It’s St Patrick’s Day, 17 March 2009, and the Belfast parade or carnival as it probably wants to be called passed off quite peacefully. There were many floats, many groups, including those at the rear, from the Belfast Pride Festival, and the Northern Ireland Gay Rights Association. A pic of these groups can be seen on the BBC website. Continue reading St Patrick’s Day – Belfast parade goes well
We’re drawing nigh unto the end of a dreadful week in Northern Ireland, and yet the disasters keep happening. On Saturday, we had the vicious psychopathic murder of two young soldiers, together with the injuring of two of their comrades and the two pizza delivery men at Massereene Army Barracks, Antrim. On Monday evening, we had the murder of a police constable in Craigavon. and today, although not a human disaster, we have the old courthouse on Belfast’s Crumlin Road on fire. When I heard the news, I jumped in the car and drove to Agnes Street, and took some … Continue reading Another day, another disaster in Northern Ireland
I was heartened to learn that the Ireland’s lower house of parliament, Dáil Éireann, has passed a motion to condemn the recent atrocities in Antrim and Craigavon. It reads as follows: That Dáil Éireann: — utterly condemns the murders of Sapper Mark Quinsey and Sapper Cengiz Azimkar in Antrim, and of Constable Stephen Carroll in Craigavon, as well as the injuries inflicted on others in those attacks; — expresses its deepest sympathies to the families, friends and colleagues of the dead and injured; — affirms that the groups responsible for these atrocities have no mandate or support whatsoever from the Irish … Continue reading Dáil Éireann condemns NI atrocities
As the thousands of people made their way to the various ICTU-organized Peace Rallies throughout Northern Ireland, the news was coming through that the Sovereign Pontiff, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, condemned the Northern Ireland Attacks. Speaking after today’s general audience, Pope Benedict said: “It was with deep sorrow that I learned of the murders of two young British soldiers and a policeman in Northern Ireland. As I assure the families of the victims and the injured of my spiritual closeness, I condemn in the strongest terms these abominable acts of terrorism which, apart from desecrating human life, seriously endanger … Continue reading thousands send clear message to criminals
Two military personnel are dead, and that two others and two civilians are injured and in hospital following an attack on Masserene Army Barracks in Antrim. Continue reading dark days
Tonight saw eight ringers gather at the Church of St Nicholas, Carrickfergus for a Quarter Peal attempt. When I was in England, such events were rather routine, but here in N. Ireland it seems like it is a big event to even attempt such things. We started about five past eight and managed ten minutes, then realised that two bells had crossed in the method. Then we tried again and managed about fifteen minutes. And the method: Plain Bob Triples. Stood up again, some of us drove back to Belfast, others were heading to the pub. At least tomorrow we have a … Continue reading Quarter lost
It seems that times really have moved on in East Belfast. At the funeral of the mother of Naomi Long MLA in St Christopher’s Parish Church, Mersey Street there were at least three members of Sinn Féin, as well as an host of other politicians. That’s right, three Shinners in the heart of “Loyalist” East Belfast. But things have not changed completely. Whilst in Mersey Street today, we had Sinn Féin politicians rubbing shoulders with the local police, the deputy First Minister is complaining about the actions of their boss, Sir Hugh Orde, the Chief Constable. His crime? To ask for … Continue reading Changed times in East Belfast
I put my scribbled notes on the centre seat while I talked to the man beside me and the steward came along and said, “Can I take that rubbish away?” Continue reading Notes put in rubbish on flight
Well, it’s been a frantic few days for me here in Belfast. Trips to Bangor and Holywood have interspersed themselves with a trip to the cinema to see Doubt, as well the usual trips to University Street in the Queen’s Quarter of the city. Fit in two evening meetings as well and soon it becomes apparent that housework wings its way out the window. My online activity has increased this week. I’m starting to learn how to use WordPress so you’ll have to bare with me as I learn, but I hope that it will not be too long before … Continue reading Housework wings its way out the window
Gyronny Herald 