Out to Lunch: The Third Policeman

For a long time, I’ve been an admirer of the comic genius that was/is Brian O’Nolan aka Flann O’Brien aka Myles na Gopaleen, Brian Ó Nualláin and whatever you’re having yourself. After reading the Catechism of Cliche, myself and other followers of the great man would take great pleasure in adding to the ammunition of …

Out to Lunch: Kevin McAleer

The Out to Lunch festival kicked off yesterday, not with a bang but with a giggle. You don’t expect a lot of belly laughs from a Kevin McAleer gig but a constant stream of psychadelic musings on the absurdity of the world and yesterday’s audience at the Black Box had their idea of reality stretched …

Lockerbie and Both Sides

THE Belfast Festival at Queen’s is up and running with postitive vibes coming from everyone I’ve spoken to about Dervish, Eliza Carthy and the Shattered Dreams exhibition at the RGB Gallery. I’ve been to two theatrical events comprising three plays which were totally different in style and pace but which all packed a powerful punch. …

Divided even in golf!

The First and Deputy First Ministers have congratulated the European Ryder Cup team and quite rightly so. However, the Irish border was much in evidence in the one press release. Little-Ulsterman Peter Robinson said the win was even more enjoyable “given the pivotal role played by local golfers, especially Graeme McDowell, whose heroic victory brought …

Story slamming in Galway

It’s lovely when one chance encounter leads to something that is laden with possibilities. Each year, I MC an event called Scribes at the West, a literary gathering that has seen the likes of Marian Keyes, Alexis Sayle, Pauline McLynn and Duke Special visit West Belfast to talk about their books or their song lyrics. …

Na healaíona Gaeilge

Seoladh Féile Bhéal Feirste ag Ollscoil na Ríona de chuid Bhanc Uladh (a leithéid d’ainm!) inné agus, mar is gnách, tá an iliomad ócáid gur fiú freastal uirthi, drámaí, ceol d’achan chineál, cainteanna, na físealaíona, scannáin, damhsa, imeachtaí teaghlaigh agus go leor eile. Ach níl oiread agus imeacht amháin i nGaeilge le sonrú i measc …

William Kennedy Piping Festival

The William Kennedy Piping Festival is looking very enticing this year. The dark nights of November are lightened by the musical fireworks of pipers and other musicians from all over the globe, and the cold dissipates in the warmth of the welcome in what is, almost literally, a family affair in the heart of Armagh. …