Ireland

Ireland
Originally uploaded by Speedie1.

A Really Good Day

A really Good Day for Ireland! and...
Today was a really good day!
a) For myself personally- I was honoured to have an article published in the prestigious daily ‘Irish Times’ newspaper on the Primary School Science project that I manage. Known as ‘Fionn’, the programme equips and trains teachers and children to produce their own annual science documentary. More details tomorrow!

b) For Ireland- the IRA announced an end to the 36 year 'Armed Struggle'. As a long-time democratic Irish republican, I have to congratulate Gerry Adams & Martin McGuinness for their decisive leadership in bringing this campaign to an end.
Let us hope and pray that the so-called Loyalist (drug-dealing) gangs also disarm; that the Unionist politicians break down their elitist 'Fortress Mentality' to engage with their fellow Irishmen & women i.e. Irish Republicans & that the British government push bring through much-needed social and political reform. Because for Peace to take root and grow, the nourishment of Justice must be provided.

Machine Locusts Over Galway!

chopper.gal.bay
Originally uploaded by Speedie1.

Like a swarm of tropical locusts the helicopters descend out of the skies over Galway during Race Week. Then, as suddenly as they appear, they vanish after 7 days of feverish activity. Never to be seen or heard of for another year.

The Wacky Galway Races!

Yes folks! Its Race Week in Galway when the rest of Ireland seems to pour like a tidal wave into the city to indulge in a 7 day extravaganza of gambling, drinking, frolicking, fashion, paddywackery & networking!! But all in good taste and humour.The city abounds with fleets of helicopters setting the air a-buzzing; the very latest BMW & Mercs populating the hotel car- parks; restaurants and bars bursting at the seams; pink champagne pouring like tap-water; high class prostitutes turning tricks in city centre apartments & all-night card games offering pots of six figure sums.
The ruling political party –Fianna Fáil- host a special marquee tent at the Ballybrit race course where the captains and kings of business and industry come to pay homage and socialise with 'King' Bertie 1 aka our Taoiseach (prime minister). ‘Pay’ being the operative word as it is 350Euro for a meal & seat in this regal tent!
Today was ‘Ladies Day’ when women of all shapes & sizes dress up in their most beautiful finery to be praised and ogled.
But don’t believe for one minute that the city transforms into the playground for only the rich and famous. The festival is an amazing egalitarian event when-for one week only-the ordinary office clerk rubs shoulders with aristocracy, gypsies, priests, farmers, alcoholics, hookers, politicians, beggars, tourists and billionaires.
There is nothing else quite like it on this planet!

Connemara Landscape

lough
Originally uploaded by Speedie1.

The beautiful landscape of Connemara Co. Galway. A wonderful cornucopia of mountains, forests, waterfalls, bogs, rivers and lakes.
Still largely unspoilt but, like all the natural areas of the planet, suffering from the encroachment of human built development.
I work with schools in Connemara developing environmental science programmes. Lucky me!