Hundreds, possibly thousands, of demonstrators were killed by Chinese troops in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square in the summer of 1989. The Chinese dictatorship might try to quash that information but we all saw it. They murdered their own people. Their own children!

Arise Sir Anagassin. That’s what I’d say anyway for the effort they have all gone to this year with lighting up the entire village and providing what can only be described as the most full on Christmas crib ever. Not only is it illuminated and comes with its own cross-eyed Wise Man, but it also comes with backing track of people singing Christmas hymns. 10 out of 10 to the man with the electric crib. I thank you!!!

As the song goes “Do they know it’s Christmas time at all?”… well in the tea rooms in Dunleer if you don’t you’re either blind or deluded. Fantastic spread of deccys and the finest tea and croissant I’ve had some time. Twin that with the perfect company and all in all you’ve got the best time ever!!!

One of the great things about Kilkenny is the access to a variety of walking locations. This is one of the shorter early morning spots. Perfectly situated a ten minute drive from the house. Oh how clear the skies are and how bloody cold it feels. But isn’t it pretty!!!

Wow. It feels like just weeks since we last met (oh wait a second. It was) but once again the Rivervalley crew were stomping the boards … well actually not stomping the boards, more like chomping the wings whilst sitting down in a socially distanced manner. Just over a month since our last Reunifun and the world is again under the cosh of Covid. Dancing is a dirty word , heaven forbid anyone walking up to a bar, and being out with more than six friends is literally begging for it. Okay we managed to get three tables as we made the booking before the restrictions were reintroduced (thanks Caroline). Roll on the next big event in Summer 2022 when Gillian hits the big five oh (oh my gawd!!!).

What a difference three decades makes. When we were growing up the castle in Swords was a run down stain on the backside of the town. Now it’s literally the glowing centre piece. How times change. I wonder if you can still climb the gates and sneak in whilst on the mitch for a fag.