sluggerotoole--2020-07-02--Prescription drugs – The Opium of the People?

Publication of the statistics on General Pharmaceutical Services in N. Ireland is not I suspect a much-anticipated annual event and this might go some way to explain the lack of media attention when the report was released last week except for a brief overview in the Irish News .
The report provides the facts and figures on the medicines we used , misused and abused last year and , for me at least , it makes for interesting if not depressing reading .
It would be better if I could confidently say that the £444 million our Health Service spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019/2020 represented value for money .
The data suggests this might not be the case .
I must firstly state that medicines are an extremely important aspect of modern healthcare and there is compelling evidence of the benefit to society from the availability of a range of safe and effective medicines .
The role of pharmacy , my profession , if anything , must be to support the proper use of medicines meaning ; the right medicine for the right medical condition to achieve the right outcome and , most importantly , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life .
This is the ideal but for much of my professional work , the real world proves less than ideal .
There is an extensive , and poorly studied , cultural aspect to medicine taking that complicates this ideal .
In the last fiscal year , we spent £229.83 per head of population on medicines where the devolved Health Services of ; Wales , Scotland and England spent much less .
England spent £161.29 per head of population and Scotland , £182.43 .
Given that England has less social deprivation , Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland but I still struggle to find much evidence that the £50 per person more we spent compared to Scotland delivered any additional health and well-being for our population .
This additional £85 million I would suggest would be better invested in , for example , community pharmacy services to improve medicine use and perhaps community development services to support the significant social challenges and poorer health outcomes for those in the lowest socio-economic group .
In the absence of proper support , this group consumes a higher proportion of medicines .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been starkly aware of the discrepancy between our medicine costs compared with other UK regions .
Huge efforts have been made to reduce inappropriate medicine use and whereas improvements were made this report seems to suggest we are slipping backwards .
Some 25 % of the medicines dispensed last year were classified as central nervous system medicines ; a very broad category including ; depression , anxiety , movement disorders , pain and much more .
We use much more antidepressant drugs than other UK regions and this use is most prevalent in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather tire of the excuse that this is because of our “ legacy of the Troubles ” .
That is much too lazy and politically expedient a conclusion .
Social deprivation drives poorer health outcomes including poorer mental health and that ’ s why antidepressants are so widely prescribed but they certainly are not a long-term solution .
We also seem to be in an epidemic of pain .
A stand-out medicine in the report is co-codamol , a combination of paracetamol and codeine used for pain management and which also is highly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that might be the main driver for our excessive use of this medicine .
Codeine is an opioid and in the body is converted to morphine which , at the higher doses of two 30 milligram tablets ( 60 milligrams ) , is equivalent to 10 milligrams of morphine sulphate ; a Schedule 2 controlled drug .
At the 60mg dose there is no doubt of an analgesic effect but this is only a moderate effect and only for acute condition .
It is relatively ineffective in chronic pain control .
There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lowest dose of the codeine/paracetamol combination compared to paracetamol alone .
It is likely that the only additional benefits from two co-codamol 8/500 tablets compared to two paracetamol , is constipation and a fuzzy feeling .
Ibuprofen alone , or in combination with paracetamol , is the most effective treatment for acute , mild to moderate pain .
Co-codamol stands out in the report as the only drug listed on two key tables .
It is listed number three in the ten most frequently prescribed medicines with 1.25 million prescriptions last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top ten most expensive medicines with an annual spend of £44 million .
As it is a relatively ineffective in the management of chronic pain with a strong potential for addiction , this report might be highlighting the emergence of a significant public health problem .
The lower dose version , co-codamol 8/500 , is currently available over-the-counter ( OTC ) and is widely used , and this use is additional to the figures in the report .
There are concerns about its use and it is likely that OTC supply will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Healthcare Regulatory Authority ( MHRA ) within the next 12 to 18 months .
Ironically the OTC version predates the current rigorous assessment of medicine safety and efficacy and it seems it only exists because of the legal requirement to keep the daily dose of codeine below the level that legally requires it to be a prescription only medicine .
Co-codamol is only one of a long-list of medicines that require more rational use so that they really help patients and improves public health rather than being , literally , the opium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA

Publication of the statistics on General Pharmaceutical Services in N. Ireland is not I suspect a much-anticipated annual event and this might go some way to explain the lack of media attention when the report was released last week except for a brief overview in the Irish News. The report provides the facts and figures on the medicines we used, misused and abused last year and, for me at least, it makes for interesting if not depressing reading. It would be better if I could confidently say that the £444 million our Health Service spent on the 43.1 million prescriptions dispensed in 2019/2020 represented value for money. The data suggests this might not be the case. I must firstly state that medicines are an extremely important aspect of modern healthcare and there is compelling evidence of the benefit to society from the availability of a range of safe and effective medicines. The role of pharmacy, my profession, if anything, must be to support the proper use of medicines meaning; the right medicine for the right medical condition to achieve the right outcome and, most importantly, to improve the patient’s quality of life. This is the ideal but for much of my professional work, the real world proves less than ideal. There is an extensive, and poorly studied, cultural aspect to medicine taking that complicates this ideal.
In the last fiscal year, we spent £229.83 per head of population on medicines where the devolved Health Services of; Wales, Scotland and England spent much less. England spent £161.29 per head of population and Scotland, £182.43. Given that England has less social deprivation, Scotland might be a better comparator for N. Ireland but I still struggle to find much evidence that the £50 per person more we spent compared to Scotland delivered any additional health and well-being for our population. This additional £85 million I would suggest would be better invested in, for example, community pharmacy services to improve medicine use and perhaps community development services to support the significant social challenges and poorer health outcomes for those in the lowest socio-economic group. In the absence of proper support, this group consumes a higher proportion of medicines.
For too many years the Health Service has been starkly aware of the discrepancy between our medicine costs compared with other UK regions. Huge efforts have been made to reduce inappropriate medicine use and whereas improvements were made this report seems to suggest we are slipping backwards. Some 25% of the medicines dispensed last year were classified as central nervous system medicines; a very broad category including; depression, anxiety, movement disorders, pain and much more. We use much more antidepressant drugs than other UK regions and this use is most prevalent in areas of high social deprivation. I rather tire of the excuse that this is because of our “legacy of the Troubles”. That is much too lazy and politically expedient a conclusion. Social deprivation drives poorer health outcomes including poorer mental health and that’s why antidepressants are so widely prescribed but they certainly are not a long-term solution.
We also seem to be in an epidemic of pain. A stand-out medicine in the report is co-codamol, a combination of paracetamol and codeine used for pain management and which also is highly addictive. It is this latter feature that might be the main driver for our excessive use of this medicine. Codeine is an opioid and in the body is converted to morphine which, at the higher doses of two 30 milligram tablets (60 milligrams), is equivalent to 10 milligrams of morphine sulphate; a Schedule 2 controlled drug. At the 60mg dose there is no doubt of an analgesic effect but this is only a moderate effect and only for acute condition. It is relatively ineffective in chronic pain control. There is surprisingly little evidence for the effectiveness of the lowest dose of the codeine/paracetamol combination compared to paracetamol alone. It is likely that the only additional benefits from two co-codamol 8/500 tablets compared to two paracetamol, is constipation and a fuzzy feeling. Ibuprofen alone, or in combination with paracetamol, is the most effective treatment for acute, mild to moderate pain.
Co-codamol stands out in the report as the only drug listed on two key tables. It is listed number three in the ten most frequently prescribed medicines with 1.25 million prescriptions last year. It is also listed in the top ten most expensive medicines with an annual spend of £44 million. As it is a relatively ineffective in the management of chronic pain with a strong potential for addiction, this report might be highlighting the emergence of a significant public health problem.
The lower dose version, co-codamol 8/500, is currently available over-the-counter (OTC) and is widely used, and this use is additional to the figures in the report. There are concerns about its use and it is likely that OTC supply will be blocked by the medicines regulator the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority (MHRA) within the next 12 to 18 months. Ironically the OTC version predates the current rigorous assessment of medicine safety and efficacy and it seems it only exists because of the legal requirement to keep the daily dose of codeine below the level that legally requires it to be a prescription only medicine.
Co-codamol is only one of a long-list of medicines that require more rational use so that they really help patients and improves public health rather than being, literally, the opium of the people.
Photo by stevepb is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA


sluggerotoole--2020-07-03--The obligatory post about the latest Stormont crisis…

ANOTHER crisis at Stormont ?
I suppose it ’ s another sign that we are getting back to normality .
@ @ @ @ @ ’ t think of anything to say on the issue that you have not heard @ @ @ @ @ so I will leave it up to you to give your take in the comments @ @ @ @ @ I see Paddy Raff has gotten himself a new show with the BBC , well @ @ @ @ @ Stormont ” by D-Stanley is licensed under CC BY

ANOTHER crisis at Stormont? I suppose it’s another sign that we are getting back to normality. Plus ça change…
I can’t think of anything to say on the issue that you have not heard a million times before, so I will leave it up to you to give your take in the comments.
In other news, I see Paddy Raff has gotten himself a new show with the BBC, well done to him.
The first post-lockdown pint didn’t go quite how I expected 🍺 🎥 Made for The People’s News – Friday @ 9pm on BBC1 NI pic.twitter.com/UwGI9p90tA — Paddy Raff (@paddyraffcomedy) July 2, 2020
“Stormont” by D-Stanley is licensed under CC BY


sluggerotoole--2020-07-03--Today the pubs and restaurants can reopen – will you be back?

After 4 months of lockdown , our pubs and restaurants are now allowed to reopen – with the usual social distancing caveats .
Some aspects of the ‘ new normal ’ just sound awful .
Barriers between tables , masked staff and customers , allocated times etc .
They don ’ t make for a relaxing night out .
I have always tended to eat out at lunchtime and this will continue to be my strategy going forward .
I never understand why more people don ’ t eat out more at lunchtime – it is tremendously good value .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lunch offer for £7.99 , the same meal at nighttime is over £20 .
Thanks to my son we have gotten into the habit of getting up early , so we can get in an early lunch at 12pm and be out before 1pm , before a restaurant gets busy .
I have very little desire to get back into a pub anytime soon .
I like pubs but I have cut back by alcohol intake dramatically this past year .
I have had 1 pint since February .
If I do go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go in the afternoon .
It will be quieter and you also get the benefit of the booze wearing off before you go to bed .
I am fanatical about sleep these days and I let nothing get in the way of a good nights rest .
I do pity the poor restaurant and bar owners , it was a tough game even before the plague .
I suppose it is our public duty to get out there and stuff our faces – the economy needs the pounds even if your waistline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Bo Tree Thai in University St , Belfast as soon as they reopen .
I also like The Bengal Brasserie on the Lisburn Road for the above mentioned dirt-cheap lunch deal .
Our son will look forward to Little Wing Pizzeria reopening .
I also notice Al Gelato the fancy ice cream shop has opened a new branch on the Lisburn Road right opposite Mauds , I hope our ice cream wars are not as vicious as the famous ones in Glasgow .
Ice cream and a dander round the park is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in these trying times .
Are you looking forward to heading back to a favourite restaurant or bar ?
Feel free to give them a plug in the comments , they need all the support they can get .
Photo by Free-Photos is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA

After 4 months of lockdown, our pubs and restaurants are now allowed to reopen – with the usual social distancing caveats.
Some aspects of the ‘new normal’ just sound awful. Barriers between tables, masked staff and customers, allocated times etc. They don’t make for a relaxing night out.
I have always tended to eat out at lunchtime and this will continue to be my strategy going forward. I never understand why more people don’t eat out more at lunchtime – it is tremendously good value. Our favourite Indian restaurant has a 2-course lunch offer for £7.99, the same meal at nighttime is over £20.
Thanks to my son we have gotten into the habit of getting up early, so we can get in an early lunch at 12pm and be out before 1pm, before a restaurant gets busy.
I have very little desire to get back into a pub anytime soon. I like pubs but I have cut back by alcohol intake dramatically this past year. I have had 1 pint since February. If I do go to a bar my strategy will be to go in the afternoon. It will be quieter and you also get the benefit of the booze wearing off before you go to bed. I am fanatical about sleep these days and I let nothing get in the way of a good nights rest.
I do pity the poor restaurant and bar owners, it was a tough game even before the plague. I suppose it is our public duty to get out there and stuff our faces – the economy needs the pounds even if your waistline does not.
I shall be heading to Bo Tree Thai in University St, Belfast as soon as they reopen. I also like The Bengal Brasserie on the Lisburn Road for the above mentioned dirt-cheap lunch deal. Our son will look forward to Little Wing Pizzeria reopening. I also notice Al Gelato the fancy ice cream shop has opened a new branch on the Lisburn Road right opposite Mauds, I hope our ice cream wars are not as vicious as the famous ones in Glasgow. Ice cream and a dander round the park is the perfect thing to soothe the soul in these trying times.
Are you looking forward to heading back to a favourite restaurant or bar? Feel free to give them a plug in the comments, they need all the support they can get.
Photo by Free-Photos is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA


sluggerotoole--2020-07-03--Other parties would be well advised to keep Michelle O’Neill in the awkward position she has worked

Other parties would be well advised to keep Michelle O’Neill in the awkward position she has worked her own way into

So , I ’ ll put my neck where Brian wouldn ’ t and say , crisis , what crisis ?
There are two reasons this won ’ t lead to a real crisis in Stormont .
One is that the party who pulled it down last time is in the one that ’ s in the dog house this time .
Two , if the others have learned anything from Sinn Féin ’ s collapse of the institutions in January 2017 , a collapse brings no good to anyone ( including Sinn Féin who lost all the ground the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and a lot more last time out ) .
It seems the Sinn Féin leadership thought it was clever to instruct Michelle and Mary Lou and other senior elected Sinn Féin members of the northern and southern institutions ( including Finance leads Conor Murphy and Pearse Doherty ) to get to Belfast .
This was Doherty ’ s flagrant attempt at what Donald Trump might call ‘ truthiness ’ in order to massage ‘ the facts ’ and kill the story on RTÉ ( second tweet down ) … Doherty will also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to replace Mary Lou in the future he had no choice but to say ‘ how high ’ when his party ’ s hard men said ‘ jump ’ .
Nor indeed Michelle O ’ Neill whose political position has been weakened by the whole affair .
This is why none of their explanations make any sense to anyone other than the most committed inside their own movement .
I ’ ve seen attempts online and in broadcast media to deflected this as a criticism of the whole west Belfast population .
Amongst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is what can only be described as a deep disappointment that someone whom they looked to for leadership and guidance has let them and the personal sacrifices some of them have made down .
It is all the harder to explain to the public because it has been Michelle and her party who ’ ve been resisting the very measures , like opening churches and cemeteries that might have allowed Wednesday ’ s funeral to proceed in the manner Sinn Féin wanted .
Attempts too have been made to frame this as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politicians are trying to render it true this incredibly shallow analysis ignores the fact that Ms O ’ Neill ’ s recklessness puts executive colleagues in an impossible position .
Could she have resisted pressure from her senior bosses to pay fealty to the old IRA man ?
Perhaps a stronger individual might but that ’ s not the way the party works .
Her loyalty will have been tested before she was given the nod .
So too , Mary Lou .
Knowledge of how Sinn Féin ’ s internal power networks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about in the public .
See Killian Forde ’ s powerful but withering analysis of the subject from back in 2010 ?
Not only did Colum Eastwood pull no punches on Nolan yesterday , he also revealed that Sinn Féin activists in Derry were busy contacting local people to travel to Belfast but to turn up in the black and white ‘ uniform ’ that was on display on the day .
Public signs put up on Kennedy Way and outside Casement Park giving directions to St Agnes ’ is future evidence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big numbers out and a show of strength , in disregard of O ’ Neill restrictions she endorsed .
Alongside these breaches , news has filtered through that the whole affair required stewards and the crowd was such that Roselawn cemetery was closed to others allow Storey ’ s cremation to take precedence over other funerals .
When , in May , former UUP leader Mike Nesbitt broke lockdown , Mrs O ’ Neill said , “ We are in difficult times but none of us are exempt from these regulations “ .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trumpian swagger she turned this previous statement on its head : Well “ bending the truth ” [ out of all recognition ?
– Ed ] about her party ’ s multiple breaches of the restrictions in both the south and the north is something they ’ ve been doing for years .
But she ’ s wrong about one thing , the Executive is not split on the matter .
It ’ s simply that Sinn Fein has chosen to recharge and reload Orwell ’ s Animal Farm line all citizens are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equal than others… Her opponents won ’ t walk out on those grounds .
Better for them just to let the damage stick .
We saw from last years elections they are now vulnerable on two fronts , Alliance on one side ( who , in Kelly Armstrong were amongst the first to call time on this hypocrisy ) , and the SDLP .
Colum Eastwood hasn ’ t let this non-apology go unpunished : The other parties would be well advised to keep Mrs O ’ Neill in precisely the awkward position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the least help from any of them .
It will go away , but she ’ s been forced to ship an awful lot of unnecessary damage .
“ Gerry Adams , Michelle O ’ Neill and Mary Lou McDonald at the 2017 Sinn Fein Ard Fheis .
Hello Mary Lou – Adams ’ likely successor could be first female Taoiseach.
” by “ Gerry Adams , Michelle O ’ Neill and Mary Lou McDonald at the 2017 Sinn Fein Ard Fheis .
Hello Mary Lou – Adams ’ likely successor could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Gerry Adams , Michelle O ’ Neill and Mary Lou McDonald at the 2017 Sinn Fein Ard Fheis .
Hello Mary Lou – Adams ’ likely successor could be first female Taoiseach.
“

So, I’ll put my neck where Brian wouldn’t and say, crisis, what crisis? There are two reasons this won’t lead to a real crisis in Stormont. One is that the party who pulled it down last time is in the one that’s in the dog house this time.
Two, if the others have learned anything from Sinn Féin’s collapse of the institutions in January 2017, a collapse brings no good to anyone (including Sinn Féin who lost all the ground the made in March and June of 2017, and a lot more last time out).
It seems the Sinn Féin leadership thought it was clever to instruct Michelle and Mary Lou and other senior elected Sinn Féin members of the northern and southern institutions (including Finance leads Conor Murphy and Pearse Doherty) to get to Belfast.
This was Doherty’s flagrant attempt at what Donald Trump might call ‘truthiness’ in order to massage ‘the facts’ and kill the story on RTÉ (second tweet down)…
Doherty will also know that if he has any ambition to replace Mary Lou in the future he had no choice but to say ‘how high’ when his party’s hard men said ‘jump’. Nor indeed Michelle O’Neill whose political position has been weakened by the whole affair.
This is why none of their explanations make any sense to anyone other than the most committed inside their own movement. I’ve seen attempts online and in broadcast media to deflected this as a criticism of the whole west Belfast population.
Amongst ordinary moderate Sinn Féin voters, there is what can only be described as a deep disappointment that someone whom they looked to for leadership and guidance has let them and the personal sacrifices some of them have made down.
It is all the harder to explain to the public because it has been Michelle and her party who’ve been resisting the very measures, like opening churches and cemeteries that might have allowed Wednesday’s funeral to proceed in the manner Sinn Féin wanted.
Attempts too have been made to frame this as a tribal scrap. Much as some unionist politicians are trying to render it true this incredibly shallow analysis ignores the fact that Ms O’Neill’s recklessness puts executive colleagues in an impossible position.
Could she have resisted pressure from her senior bosses to pay fealty to the old IRA man? Perhaps a stronger individual might but that’s not the way the party works. Her loyalty will have been tested before she was given the nod. So too, Mary Lou.
Knowledge of how Sinn Féin’s internal power networks have long been know but little talked about in the public. See Killian Forde’s powerful but withering analysis of the subject from back in 2010?
Not only did Colum Eastwood pull no punches on Nolan yesterday, he also revealed that Sinn Féin activists in Derry were busy contacting local people to travel to Belfast but to turn up in the black and white ‘uniform’ that was on display on the day.
SDLP leader @columeastwood calls on Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill to step aside pending an investigation in to Bobby Storey funeral pic.twitter.com/3EkD1g4s4j — The Nolan Show, BBC (@BBCNolan) July 2, 2020
Public signs put up on Kennedy Way and outside Casement Park giving directions to St Agnes’ is future evidence of the determination of the party to get big numbers out and a show of strength, in disregard of O’Neill restrictions she endorsed.
Alongside these breaches, news has filtered through that the whole affair required stewards and the crowd was such that Roselawn cemetery was closed to others allow Storey’s cremation to take precedence over other funerals.
When, in May, former UUP leader Mike Nesbitt broke lockdown, Mrs O’Neill said, “We are in difficult times but none of us are exempt from these regulations“. [Emphasis added] With a fine Trumpian swagger she turned this previous statement on its head:
Michelle O'Neill speaks to the media on the funeral of Bobby Storey today at Stormont today @moneillsf pic.twitter.com/wbvCaqEPML — Sinn Féin (@sinnfeinireland) July 3, 2020
Well “bending the truth” [out of all recognition? – Ed] about her party’s multiple breaches of the restrictions in both the south and the north is something they’ve been doing for years. But she’s wrong about one thing, the Executive is not split on the matter.
It’s simply that Sinn Fein has chosen to recharge and reload Orwell’s Animal Farm line all citizens are equal, but some are just more equal than others… Her opponents won’t walk out on those grounds. Better for them just to let the damage stick.
We saw from last years elections they are now vulnerable on two fronts, Alliance on one side (who, in Kelly Armstrong were amongst the first to call time on this hypocrisy), and the SDLP. Colum Eastwood hasn’t let this non-apology go unpunished:
The other parties would be well advised to keep Mrs O’Neill in precisely the awkward position she has worked her way into without the least help from any of them. It will go away, but she’s been forced to ship an awful lot of unnecessary damage.
“Gerry Adams, Michelle O’Neill and Mary Lou McDonald at the 2017 Sinn Fein Ard Fheis. Hello Mary Lou – Adams’ likely successor could be first female Taoiseach.” by “Gerry Adams, Michelle O’Neill and Mary Lou McDonald at the 2017 Sinn Fein Ard Fheis. Hello Mary Lou – Adams’ likely successor could be first female Taoiseach.” is licensed under “Gerry Adams, Michelle O’Neill and Mary Lou McDonald at the 2017 Sinn Fein Ard Fheis. Hello Mary Lou – Adams’ likely successor could be first female Taoiseach.“


sluggerotoole--2020-07-03--#InConversation Podcast with Adam Turkington from Seedhead Arts about the arts sector in Northern Ir

#InConversation Podcast with Adam Turkington from Seedhead Arts about the arts sector in Northern Ireland…

In this podcast , I chat with Adam Turkington .
Adam is a veteran of the arts scene who is @ @ @ @ @ of Culture Night in Belfast .
He has since moved on to start his own @ @ @ @ @ bounce around from Culture Night to the 12th , from Universal Basic Income to 20 @ @ @ @ @ listen and let me know what you think .
Warning : This episode does contain @ @ @ @ @ subscribe to Slugger Podcasts on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts or Spotify The YouTube version @ @ @ @ @ click the CC button .

In this podcast, I chat with Adam Turkington. Adam is a veteran of the arts scene who is best known as the Director of Culture Night in Belfast. He has since moved on to start his own company Seedhead Arts.
We bounce around from Culture Night to the 12th, from Universal Basic Income to 20 sided dice. Have a listen and let me know what you think.
Warning: This episode does contain some swearing.
You can subscribe to Slugger Podcasts on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts or Spotify
The YouTube version below has subtitles, just click the CC button.


sluggerotoole--2020-07-04--Cycling – One of life’s simple pleasures…

Normally at this time of the year , cycling fever would be in the air with the Giro d ’ Italia a recent memory ( remember the year it started in Belfast ? )
, and that other famous pharmaceutical warehouse on wheels ( sorry , bike race ) the Tour de France just about to start .
This year it ’ s all different though , but it hasn ’ t stopped the Middle-Aged Men In Lycra ( MAMILs , I believe the modern terminology is ) – ie people like myself – from making the most of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of sweating over the laptop by donning the tight shorts , mounting their state-of–the-art light-as-a-feather titanium carbon-fibre machines and taking to the local roads .
As we struggle to ascend every hill , the beads of sweat rolling down our face and the lactic acid accumulating we can imagine we ’ re heroically climbing Mount Ventoux or the Col de Galibier and being cheered on by enthusiastic spectators , as we dream of the elusive yellow jersey .
Although my local area can ’ t boast of sunflower fields , Mediterranean coastal roads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a good network of cycle lanes .
Ever since Dubliner Stephen Roche became the first man from these islands to win the Tour de France in 1987 ( despite the valiant efforts of his fellow countryman Sean Kelly from Carrick-on-Suir who won almost everything else ) I ’ ve been fascinated by the sport .
It ’ s a healthy pastime , but as we all know it has its risks – as I was to find out through personal experience one summer evening many years ago .
My 16-year-old self was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miles from home and enjoying the thrill of a rapid downhill descent .
But unbeknownst to me , the front wheel had come slightly loose .
I was suddenly thrown over the handlebars on my way down the hill and hit my chin on the road .
I didn ’ t think much of it as I got up and brushed the dust off my hands .
As far as I was concerned I ’ d just fallen off and was about to get back in the saddle and carry on .
Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the white t-shirt I was wearing was soaked in blood and had a big rip down the front .
My front wheel was badly buckled , so the bike was now unrideable .
I was forced to walk towards home carrying the bike .
When I got to the main road I was eventually picked up by a concerned motorist who took me to the hospital .
The doctor spent about an hour taking grit out of the wound before he stitched it up .
For the rest of that summer , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side of my chin .
Usually , at this point you would expect me to say “ And I ’ ve never ridden a bike since that fateful day….
” But the truth is I got back into cycling in my late 20s and have kept it up on an on-off basis ever since – and enjoy it immensely .
Ironically it was Lance Armstrong ’ s amazing comeback after suffering near-fatal cancer that inspired me to get back in the saddle – a comeback which eventually proved to be a little bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mighty fall .
It seems that Armstrong ’ s mistake was his greed .
He had just gone for the three or four in a row he may well have got away with it .
But we ’ ll never really know .
But back to the positives .
Even in cold wet weather , there ’ s also something therapeutic about cycling along a wet tarmac surface on which you can see your reflection , with raindrops or sleet stinging your face .
It ’ s amazing how quickly the body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of vigorous pedalling .
That combination of adrenaline and endorphins brings about an unrivalled feeling to brighten up an otherwise dull Sunday afternoon .
One of life ’ s simple pleasures .
The adrenaline rush of downhill descents and the build-up of lactic acid in the lungs and thighs on the ascent is simply thrilling .
It ’ s not quite the same as racing the fields of rural Provence with the multi-coloured peloton in hot pursuit or popping the the champagne cork on the Champs-Elysée , or the agonising ascent up a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s no other feeling like it .
And of course , unlike the professionals ( or at least unlike some of them ) I don ’ t have to rely on pharmaceutically-enhanced “ medication ” to go faster .
And apart from the obvious risks of taking to the saddle , there are few things more irritating than when a small flying insect whizzes into your eye and you spend ages trying to get it out or wondering if it ’ s still there .
So if you want to make the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the traffic remains at a relatively low volume in this time of Lockdown – get on your bike .
Photo by MabelAmber is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA

Normally at this time of the year, cycling fever would be in the air with the Giro d’Italia a recent memory (remember the year it started in Belfast?), and that other famous pharmaceutical warehouse on wheels (sorry, bike race) the Tour de France just about to start. This year it’s all different though, but it hasn’t stopped the Middle-Aged Men In Lycra (MAMILs, I believe the modern terminology is) – ie people like myself – from making the most of these long bright evenings after a busy day of sweating over the laptop by donning the tight shorts, mounting their state-of–the-art light-as-a-feather titanium carbon-fibre machines and taking to the local roads. As we struggle to ascend every hill, the beads of sweat rolling down our face and the lactic acid accumulating we can imagine we’re heroically climbing Mount Ventoux or the Col de Galibier and being cheered on by enthusiastic spectators, as we dream of the elusive yellow jersey.
Although my local area can’t boast of sunflower fields, Mediterranean coastal roads or hairpin Alpine bends, there’s a good network of cycle lanes.
Ever since Dubliner Stephen Roche became the first man from these islands to win the Tour de France in 1987 (despite the valiant efforts of his fellow countryman Sean Kelly from Carrick-on-Suir who won almost everything else) I’ve been fascinated by the sport.
It’s a healthy pastime, but as we all know it has its risks – as I was to find out through personal experience one summer evening many years ago. My 16-year-old self was cycling through in the countryside a few miles from home and enjoying the thrill of a rapid downhill descent. But unbeknownst to me, the front wheel had come slightly loose.
I was suddenly thrown over the handlebars on my way down the hill and hit my chin on the road. I didn’t think much of it as I got up and brushed the dust off my hands. As far as I was concerned I’d just fallen off and was about to get back in the saddle and carry on. Then I looked down and suddenly realised that the white t-shirt I was wearing was soaked in blood and had a big rip down the front. My front wheel was badly buckled, so the bike was now unrideable. I was forced to walk towards home carrying the bike.
When I got to the main road I was eventually picked up by a concerned motorist who took me to the hospital.
The doctor spent about an hour taking grit out of the wound before he stitched it up. For the rest of that summer, there was a huge cut visible on the side of my chin.
Usually, at this point you would expect me to say “And I’ve never ridden a bike since that fateful day….”
But the truth is I got back into cycling in my late 20s and have kept it up on an on-off basis ever since – and enjoy it immensely. Ironically it was Lance Armstrong’s amazing comeback after suffering near-fatal cancer that inspired me to get back in the saddle – a comeback which eventually proved to be a little bit too amazing to be genuine. How the mighty fall. It seems that Armstrong’s mistake was his greed. He had just gone for the three or four in a row he may well have got away with it. But we’ll never really know.
But back to the positives. Even in cold wet weather, there’s also something therapeutic about cycling along a wet tarmac surface on which you can see your reflection, with raindrops or sleet stinging your face. It’s amazing how quickly the body heats up during a short sustained burst of vigorous pedalling.
That combination of adrenaline and endorphins brings about an unrivalled feeling to brighten up an otherwise dull Sunday afternoon. One of life’s simple pleasures.
The adrenaline rush of downhill descents and the build-up of lactic acid in the lungs and thighs on the ascent is simply thrilling. It’s not quite the same as racing the fields of rural Provence with the multi-coloured peloton in hot pursuit or popping the the champagne cork on the Champs-Elysée, or the agonising ascent up a Pyrenean mountain pass – but there’s no other feeling like it. And of course, unlike the professionals (or at least unlike some of them) I don’t have to rely on pharmaceutically-enhanced “medication” to go faster.
And apart from the obvious risks of taking to the saddle, there are few things more irritating than when a small flying insect whizzes into your eye and you spend ages trying to get it out or wondering if it’s still there.
So if you want to make the most of these warm bright summer days while the traffic remains at a relatively low volume in this time of Lockdown – get on your bike.
But take care!
Photo by MabelAmber is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA


sluggerotoole--2020-07-04--There’s no Twelfth, so no parades or bonfires are required…

As a starting point , I am fully aware of the irony , I ’ m an Orangeman , penning an article outlining my opposition to any type of parade or bonfire over the Twelfth weekend this year .
Like Unionism , Orangeism ( bands , lodges , and supporters ) doesn ’ t do long term planning , so when the leadership of the Loyal Orange Institution ( LOI ) decided to cancel this year ’ s Twelfth celebrations back in March , it was an unexpected and decisive move .
The Institution made a long terms decision ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it was entirely the correct determination .
The decision was welcomed by those both inside and outside of the Orange family , so what could possibly go wrong ?
Time has been an issue ; lockdown measures are easing and this is coupled with uniquely problematic issues that continually arise in Northern Ireland have compounded the problems .
I have been inundated with messages , some from journalists asking what on earth is happening this Twelfth of July ?
So , I thought I would answer these questions via this article and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small caveat , I am not the official spokesperson for the LOI and nor do I hold a leadership position .
What is the Loyal Orange Institution ’ s Position on the Twelfth ?
The Twelfth of July is an Orange event , where orange lodges invite bands to lead them on parade .
The LOI will not be participating within this year ’ s Twelfth , therefore there is no Twelfth .
In recent weeks the clear leadership from the LOI has typically become fragmented , the message is still that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but they are supporting bands who want to parade in their own areas with the caveat that supporters of these bands should not follow them on parade and that the bands will come to the supporters .
Everyone within Orangesim knows this will not happen and the LOI also knows that this caveat will not save them if things go wrong .
Whilst everyone within the LOI is disappointed that the Twelfth has been cancelled , due to the pandemic there is little appetite to do anything – especially with an aging membership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put under some external pressure with the word “ Lundy ” inevitably bandied about and this is why they are supporting bands parading within their areas .
What are the bands ’ sayings ?
With over 550 bands connected to the Protestant parading scene throughout Northern Ireland , the ongoing issue is that there is no overarching body to speak on their behalf , that is why unelected activists have taken the role .
Some bands feel under pressure to do a parade on the Twelfth , although many , particularly in rural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bands who have applied to parade have committed to ensuring that they will adhere to social distancing and that marshalls will be out in force to manage the crowds .
However , it ’ s obvious from talking to some bandmembers that aside from stating adherence to COVID-19 guidelines to the parade ’ s commission nothing else has been done .
One bandmaster actually indicated to me that he wasn ’ t even sure if they would “ bother doing anything differently as it ’ s impossible ” .
This is a recipe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the 1st of July there were innumerable examples of social distancing not being adhered to , even though it was very apparent that the organisers went to great trouble to implement the guidelines .
There were several examples posted online in which not only were the guidelines ignored but there was ample evidence of the excessive consumption of alcohol ( mainly from “ supporters ” ) , which is antithetical to what a Somme commemoration is about .
The risks with random bands parading in various parts of Northern Ireland are huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will gather and others will follow the bands .
Social distancing at a parade is a fallacy , for example in Fermanagh bands are trained to parade on narrow roads so members are grouped quite closely together , to believe that they or any other band will be able to parade with 1m gaps between members is a complete fantasy .
Also , marshals are not trained to deal with this type of situation and like the Twelfth in days of yore , onlookers will do their own thing anyway .
Parades and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the virus This is a huge risk and not one that anyone within Orangeism should be contemplating .
If there are any outbreaks of the virus , the LOI and bands will be held to account .
Why the change in Message from the LOI ?
There are three reasons , with Covid-19 restrictions lifting , an opportunity has arisen for something to happen , however , as the virus is still within the community and with social distancing in force , having any band on the roads is a risk .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican funeral in West Belfast where senior members of Sinn Fein were in attendance and where there were clear examples of social distancing and guideline breaches .
Thirdly , as mentioned previously , there is some external pressure to mark the Twelfth in some way and by supporting bands , the LOI sees this as an easy way out .
Well , Republicans have flouted the rules at a funeral , let ’ s parade !
Unfortunately , this zero-sum game has been doing the rounds and is hugely counterproductive .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this is about showing responsible leadership and preventing the spread of the virus .
With bands parading randomly on the Twelfth there is a huge risk that the virus will spread and if this happens both the LOI and the bands will be held to account .
Also , when things inevitably go wrong on the Twelfth in terms of guideline breaches , Sinn Fein will consider themselves absolved of guideline breaches at the funeral .
Ironically Republicans are longing for the Twelfth to come around as they know it will take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whilst showing up Unionist hypocrisy in the process .
Furthermore , the wider community will feel that the LOI and bands are irresponsible and a danger to society and this will damage relations going forward .
It is hugely infuriating that Orangeism is walking into a trap that it has created .
But a Court Ruling has given the green light for the Twelfth This is a myth that has been doing the rounds in recent days , there was no need to go to the courts on this as bands and lodges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-imposed the ban to stop the spread of the virus and save lives .
There was a ruling by the parade ’ s commission in terms of a band ’ s application that forbid it from parading citing COVID-19 guidelines , however , this was always an easy workaround – it ’ s just that band and lodges have by and large decided not to .
It ’ s really important to point out that the parade ’ s commission has done nothing wrong ( heaven help me for saying that ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is again no such thing as getting one over on the parade ’ s commission on this issue .
It sounds like you ’ re a Lundy who should leave the Orange Institution Lundy was a pragmatist who could see the bigger picture and his “ treachery ” is at best questionable , so I am happy to assume this mantle .
However , lodges and bands have made the right decision in March to cancel all parades over the Twelfth and during the interim period they have played a huge role in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical equipment and , PPE – this social responsibility is a central plank of what Orangeism is about .
We also have a duty of care to protect our communities and the wider public , even one band out on the road can cause a huge risk to the virus spreading .
There is an application for a parade in Enniskillen town centre , few to nobody lives within the town centre , so crowds will have to come to the town to watch the parade .
In addition to this , many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the supporters are of a more senior age and more vulnerable to the virus – we have an additional duty of care to protect them .
With over 100 bands across Northern Ireland applying to parade , imagine if outbreaks happen in these areas , it could cause a huge loss of life .
In years to come the potential to parade in these areas will certainly have been lost and rightly so .
Great , there is nothing to do on the Twelfth On the contrary , the is a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can use the bank holiday weekend to better understand our heritage , our history , and why after so many years , many people still want to celebrate their Orange heritage .
The BBC is running a Twelfth documentary and the day itself can be used to spend important time with family members which are another key aspect of any Twelfth celebration .
The Twelfth both the Fermanagh and the Donegal versions are for me two of the best days of the year , however , curbing the virus trumps everything this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for those bands and lodges that rely on the Twelfth to keep going , this may be one of their few meeting points in the year .
There is also a huge risk that many lodges will fold that were barely surviving , with no meetings during the year and no Twelfth , recruitment will not happen and with elderly members passing away , these lodges could cease to exist .
However , even with the Twelfth and monthly meetings before the pandemic , bands and lodges across Northern Ireland and particularly in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ true of the crowds coming to watch .
There is a need for a huge rethink on how we operate and on how we ’ re perceived by outsiders .
A self-imposed ban on parades this Twelfth could show the wider population that the LOI is a serious organisation that can act in a socially responsible manner .
This could prompt a flurry of interest in terms of people showing up for future parades which can have the knock-on effect of swelling the numbers within bands and lodges .
Who will be held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The LOI will be held to account as they have backed bands parading in their areas , the individual bands will also be held to account as well as those who attend and support bonfires .
Unionism ’ s image along with the image of the LOI and bands will be further diminished .
One thing is certain , some high-profile activists who are calling for parades and bonfires to go ahead will accept no responsibility if things go wrong .
Orangeism like Unionism has become corrupted with poor leadership and a natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fein does , regardless of the consequences .
Orangeism like Unionism continually fails to see the bigger picture and is all too often a self-destructing entity that is driven by a tiny unrepresentative minority .
By showing leadership this year and by self-imposing bans on all parades and bonfires , Orangeism can show that it can act responsibly , that it is putting the health of the community above its own interests and it will also show that one wrong turn from Sinn Fein doesn ’ t mean it should be mirrored by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a band parades in an area and it results in an outbreak of COVID-19 cases , any attempts by bands and lodges to wash their hands off their responsibility will be fruitless .
Unionism and Orangesim need to be clear that no parades should occur over the Twelfth weekend as guidelines can not and will not be adhered to .
This is the time to show real leadership and if we ’ re serious about Northern Ireland working and working for all of its citizens , now is the time to begin this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Shutterbug Fotos is licensed under CC BY-ND

As a starting point, I am fully aware of the irony, I’m an Orangeman, penning an article outlining my opposition to any type of parade or bonfire over the Twelfth weekend this year. Like Unionism, Orangeism (bands, lodges, and supporters) doesn’t do long term planning, so when the leadership of the Loyal Orange Institution (LOI) decided to cancel this year’s Twelfth celebrations back in March, it was an unexpected and decisive move. The Institution made a long terms decision (well 3.5 months into the future) and it was entirely the correct determination. The decision was welcomed by those both inside and outside of the Orange family, so what could possibly go wrong? Time has been an issue; lockdown measures are easing and this is coupled with uniquely problematic issues that continually arise in Northern Ireland have compounded the problems. I have been inundated with messages, some from journalists asking what on earth is happening this Twelfth of July? So, I thought I would answer these questions via this article and add in some wider considerations. A small caveat, I am not the official spokesperson for the LOI and nor do I hold a leadership position.
What is the Loyal Orange Institution’s Position on the Twelfth?
The Twelfth of July is an Orange event, where orange lodges invite bands to lead them on parade. The LOI will not be participating within this year’s Twelfth, therefore there is no Twelfth.
The Message is Distorted
In recent weeks the clear leadership from the LOI has typically become fragmented, the message is still that the LOI won’t be parading, but they are supporting bands who want to parade in their own areas with the caveat that supporters of these bands should not follow them on parade and that the bands will come to the supporters. Everyone within Orangesim knows this will not happen and the LOI also knows that this caveat will not save them if things go wrong. Whilst everyone within the LOI is disappointed that the Twelfth has been cancelled, due to the pandemic there is little appetite to do anything – especially with an aging membership. However, the LOI has been put under some external pressure with the word “Lundy” inevitably bandied about and this is why they are supporting bands parading within their areas.
What are the bands’ sayings?
With over 550 bands connected to the Protestant parading scene throughout Northern Ireland, the ongoing issue is that there is no overarching body to speak on their behalf, that is why unelected activists have taken the role. Some bands feel under pressure to do a parade on the Twelfth, although many, particularly in rural areas have opted out altogether. Those bands who have applied to parade have committed to ensuring that they will adhere to social distancing and that marshalls will be out in force to manage the crowds. However, it’s obvious from talking to some bandmembers that aside from stating adherence to COVID-19 guidelines to the parade’s commission nothing else has been done. One bandmaster actually indicated to me that he wasn’t even sure if they would “bother doing anything differently as it’s impossible”.
What’s the issue then?
This is a recipe for disaster, at the Somme commemorations on the 1st of July there were innumerable examples of social distancing not being adhered to, even though it was very apparent that the organisers went to great trouble to implement the guidelines. There were several examples posted online in which not only were the guidelines ignored but there was ample evidence of the excessive consumption of alcohol (mainly from “supporters”), which is antithetical to what a Somme commemoration is about. The risks with random bands parading in various parts of Northern Ireland are huge and despite the best intentions’ crowds will gather and others will follow the bands. Social distancing at a parade is a fallacy, for example in Fermanagh bands are trained to parade on narrow roads so members are grouped quite closely together, to believe that they or any other band will be able to parade with 1m gaps between members is a complete fantasy. Also, marshals are not trained to deal with this type of situation and like the Twelfth in days of yore, onlookers will do their own thing anyway.
Parades and bonfires could go ahead with no impact on the virus
This is a huge risk and not one that anyone within Orangeism should be contemplating. If there are any outbreaks of the virus, the LOI and bands will be held to account.
Why the change in Message from the LOI?
There are three reasons, with Covid-19 restrictions lifting, an opportunity has arisen for something to happen, however, as the virus is still within the community and with social distancing in force, having any band on the roads is a risk. The second reason is due to the Republican funeral in West Belfast where senior members of Sinn Fein were in attendance and where there were clear examples of social distancing and guideline breaches. Thirdly, as mentioned previously, there is some external pressure to mark the Twelfth in some way and by supporting bands, the LOI sees this as an easy way out.
Well, Republicans have flouted the rules at a funeral, let’s parade!
Unfortunately, this zero-sum game has been doing the rounds and is hugely counterproductive. This is not about getting one over on Republicans, this is about showing responsible leadership and preventing the spread of the virus. With bands parading randomly on the Twelfth there is a huge risk that the virus will spread and if this happens both the LOI and the bands will be held to account. Also, when things inevitably go wrong on the Twelfth in terms of guideline breaches, Sinn Fein will consider themselves absolved of guideline breaches at the funeral. Ironically Republicans are longing for the Twelfth to come around as they know it will take the heat off Michelle O’Neill whilst showing up Unionist hypocrisy in the process. Furthermore, the wider community will feel that the LOI and bands are irresponsible and a danger to society and this will damage relations going forward. It is hugely infuriating that Orangeism is walking into a trap that it has created.
But a Court Ruling has given the green light for the Twelfth
This is a myth that has been doing the rounds in recent days, there was no need to go to the courts on this as bands and lodges knew they could parade, they just self-imposed the ban to stop the spread of the virus and save lives. There was a ruling by the parade’s commission in terms of a band’s application that forbid it from parading citing COVID-19 guidelines, however, this was always an easy workaround – it’s just that band and lodges have by and large decided not to. It’s really important to point out that the parade’s commission has done nothing wrong (heaven help me for saying that), Orangeism has applied the restrictions – there is again no such thing as getting one over on the parade’s commission on this issue.
It sounds like you’re a Lundy who should leave the Orange Institution
Lundy was a pragmatist who could see the bigger picture and his “treachery” is at best questionable, so I am happy to assume this mantle. However, lodges and bands have made the right decision in March to cancel all parades over the Twelfth and during the interim period they have played a huge role in supporting the community with food parcels, medical equipment and, PPE – this social responsibility is a central plank of what Orangeism is about. We also have a duty of care to protect our communities and the wider public, even one band out on the road can cause a huge risk to the virus spreading. There is an application for a parade in Enniskillen town centre, few to nobody lives within the town centre, so crowds will have to come to the town to watch the parade. In addition to this, many members of lodges and bands as well as the supporters are of a more senior age and more vulnerable to the virus – we have an additional duty of care to protect them. With over 100 bands across Northern Ireland applying to parade, imagine if outbreaks happen in these areas, it could cause a huge loss of life. In years to come the potential to parade in these areas will certainly have been lost and rightly so.
Great, there is nothing to do on the Twelfth
On the contrary, the is a good opportunity to return to our roots, we can use the bank holiday weekend to better understand our heritage, our history, and why after so many years, many people still want to celebrate their Orange heritage. The BBC is running a Twelfth documentary and the day itself can be used to spend important time with family members which are another key aspect of any Twelfth celebration. The Twelfth both the Fermanagh and the Donegal versions are for me two of the best days of the year, however, curbing the virus trumps everything this year.
Surely no Twelfth Presents a risk to Orangeism
It certainly does, particularly for those bands and lodges that rely on the Twelfth to keep going, this may be one of their few meeting points in the year. There is also a huge risk that many lodges will fold that were barely surviving, with no meetings during the year and no Twelfth, recruitment will not happen and with elderly members passing away, these lodges could cease to exist. However, even with the Twelfth and monthly meetings before the pandemic, bands and lodges across Northern Ireland and particularly in Fermanagh were declining and the same is true of the crowds coming to watch. There is a need for a huge rethink on how we operate and on how we’re perceived by outsiders. A self-imposed ban on parades this Twelfth could show the wider population that the LOI is a serious organisation that can act in a socially responsible manner. This could prompt a flurry of interest in terms of people showing up for future parades which can have the knock-on effect of swelling the numbers within bands and lodges.
Who will be held to account if things go wrong?
The LOI will be held to account as they have backed bands parading in their areas, the individual bands will also be held to account as well as those who attend and support bonfires. Unionism’s image along with the image of the LOI and bands will be further diminished. One thing is certain, some high-profile activists who are calling for parades and bonfires to go ahead will accept no responsibility if things go wrong.
Conclusion
Orangeism like Unionism has become corrupted with poor leadership and a natural intinction to react negatively to everything Sinn Fein does, regardless of the consequences. Orangeism like Unionism continually fails to see the bigger picture and is all too often a self-destructing entity that is driven by a tiny unrepresentative minority. By showing leadership this year and by self-imposing bans on all parades and bonfires, Orangeism can show that it can act responsibly, that it is putting the health of the community above its own interests and it will also show that one wrong turn from Sinn Fein doesn’t mean it should be mirrored by Orangeism. Make no mistake, if a band parades in an area and it results in an outbreak of COVID-19 cases, any attempts by bands and lodges to wash their hands off their responsibility will be fruitless. Unionism and Orangesim need to be clear that no parades should occur over the Twelfth weekend as guidelines cannot and will not be adhered to. This is the time to show real leadership and if we’re serious about Northern Ireland working and working for all of its citizens, now is the time to begin this process.
“Orange Order Parade” by Shutterbug Fotos is licensed under CC BY-ND


sluggerotoole--2020-07-05--As the pace of modern life gets quicker all the time, poetry provides a much needed pause…

“ My favourite poem is the one that starts ‘ Thirty days hath September ’ because it actually tells you something.
” ( Groucho Marx 1895 -1977 ) I know I ’ m treading on precarious territory here with that one word – poetry .
There .
Many of you will have zoned out already but I hope you ’ ll stay with me for a little longer as I try to untangle my thoughts on a subject that seems to divide so many folks , in so many different ways .
But before I get annihilated for attempting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that this is a personal take on things and by no means a reflection on the opinion of others .
We live in a democracy ( don ’ t we ? )
where one and all are entitled to their individual views and this is only mine .
Really , my hope is that I can persuade some of you to connect in some way with a poem ( or even a single line of a poem ) and that it will make you feel something and therefore carry on discovering .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ one precious , wild life ?
’ ( Mary Oliver ) It ’ s probably best to start with a confession .
One of my ‘ A ’ level subjects in 1973 was English Literature .
I got a grade ‘ E ’ ( that ’ s a mere smidgen above an ‘ F ’ by the way ) , which was no great surprise as I ’ d made up most of the answers on the exam papers .
Despite the best efforts of my long-suffering teacher , Mrs Lewis , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eliot , Chaucer , Alexander Pope , Shakespeare etc , I still managed to disclose an unmitigated lack of knowledge , and indeed , basic interest .
So what I ’ m saying is – I ’ m no great expert in poetry myself and it ’ s only with hindsight that I see the value of those same school books still surviving on a shelf at home .
I open them now to wonder at the copious notes scrawled between the lines and absolutely understand why , as a teenager , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head .
Surely , even the more academic of my fellow pupils ( and there were many ) , would have struggled with the intricacies and nuances of language involved , or perhaps I ’ m only fooling myself here .
‘ The soil under the grass is dreaming of a young forest , and under the pavement the soil is dreaming of grass.
’ ( Wendell Berry ) Almost half a century later , I ’ m surprised to learn that it ’ s not too late to introduce poetry into my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a caveat – more about that in a minute .
I ’ ve often wondered why it is that so many people are put off by the mere mention of the word poetry .
Or to be perfectly honest , why I have been put off by the mention of poetry in the past .
For me anyway , I think it was due to embarrassment .
I thought myself not clever enough to understand a poem ’ s significance , not empathetic enough to share the sentiments of the poet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meanings of metaphor and imagery often incorporated within the poems .
And there ’ s the rub – you don ’ t necessarily need any of it .
You just have to feel something .
my last words to you So , the caveat .
I have allowed myself the freedom of admitting that I often find poetry incomprehensible , highfalutin ’ and yes , quite often , boring .
Yet .
Yet .
How wonderful it can be to discover a connection with someone else ’ s words and thoughts .
‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ I think , ‘ and how I wish I had written it !
’ It ’ s like uncovering hidden treasure where once there was only an empty purse and there ’ s something very comforting in knowing that another human being has experienced similar emotions to yourself .
For when it comes down to it , why does anyone write a poem ?
To commemorate a historic event .
To share feelings of despair or hope .
To unleash the joy of a birth , the sadness of a death .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ war .
Smoke hangs like the sky ’ s entrails ’ ( Mel Mc Mahon/Beneath our Feet ) There is an endless list , presently eclipsed by the world ’ s newest challenge , coronavirus , which has instigated an unprecedented outpouring of emotions in the form of video poems online and elsewhere .
Even if you ’ re not a fan of poems that don ’ t always rhyme , it ’ s worth experiencing the sheer unadulterated passion of spoken word poetry .
I first experienced it at The Crescent Arts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( thank you Colin and Geraldine Dardis ) .
There was I , reading self-consciously from a crumpled A4 sheet of paper ( big print ) , while many of the younger poets brandished smart phones and confidently challenged society ’ s injustices in an uninhibited way that I could never have done at their age .
Something rather wonderful occurs when the young express their impassioned views using the vernacular .
It ’ s not for everyone ( plenty of times not for me either ) but important and fundamental messages emerge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their earlier counterparts .
‘ What we speak becomes the house we live in ’ ( Translation /Hafez ) When I eventually decided , a few years ago , that I would have a stab at writing poetry myself , I knew there was only one way it would work for me .
It ’ s no big secret – I simply write about things I care about .
Consequently , many of the ensuing poems have been about dementia and growing old , or my childhood and the blessings of having kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a poem arrive in my head fully formed but more often than not , a single poem can take many weeks to write and if one person connects with it , then it ’ s worth the emotional toll it often takes .
Equally , it ’ s okay to feel totally disconnected with the words , for why should you have to ‘ get ’ what the poet is trying to say just because others want you to ?
If you love poems that rhyme , have simple language and don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then go ahead and enjoy them , I say .
As Groucho Marx so succinctly pointed out , a lot of people prefer a poem that clearly says what it means .
‘ I think that I shall never see If you have read this far then perhaps I have tempted you , even a little bit , to re-visit poetry with a more open mind .
‘ The Nation ’ s Favourite Poems ’ isn ’ t a bad place to start or better still , google ‘ Poets from Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of gifted talents , new and old , from this small yet mighty literary province of ours .
But I will end with another confession and the one and only quote I actually did remember to include on my exam papers all those years ago .
It was gobbledygook to me at the time of course , but now it makes so much more sense .
It only took me the guts of fifty years to get there .
‘ Only connect the prose and the passion , and both will be exalted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its height.
’ ( E.M. Forster/Howards End ) Editors note : a good place to start for getting into Poetry is Pádraig Ó Tuama Poetry Unbound site .
Brian Photo by cromaconceptovisual is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA

“My favourite poem is the one that starts ‘Thirty days hath September’ because it actually tells you something.” (Groucho Marx 1895 -1977)
I know I’m treading on precarious territory here with that one word – poetry. There. Many of you will have zoned out already but I hope you’ll stay with me for a little longer as I try to untangle my thoughts on a subject that seems to divide so many folks, in so many different ways. But before I get annihilated for attempting to give an overview myself, let me say that this is a personal take on things and by no means a reflection on the opinion of others. We live in a democracy (don’t we?) where one and all are entitled to their individual views and this is only mine. Really, my hope is that I can persuade some of you to connect in some way with a poem (or even a single line of a poem) and that it will make you feel something and therefore carry on discovering.
‘What will you do with your one precious, wild life?’ (Mary Oliver)
It’s probably best to start with a confession. One of my ‘A’ level subjects in 1973 was English Literature. I got a grade ‘E’ (that’s a mere smidgen above an ‘F’ by the way), which was no great surprise as I’d made up most of the answers on the exam papers. Despite the best efforts of my long-suffering teacher, Mrs Lewis, to enlighten me on the notability of TS Eliot, Chaucer, Alexander Pope, Shakespeare etc, I still managed to disclose an unmitigated lack of knowledge, and indeed, basic interest. So what I’m saying is – I’m no great expert in poetry myself and it’s only with hindsight that I see the value of those same school books still surviving on a shelf at home. I open them now to wonder at the copious notes scrawled between the lines and absolutely understand why, as a teenager, the words and meanings were totally above my head. Surely, even the more academic of my fellow pupils (and there were many), would have struggled with the intricacies and nuances of language involved, or perhaps I’m only fooling myself here.
‘The soil under the grass is dreaming of a young forest, and under the pavement the soil is dreaming of grass.’ (Wendell Berry)
Almost half a century later, I’m surprised to learn that it’s not too late to introduce poetry into my life but of course, that comes with a caveat – more about that in a minute. I’ve often wondered why it is that so many people are put off by the mere mention of the word poetry. Or to be perfectly honest, why I have been put off by the mention of poetry in the past. For me anyway, I think it was due to embarrassment. I thought myself not clever enough to understand a poem’s significance, not empathetic enough to share the sentiments of the poet, not astute enough to access the hidden meanings of metaphor and imagery often incorporated within the poems. And there’s the rub – you don’t necessarily need any of it. You just have to feel something.
‘Winter moon
my last words to you
linger on my breath’ (Marion Clarke)
So, the caveat. I have allowed myself the freedom of admitting that I often find poetry incomprehensible, highfalutin’ and yes, quite often, boring. Yet. Yet. How wonderful it can be to discover a connection with someone else’s words and thoughts. ‘Oh, the beauty of that,’ I think, ‘and how I wish I had written it!’ It’s like uncovering hidden treasure where once there was only an empty purse and there’s something very comforting in knowing that another human being has experienced similar emotions to yourself. For when it comes down to it, why does anyone write a poem? To commemorate a historic event. To share feelings of despair or hope. To unleash the joy of a birth, the sadness of a death. To remind us of the horrors of war.
‘The ground is whipped in welts
Smoke hangs like the sky’s entrails’ (Mel Mc Mahon/Beneath our Feet)
There is an endless list, presently eclipsed by the world’s newest challenge, coronavirus, which has instigated an unprecedented outpouring of emotions in the form of video poems online and elsewhere. Even if you’re not a fan of poems that don’t always rhyme, it’s worth experiencing the sheer unadulterated passion of spoken word poetry. I first experienced it at The Crescent Arts Centre during the Friday open mic nights (thank you Colin and Geraldine Dardis). There was I, reading self-consciously from a crumpled A4 sheet of paper (big print), while many of the younger poets brandished smart phones and confidently challenged society’s injustices in an uninhibited way that I could never have done at their age. Something rather wonderful occurs when the young express their impassioned views using the vernacular. It’s not for everyone (plenty of times not for me either) but important and fundamental messages emerge from modern poems as much as from their earlier counterparts.
‘What we speak becomes the house we live in’ (Translation /Hafez)
When I eventually decided, a few years ago, that I would have a stab at writing poetry myself, I knew there was only one way it would work for me. It’s no big secret – I simply write about things I care about. Consequently, many of the ensuing poems have been about dementia and growing old, or my childhood and the blessings of having kind parents. I have only once had a poem arrive in my head fully formed but more often than not, a single poem can take many weeks to write and if one person connects with it, then it’s worth the emotional toll it often takes. Equally, it’s okay to feel totally disconnected with the words, for why should you have to ‘get’ what the poet is trying to say just because others want you to? If you love poems that rhyme, have simple language and don’t try to be too clever, then go ahead and enjoy them, I say. As Groucho Marx so succinctly pointed out, a lot of people prefer a poem that clearly says what it means.
‘I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree’ (Joyce Kilmer)
If you have read this far then perhaps I have tempted you, even a little bit, to re-visit poetry with a more open mind. ‘The Nation’s Favourite Poems’ isn’t a bad place to start or better still, google ‘Poets from Northern Ireland’ and treat yourself to a wonderland of gifted talents, new and old, from this small yet mighty literary province of ours. But I will end with another confession and the one and only quote I actually did remember to include on my exam papers all those years ago. It was gobbledygook to me at the time of course, but now it makes so much more sense. It only took me the guts of fifty years to get there.
‘Only connect the prose and the passion, and both will be exalted and human love will be seen at its height.’ (E.M. Forster/Howards End)
Good luck!
Editors note: a good place to start for getting into Poetry is Pádraig Ó Tuama Poetry Unbound site. Brian
Photo by cromaconceptovisual is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA


sluggerotoole--2020-07-05--A love letter to libraries…

A love letter to libraries…

As lockdown measures ease we are heading into new territories and hoping for a safe future .
Aspects of our lives which we may have previously taken for granted are opening up again .
Most notable to me is the reopening of our libraries .
And hairdressers , obviously .
I ’ m not a complete eejit .
One of the upsides of lockdown has been the plethora of homes being shown on tv .
I enjoy scanning past the interviewee and looking at whatever part of the house they ’ ve decided to show the viewers .
Disappointingly it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far , so boring .
Instead show me what art is on your walls , what wallpaper you ’ ve chosen , or best of all , show me your pets !
I watch a lot of TV and I have seen many a Zoom or Skype background , but the overall winner for the sheer assault on the senses has to be Richard E Grant If I must pick an actual bookcase then it ’ s this clear winner by Simon Schama Ultimately no-one can ever top the magnificent Robert E Kelly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Don ’ t get me wrong .
I am a book fan , I ’ m just not a fan of bookshelves .
My love of books goes back to childhood .
My first library was Newcastle library , which was then housed in the very glamorous building which is now the tourist information centre .
I remember it was fairly dark and dingy and the floorboards didn ’ t feel exactly safe , but it was heaven to me .
Time stood still and I always seemed to test the patience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the car .
Yes I also loved buying new albums , reading sleeve notes and hoping for lyrics to sing along to .
The sleek , rich , brand new feel of the album cover was hard to beat , the artwork hardly ever disappointed .
It was a complete sensory experience .
Placing a new LP ever so carefully on the turntable for the first time so that you could lie back and listen to the clean , pure , unscratched sound was pure joy .
Of course as time went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or jumps on the audio as you listened again and again .
But I was never really a muso .
At school I listened in wonder to my school friends ’ stories of what they heard on Radio Luxembourg , or usually the difficulties of managing to tune in at all .
I couldn ’ t bear the racket in the music shops , give me a bookshop any time .
It ’ s quiet , calm and time seems to stand still .
I ’ m not sure how many towns can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a striking building which has a very commanding presence at the top of Mill Hill .
It also marks the finish line in the annual lunacy which is the Mill Hill Mile , which starts in Annsborough at the bottom of the hill .
The library is at the Upper Square which is a popular spot .
It hosts fairs , food markets , Fleadhs , The Soma Festival but NO BALL GAMES .
It also plays host to groups of teens who appear to be in various stages of feeling tired and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take them to Belsonic etc .
Interesting to witness them sobering up just as the coach pulls up .
The little darlings .
The main bus stop in the town is outside the library and is very handy when kids need to pass some time or wait on their “ connecting bus ” or for their parents to arrive from the many outlying townlands .
As one of those rural parents I ’ ve come to understand that the term “ connecting bus ” is a term very loosely used by Ulsterbus school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ timetable ” , which should be renamed as “ The Rough Guide ” .
The layout of the library is conducive to community , learning , reading and interaction .
Castlewellan library introduced me to Ross O ’ Carroll Kelly , his book was book of the week .
I ’ d never heard of him , he ’ s not very well known with us nordies .
If you want to discover the ultimate anti-hero then that ’ s him , roysh ?
His antics will take the light out of yer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for him to succeed .
You ’ ll invariably induce a cringe injury on the way though .
I ’ ve had books slid across the desk to me like some kind of contraband before I even got to say hello .
“ You ’ ll like this one , Lisa ” Now-I ’ m not getting special treatment , everyone is an important customer here .
It was in Castlewellan library that I discovered if you tell the librarian the kind of books you like to read they ’ ll always do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for you .
Who knew ?
Yes I know , probably everybody else .
Upstairs is an airy oasis of calm , quiet reflection for adults .
I don ’ t like it up there , it ’ s too sophisticated and grown up .
I prefer the sound of the photocopier going , people chatting , kids from primary school being read to , someone sitting reading the paper .
You ’ ll find people knitting and nattering , cups of tea and biscuits on offer for our book club and there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Castlewellan library the paper doesn ’ t need to be labelled as property of Castlewellan Library , do you know why ?
There ’ s no need , no one will steal it .
I recently joined the book club-pre lockdown of course .
We have a frank discussion about whatever book we have read , always guided back by the librarian in charge ( Winifred ) to the subject in hand , should we take a stroll down tangent avenue which we invariably do .
Once the book has been discussed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the sharing of stories , local history and life experiences .
I love hearing the stories , our stories .
There ’ s always a laugh to be had and even though I ’ m a Johnny-come-lately I feel included and lucky to have found such a welcoming , friendly and funny bunch .
I look forward to sitting around the table once more at some point in the socially-distant future .
At this stage I ’ m handing over to a couple of the brilliant people who are in my book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because librarians know everything .
Every time I moved town I joined the local library .
It ’ s a great place to meet like minded book worms .
It ’ s great to discuss books and get recommendations .
I love all the resources and different media available ( for free ) .
I love reading .
I very seldom buy a book because the library always has what I want including new titles ” “ I joined Castlewellan library about 25 years ago , mainly to take my youngest daughter after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a regular basis encouraged me to look at different books and get to know the names of authors .
I still much prefer books to Kindles , which can be handy but nothing compared to a real book !
A few years later , I joined the book club and really enjoy our monthly meetings .
The club also hosted events in the library like visits from the author David Park and poet Tony Curtis , both of which were very enjoyable .
The library has also provided other useful services like advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ancestry .
It is a great resource to have within the community and it is used by a range of people from those in browsing or reading the newspapers to children taking part in activities .
It is a very relaxing , pleasant place to visit and the staff are very helpful .
I really love it .
Kindles can be handy but nothing like reading a real book !
” By the way , just do yourself a huge favour and get to know Libby , the online reading app .
Finally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Chief Executive of Libraries NI .
Every time a service is reduced or opening hours changed ( I get irrationally annoyed when I see the gates are closed on the library ) you squeeze a bit of life out of each and every town .
This library , and all libraries , are the heartbeat of every town .

As lockdown measures ease we are heading into new territories and hoping for a safe future. Aspects of our lives which we may have previously taken for granted are opening up again. Most notable to me is the reopening of our libraries. And hairdressers, obviously. I’m not a complete eejit.
One of the upsides of lockdown has been the plethora of homes being shown on tv. I enjoy scanning past the interviewee and looking at whatever part of the house they’ve decided to show the viewers. Disappointingly it’s nearly always bookshelves. So far, so boring. Instead show me what art is on your walls, what wallpaper you’ve chosen, or best of all, show me your pets! I watch a lot of TV and I have seen many a Zoom or Skype background, but the overall winner for the sheer assault on the senses has to be Richard E Grant If I must pick an actual bookcase then it’s this clear winner by Simon Schama Ultimately no-one can ever top the magnificent Robert E Kelly who is now known as BBC Dad.
Don’t get me wrong. I am a book fan, I’m just not a fan of bookshelves. My love of books goes back to childhood. My first library was Newcastle library, which was then housed in the very glamorous building which is now the tourist information centre. I remember it was fairly dark and dingy and the floorboards didn’t feel exactly safe, but it was heaven to me. Time stood still and I always seemed to test the patience of whoever was waiting outside for me in the car.
Yes I also loved buying new albums, reading sleeve notes and hoping for lyrics to sing along to. The sleek, rich, brand new feel of the album cover was hard to beat, the artwork hardly ever disappointed. It was a complete sensory experience. Placing a new LP ever so carefully on the turntable for the first time so that you could lie back and listen to the clean, pure, unscratched sound was pure joy. Of course as time went on you became accustomed to any scratches or jumps on the audio as you listened again and again. But I was never really a muso. At school I listened in wonder to my school friends’ stories of what they heard on Radio Luxembourg , or usually the difficulties of managing to tune in at all. I couldn’t bear the racket in the music shops, give me a bookshop any time. It’s quiet, calm and time seems to stand still.
I’m not sure how many towns can claim their library is housed in such a striking building which has a very commanding presence at the top of Mill Hill. It also marks the finish line in the annual lunacy which is the Mill Hill Mile, which starts in Annsborough at the bottom of the hill. The library is at the Upper Square which is a popular spot. It hosts fairs, food markets, Fleadhs, The Soma Festival but NO BALL GAMES. It also plays host to groups of teens who appear to be in various stages of feeling tired and emotional while waiting for their transport to take them to Belsonic etc. Interesting to witness them sobering up just as the coach pulls up. The little darlings. The main bus stop in the town is outside the library and is very handy when kids need to pass some time or wait on their “connecting bus” or for their parents to arrive from the many outlying townlands. As one of those rural parents I’ve come to understand that the term “connecting bus” is a term very loosely used by Ulsterbus school bus drivers. A bit like “timetable”, which should be renamed as “The Rough Guide”.
The layout of the library is conducive to community, learning, reading and interaction. Castlewellan library introduced me to Ross O’Carroll Kelly, his book was book of the week. I’d never heard of him, he’s not very well known with us nordies. If you want to discover the ultimate anti-hero then that’s him, roysh? His antics will take the light out of yer eyes but you’ll still root for him to succeed. You’ll invariably induce a cringe injury on the way though.
I’ve had books slid across the desk to me like some kind of contraband before I even got to say hello. “You’ll like this one, Lisa” Now-I’m not getting special treatment, everyone is an important customer here. It was in Castlewellan library that I discovered if you tell the librarian the kind of books you like to read they’ll always do their best to find the right book for you. Who knew? Yes I know, probably everybody else.
Upstairs is an airy oasis of calm, quiet reflection for adults. I don’t like it up there, it’s too sophisticated and grown up. I prefer the sound of the photocopier going, people chatting, kids from primary school being read to, someone sitting reading the paper. You’ll find people knitting and nattering, cups of tea and biscuits on offer for our book club and there’s always a friendly hello. In Castlewellan library the paper doesn’t need to be labelled as property of Castlewellan Library, do you know why? There’s no need, no one will steal it.
I recently joined the book club-pre lockdown of course. We have a frank discussion about whatever book we have read, always guided back by the librarian in charge (Winifred) to the subject in hand, should we take a stroll down tangent avenue which we invariably do.
Once the book has been discussed thoroughly we get to the best bit, the sharing of stories, local history and life experiences. I love hearing the stories, our stories. There’s always a laugh to be had and even though I’m a Johnny-come-lately I feel included and lucky to have found such a welcoming, friendly and funny bunch. I look forward to sitting around the table once more at some point in the socially-distant future.
At this stage I’m handing over to a couple of the brilliant people who are in my book club.
“I love the library because librarians know everything. Every time I moved town I joined the local library. It’s a great place to meet like minded book worms. It’s great to discuss books and get recommendations. I love all the resources and different media available (for free). I love reading. I very seldom buy a book because the library always has what I want including new titles”
Therese
“I joined Castlewellan library about 25 years ago, mainly to take my youngest daughter after school. Going to the library on a regular basis encouraged me to look at different books and get to know the names of authors. I still much prefer books to Kindles, which can be handy but nothing compared to a real book! A few years later, I joined the book club and really enjoy our monthly meetings. The club also hosted events in the library like visits from the author David Park and poet Tony Curtis, both of which were very enjoyable. The library has also provided other useful services like advice and tips on how to research our ancestry. It is a great resource to have within the community and it is used by a range of people from those in browsing or reading the newspapers to children taking part in activities. It is a very relaxing, pleasant place to visit and the staff are very helpful. I really love it. Kindles can be handy but nothing like reading a real book!”
Marie
By the way, just do yourself a huge favour and get to know Libby, the online reading app.
Finally, I’m looking at you, Chief Executive of Libraries NI. Every time a service is reduced or opening hours changed (I get irrationally annoyed when I see the gates are closed on the library) you squeeze a bit of life out of each and every town.
This library, and all libraries, are the heartbeat of every town.
Photo by Mal McCann