the lingo - but also some of their weird and wonderful customs ...collecting tea cosys anyone? )

Ōtomo no Yakamochi:

"Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there."

More to follow shortly as always stay tuned.

Sean

p.s. - I'm really looking forward to seeing 'The Strangers'

So there was me thinking that Irn Bru was simply a strange drink that only our Kieran had a thing for - surprise surprise I was wrong. Now having got a vague idea it was something the Scots were into when I was over in Aberdeen in March, it was further impressed on me by the tea cosy lover that this drink is to a hangover in Scotland what a nice big Ulster fry is to one over here.. so I thought maybe I should look more into this. A frightening fact I have since learned about the Scots' hallowed drink: It outsells Coca-cola in Scotland, I dont think I have EVER tried Irn Bru or its sugar free equivalent which I'll naturally lean toward - but as those who know me well will know it'll need to be good to take the place of Diet coke in my heart. Naturally I'll be conducting some thorough field research into this and other curiosities of Scotland in the days and weeks to follow the end of this rainy month.


Since it was released in 2006 there has been much speculation/controversy as to who this female singer might be speaking of in her song (video of which is below)..... there is not one bit of doubt in my head as to who it might be.

As always stay tuned - more to follow shortly.

Sean

P.S. - Pete's annual pub crawl is happening this friday - email him / txt him for full details.....

Saturdays game was dismal - in the end the better team won. Fair play to Wexford who played with guts and determination - I wish them well. The game which followed saw a gallant Mayo beaten by one point by a typically insidious Tyrone who clearly pulled out every underhand move they could think of to deny the fans the spectacle of a fair and honest game. Repulsive.

In other news its not long till Darren leaves home for the windy city and Northwestern University - I hope his travels are safe, his efforts are fruitful and that he reaches the top!

Currently listening to:

R.E.M. - Nightswimming

Currently Enjoying:

The rain - (no really) if its gonna rain it may as well be proper rain and boy has it been proper rain. Also enjoying deep conversation - (The flower above I spent ages getting just right for the participant in these exchanges - they know who they are.... & I hope they like it)

Some photos from Saturdays trip are up for your perusal.

More to follow shortly. As always stay tuned.

Sean

A beautiful sunny day meant a wonderful road trip down to Portlaoise. Once there the fans from both Down and Laois were treated to a brilliant and overwhelming display of footballing prowess from the Mourne men which was met with a dignified (albeit weak response) from Laois. Their efforts and spirited performance were however overshadowed by the actions of one Pauric Clancy who in an instant cast shame upon himself, his club, his supporters and the entire GAA - by deliberately misleading the referee into believing Dan Gordan had headbutted him and having him sent off as a result.

Dan Gordan's appeal has been universally described as a Formality - with every observer, critic, and pundit from the four corners of Ireland coming out in strong condemnation of the incident. Clancy's actions while not isolated, nor a first; were incredibly brazen in their disregard for the rules and the spirit of the GAA. Indeed not since Francie Bellue viciously attacked Mickey Linden on the field of play in 2004 has there been such utter revulsion and outrage expressed by such a broad spectrum of people. Incidents of this ilk reemphasise there is NO PLACE IN THE GAA for cheating, deception or Gamesmanship of any kind. Play the game as it is meant to be played: in a fair and honest manner. Do yourself proud, do your county proud and do your country proud.

Some Photos from Saturdays Game are now up for your perusal.

More to follow shortly. As always stay tuned.

Sean

Just like Phil, Dave (above) and yours truly - the Mourne Men had a long journey down to Tullamore for the All Ireland qualfier match against Offaly. Despite this like ourselves they didn't fail to perform! While Offaly were totally outclassed they put up a spirited fight and in all honesty - they still managed to highlight the weakness of the Down defense which has yet to really improve. Heres hoping Carr has taken some notes.

As always more to follow shortly. Stay tuned.

Sean