Knowing Our History to understand the Present by Joe McVeigh

    There is a growing understanding and admiration of Ireland’s Gaelic past prior to the colonisation by the English neighbours in the 16th and 17th centuries. We are discovering more about the rich Gaelic culture and native way of life prior to the English takeover. While imperfect in some respects, the ancient system did […]

Continue Reading

The Herbert Park Hotel takes a stand

I never thought I’d write a blog about a hotel, but in the case of the Herbert Park Hotel I’ll make an exception. I’ve stayed in it overnight on a number of occasions, and it’s pricey enough. It’s in Ballsbridge in Dublin (shut up, Virginia) and as the name suggests borders on Herbert Park. It’s […]

Continue Reading

There are Three Sides to Drumcree by Joe McVeigh

                 A letter published in the Irish Times on Friday 2nd October 2026 entitled Several Sides to Drumcree is worth reflecting on. It was written by Joseph McMinn with a Belfast address. He writes:   “Editor, So much of the media coverage of what is going on at Drumcree […]

Continue Reading

Letter from America by Mike Cummings

AMERICAN BREXIT COMMITTEE Philadelphia, PA PRESIDENT SUPPORTS IRISH UNITY President Trump’s recent visit to Ireland included his remark that “…Irish unification would be fantastic.” The New York Times news item depicted that as breaking a ‘precedent’ although none was cited. The President’s casual but repeated remark must be viewed in the context of his mostly […]

Continue Reading

Thirteen Days, Thirty-Five Men, One Road

  After a thirteen-day standoff, a late-night High Court sitting, a Hillsborough Castle talking shop and enough appeals for “calm on all sides” to fill a hymn book, the Secretary of State has reached a startling conclusion. Sir Chris Bryant banned the Drumcree parade, explaining that an accommodation between the Orange Order and the residents […]

Continue Reading