Our Ireland

Hi all,

As a result of the more regular traffic to Our Ireland we thought it would be a good idea to open up this blog for visitor commenting. After all we’re building the world’s greatest Irish online community here, people have to talk.

You don’t have to leave any personal details; for now it would be great even if you just said hello and tell the rest of us where you’re visiting from. I already kinda’ know where you’re visiting from because of our webstats (interesting reading indeed).

*To get the ball rolling I’m making direct calls for comments from two specific visitors*

• Will the person who visits from I City nearly every day please tell us all what’s going on out there in the middle of the ocean that the rest of use don’t know about!?

• Also, can the guy or gal in Rockville, USA post a comment? If you’re from Rockville USA I’m talking to you, yeah you! No one else from Rockville has visited this site so it’s gotta’ be you. Send us a sign Rockville!

Remember, Our Ireland’s goal is to build the greatest Irish online community resource the world has ever seen (modest ambition I know but sure there you go…).

Editor
Our Ireland

I was in Dublin for a few days last week on business/pleasure. It’s been some months since my last trip and a real treat to visit some of the old haunts and catch up with friends old and new.

Saturday morning I decided to head into town early from my parent’s home in Crumlin. I walked through Pierce Memorial Park on the way to the bus stop (Dublin public transport, as enjoyable as ever!) outside Our Ladies Hospital.

The park was bubbling with activity with several different age groups of boys and girls training for hurling and football. I couldn’t help smiling when I saw a group of toddlers decked out in the Crumlin hurling gear, protective head gear and all. The exercise was to hold their hurls at arms length with the hurl pointing towards the sky for as long as their strength would allow.

The expression of determination on each young face only became more serious as the ash sticks began to tilt this way and that. It was evident that the protective helmets were required even for this tame exercise as the hurls occasionally tapped the heads of neighbouring kids. Proud parents watched their future Dublin All-Stars from the sidelines, smiles hidden behind cupped hands, laughter in their eyes.

The sound of whistles, parents and children chatting, football boots marching on the paths, calls of encouragement from the sidelines.

Ten o’clock, Saturday morning in a Dublin park.

Editor
Our-Ireland

Articles that are relevant, well written and available for publication are thin on the ground.
There are certain aspects of Irish history and Irish folklore that have been interested me for many years. I think they will also inspired people who share in the rich culture that created both history and legend. My old books about the Celtics and Irish people of note are once again off the shelf and I’ve selected a few personalities to write brief overviews of. The articles will be more like stories than biographies; the goal is to inform and entertain.
Now these things take time and that’s in short supply these days. When the first new article is ready I’ll post here to notify you. Irish High King ‘Brian Ború’ is on the starter blocks.

As always, Our Ireland is interested in hearing from you, don’t be shy, send your article about the Irish in Canada, USA, UK, Japan, Australia and so on to contribute@our-ireland.com .

Editor
Our Ireland  

Congratulations to the Senior Kerry team for their landslide win over Mayo (we won’t mention the score here) last Sunday in the 2006 All Ireland championship. This is Kerry’s 34^th All Ireland win and what a team they have. IMO worthy of particular praise for his efforts is ‘The Gooch’ Colin Copper who is one of the most talented footballs of all time. His cool head and boundless skills allow him to wreak havoc in the opposition’s defence, scoring points (and goals) to beat the band. He’s a true footballer who leaves the bullying to lesser players.

Chairraí Abú