Rep. Ireland v Bulgaria

To start here are some clichés that football people love:

‘Well at the end of the day…’
‘Early days…’
‘The front two should sit behind the back four…’
‘A bit of unbalance at a high level at a wide area…’
‘Not the dream start, Gabriel…’

Pre-match talk
Now I’m not in Croke Park for the match but I am tuned into RTE radio to try and get a handle on the upcoming match. The excitement starts with the cacophony of THE POGUES, followed by the obligatory THIN LIZZY with ‘The boys are back in town’.

The pressure tonight is resting on Bulgaria and this home tie has everyone in good form. The pundits and fans are upbeat about our chances. If we qualify for the next World Cup the whole of Ireland will be stuffing themselves with pizza and pasta. It is the Italian connection of having Trappatoni as our manager.

On RTE radio they were busy picking over why Trappatoni won’t play Andy Reid. “It’s a personality clash” one of the pundits sagely notes. Kenny Cunningham wants Ireland to “steamroll” over Bulgaria and have the match over by half time (?)… The Bulgarian anthem booms around the GAA stadium like a funeral march. It should be appropriate as Ireland are favourites to win this match. We need to bury Bulgaria tonight.

First Half
With the formalities barely out of the way Ireland are leading, in the first couple of minutes, courtesy of Stephen Hunt. The commentary team are, understandably, thrilled. “They’re gonna have to go after Ireland now” Gabriel Egan tells the listeners. But everyone is busy cheering on the home side to bother paying attention to RTE radio’s top football commentator. The pitch is said to be in fine condition. “No excuses now” a pundit stresses. The Lansdowne Road days are long gone when we could blame the state of the pitch for bad results.

Aston Villa’s Petrov and Manchester United’s Berbatov appear to be the main threat from Bulgaria tonight. But early on it’s Richard Dunne who is making the running for the green team. He’s “imposing himself on the match” someone points out. Eoin Hand (Ireland manager in the pre-Charlton era, now a pundit) tells us that the Irish performance, early on, is “predictable”. Bulgaria have all the pressure on them and one suspects they could score at any moment. Like Colin Farrell in a nightclub.

Well Trap is on his feet. He’s “animated” and Ireland are unable to retain the ball. I’m happy to drain my bottle of Czech beer (thankfully it’s not Bulgarian - that would be “treachery”, in the words of a famous Irish republican). The beer accompanies the action from Croke Park that I’ve decided to monitor tonight. The nerves are jangling. Even though we’re 1-nil up, an equaliser may be about to be scored – it always happens to us! Eoin Hand is nearly hoarse from saying how “scrappy” the game has become. You couldn’t disagree with his analysis. Hunt, in the first half, would seem to be our main weapon to hit Bulgaria with.

Will we be going to Italy with a good feeling? Or will Bulgaria spoil things? It’s clear that this Ireland side will have to be an awful lot sharper if we are to get a good result when we play Italy next Wednesday. Even though Ireland are in front at the moment, we ain’t calling the shots. From bitter past memories Irish fans cannot be too jubilant. Just like the Rugby team, last Saturday, concentration is essential. Unfortunately we can’t use the services of a Brian O’Driscoll. Ireland’s national football sides always cause my heart to pound and I’m not the only one. At the end of the first half Gabriel Egan sums up: “Ireland aren’t playing well”. We’re not imposing enough.

Half Time
Over on RTE television the disappointment was just as clear. Giles and Dunphy were rightly critical of the first half. However the pictures of Bernard Dunne walking out onto the Croker turf proudly displaying his boxing belt to the crowd was nice to see. A wonderful man and a battle hardy sportsman. Hopefully the players, tonight, will be more daring and try and show more of the fighting spirit that Dunne, obviously, has in abundance. We need to score in the second half and relieve some of the pressure. Ireland’s lead is “delicate” the angel Gabriel tells the listeners to RTE radio. My arm accidently brushes a china cup near me and I understand exactly what he means. Delicate.

Second Half
The nerves haven’t settled. You’d nearly say that Bulgaria should get a goal; such is the pressure they hit us with. Our lead is slender! The worrying thing is that Ireland, as Hand says are “defending deep”. You can’t help getting the impression that neither side are worthy of playing in the next World Cup. As Gabriel Egan says Ireland are “not able to build on the lead”.

Stephen Hunt and Paul Mac Shane are defending well and are working hard to frustrate Bulgaria but Ireland are not finding their rhythm. We should, as a teacher’s report might say, be doing better. As usual Kevin Kilbane gives 110 per cent - an industrious player. He never gives up and is a good example too any young fellow with any interest in the sport. Contrast that with Celtic’s Aidan McGeady who is at best disappointing, he never gets into his stride which is a real shame as he has potential.

Bulgaria’s goalkeeper is saving them but we should be besieging them. We’re not and it is a mark of weakness on the part of this Irish side. We want them to finish off the eastern Europeans but it’s not happening. Eoin Hand tells us that Ireland should have “a bit of insurance”, but these are recessionary times and the team are unable to capitalise on their lead. We’re ahead, but the manner of Ireland’s play doesn’t auger well. Kevin Doyle is impressive though.

The 60,000 people in Croke Park for this match must be feeling tortuous at this stage. The story of the game is that Ireland cannot keep possession long enough to create chances. In Eoin Hand’s words: “it can be fatal” if we let Bulgaria back into the match.

GOOOALL! Christ my heart sinks as Bulgaria snatch the equaliser. It was expected as they were raining on our goal area. When you lead you go for the second goal, you don’t sit back. Ireland has a track record in this regard and it’s a real pain in the butt that we don’t learn. It’s sickening! The strategy and style of play always meant that a Bulgaria equaliser was looming. There is now speculation if, heaven’s above, Bulgaria will try and go on and win the fixture. But there’s no further scoring and the World Cup qualifier finishes: Rep.Ireland 1 Bulgaria 1.

Full Time
At the end of the match you could say Italy will have nothing to worry about. Eoin Hand angrily states that there were “no star performances” and it’s fair to assume that Ireland won’t be taking three points when we face Mr Lippi’s side in Bari next week.

Neither of the teams, tonight, could claim to be worthy of making the cut for the World Cup in South Africa. We’re simply, judging from this match, not up to qualifying. Indeed it would be unfair to the revered competition for these two sides to participate at that level. All we can do is compete. We always do things the hard way. At the end of the match all we hear on the radio is angry, argumentative Dublinese voices showing their disgust at the outcome. Can we ever transcend the depths of being second best? The ecstasy of Euro ’88 and Italia 1990 are as far away as ever.

Ronnie Whelan on RTE television says “over here in Croker you’re always gonna get chances”, in reference to the performance we have witnessed. Does he think the grass has come out to support Ireland??? One thing is certain: we’ve got to do better. Italy will surely whip us next Wednesday. The criticism levelled at this Ireland team is proper. A terrible, terrible performance.© Ian Callagy 2009

A nation of equals

http://www.metroeireann.com/

In a recent interview, Mr Mbemba Jabbi (Project Officer,the Africa Centre) told me that hopefully there will be more black and or African people in the media in Ireland. Let's hope he's right.I certainly don't want Ireland to be viewed as, in the words of former Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble,:"mono-cultural."

To me it is a mark of how we have developed as a nation that many African, Poles, Chinese, Spanish, Italian, Indian....now call Ireland home. Indeed would we be in a worse recession now,if these people never came to Ireland? Almost certainly. All one has to do is travel to a place like London to see the progress and the cultural diversity that exists in that great city.

Why can't that vibe be felt in the Irish capital too? It can. But first we need to make the people who come here, honestly and wanting to suceed, welcome: The wonderful African music and tradition, the Poles here working in building/construction, Chinese health stores,not to mention all the international cuisine now available. This has been made possible only by multiculturism and we should be grateful.

The mentioned countries and many not mentioned have made,and continue to make, a huge difference to the way we live and it cannot be emphasised enough.So next time you get annoyed at the Indian shopkeeper behind the counter at Spar or the African driving your bus remember - we wouldn't have what we have without foreigners coming to our shores. If we get out of recession it'll be these sort of people that will bring us out of it.

Tomorrow (Tuesday, 24th March 2009) at 10.30am there will be a meeting in the Africa Centre in Abbey Street, Dublin and it will be about supporting those who experience racism. We must never avoid giving those who come here from abroad, in this case Africans, our full co-operation and they must be treated the way anyone from Ireland be treated: with dignity and respect. It's the least that they deserve for coming to The Emerald Isle. We should remember that in 2009.
© Ian Callagy 2009

Getting jiggy in the centre of Dublin

Following a tip off on Darragh Doyle’s blog site (www.darraghdoyle.blogspot.com) I decided to get involved in a spontaneous performance in Dublin. The event was scheduled to happen on 16th March and it initially required texting a code to a number on the above blog site. Over the weekend I received, by text, further instructions and directing me to be at Temple Bar’s Meeting House Square for 3.45pm that day and to wait for further directions.

Once I arrived, quite nervously at the square, a small crowd of about 20 people had assembled and we were ushered down into a basement in central Temple Bar where we were told to get some chairs and wait until the crowd had increased to a Critical Mass (as it was referred to by one of the organisers).

But what was going to happen? Last year the people organising today’s event held a spontaneous performance in the Ilac Centre which a group of participants suddenly started kissing each other, among the hustle and bustle of shoppers, and it wasn’t a peck on the cheek. A video was made of it and there was some serious necking going on. While we were in the basement a video of that event was shown to us on a big screen. After what seemed like half an hour, when the crowd had swelled, we were told precisely the nature of today’s art performance. The idea was that we would all be involved in spontaneous Irish Dancing in the Central Bank Plaza, Dame Street.

But first we would have to be trained in Irish dancing. Following the training, in which I was convinced I’d lost weight, we were taken outside the basement up to the plaza where we would be spontaneously performing in the full glare of the passing public. The intense practice session in the basement was preparing us for the public display and there was plenty of opportunity for accidents to happen. I was particularly concerned of getting a knee in the nuts from all the intense activity, but thankfully that didn’t happen.

My partner for the dancing was Michelle; she was studious in her efforts to understand what was required. I must have been an annoyance to some degree, but Michelle was very patient. Soon we were ready to hop and when the dancing started, in front of the passersby and accompanied by a band of musicians, the on looking public were bemused at the sight of us jigging away. After about 10 minutes of the Irish dancing we dispersed and I can say the whole event was a joy to participate in.

Everyone, I’m certain, felt the same way. I would urge anyone interested to get involved in this form of performance art if the chance comes along and I myself would jump at the chance of getting involved again in such exciting activity.

My thanks go to Dublin’s Performance Corporation and also to Darragh for posting the info on his blog site.
© Ian Callagy 2009

Politicians: An occasional series (1)

This is the first of an occasional series in which I write about Politicians that I admire and respect. I am fully aware that there are many others to write about and I hopefully will expand the list. All in good time. Here goes anyway:

Robin Cook
What usually marks out MP's as being above average is personal courage and no better example is the late Robin Cook. He sacrificed his career by resigning from government over the decision of Britain going to war in Iraq. Unlike many ministers, he left government on a matter of principle. His "heavy heart" speech outlined his objections and is noted as being an historical parliamentary contribution. Robin Cook will be missed for his integrity and sincerity - something becoming increasingly extinct in the rush to power.

William Hague
This Yorkshire MP is not only a wonderfully witty speaker but also he is the author of political biographys on William Pitt (former PM) and also William Wilberforce (responsible for the ending of Slavery). Even though Mr Hague's tenure as Conservative leader (1997-2001) was ultimately unsuccessful, he often performed well in debates at the House of Commons. In his current role as shadow to David Miliband (Foreign Secretary), he display his more caring side something not evident when he led the opposition. There was, at one stage, speculation that he might one day resume that role and this may yet prove to be the case. One thing is true: he's becoming older and thus more experienced,precisely what Miliband lacks. Hopefully Hague will remain in active politics for a long time to come.

Shirley Williams
Another person that demands great respect. Now Baroness Williams, she served in government under James Callaghan in the late 1970's. But, even out of government, became prominent in the Social Democratic Party (SDP)which was a breakaway grouping from the Labour party. Along with Bill Rogers, Roy Jenkins and David Owen ('the gang of four'). She remained in the SDP until the Liberal Democreats were formed in 1988. I mention Williams here because of the intelligence and tenacity she has, in abundance. Always sounding fresh and extremly active, she is now 78, and with God's grace she will hopefully remain a fly in the ointment for Conservative and Labour people. It is her moderate tone and her humility that has served her, and those she represents, so well through the years.

Menzies Campbell
The former leader of the Liberal Democrats, although never serving in government, is well thought of by his political peers(of all parties). Sir Menzies was once a celebrated athlete when he was younger and has survived a brush with Cancer. He took over as leader of the Lib-Dems following the resignation of Charles Kennedy but never got the chance to shine. This inability has more to do with unsympathetic media coverage than any fault of his. He was characterised as being elderly whilst ignoring his obvious intellignece and skill in international politics. No longer leader, he is now at 66, writing his memoirs and should be a gripping read. I reserve a good deal of respect for this outstanding politcian.

Edward Heath
In 1979 Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister in the UK.However the previous leader of her party, Edward Heath, was not one of her admirers. Sir Edward was Britain's leader when that country entered what is now known as the European Union (1973), an organisation regarded with suspicion by many Conservatives. In the 1980's Heath was one of Thatcher's sternest critics - in her party! But he had zero influence. The late former PM, and renowned yachting enthusiast,held pro-European views and, while having a reputation as a grump, he was a tolerant 'One Nation'Tory. He died in 2005.

Tony Benn
A legend in British politics Benn has been around a long time and he always has something of interest to say on the issues of the day. Now 83, he has served in government in the past and famously rejected the offer of a knighthood. An opponent of the war in Iraq, he retired as member for Chesterfield in 2001. Why? to spend more time in politics! It is a credit to his endurance that he is still active and has had his diaries published. Mr Benn's son, Hilary, is now a minister in the current Labour administrion in the UK ensuring the Benn name will continue to be spoken for many years to come with great affection
© Ian Callagy 2009

World Kidney Day 2009

When I was three years old I was operated on as I had a blockage of my left kidney. I was so young that it is now a distant, obscure memory. The operation was a success and all I can imagine is that it must have been a great feeling of relief for my family. Each year for about a decade I went, accompanied by my mother, to have check-ups. These, mostly,consisted of intravenous fluid injected into my arm and being placed on an X-Ray table where a nuclear scan would show the fluid in my kidneys. Yeeuch!

In 1986, when I was 14, my parents, candidly, informed me that my surgeon, Professor Barry O'Donnell (he has plenty of letters after his name but I cannot recall any of them)had recommended the remainder of my left kidney be removed. Apparently, even though I was quite healthy, I would be better off having it taken out as high blood pressure or a heart attack may be prompted by the damaged organ. I was told that the other (in my case the right) would be sufficiently active and that I would be quite healthy afterwards. The operation was carried out in July 1987, the month of my 15th birthday, and I was out of hospital in less than five days - Phew!

Following the successful op I was, and am thank God, enjoying good health. Where I go form here is anyone's guess but the surgeon and the staff of Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin were, and I'm sure remain, super. The care and attention I received was second to none and if anyone reading this has children that need care, you should be reassured they will be in good hands.

Today is World Kidney Day and, whilst I cannot cure Kidney disease,I can definitely say that in my experience you can function well on one Kidney. I haven't done any research into Kidney function as a proper journalist would, however I feel that my experience may be of interest to anyone in a similar situation. I will do a more in depth, properly researched article in the future but for now: mind how you go.....
© Ian Callagy 2009
www.ika.ie

My role in International Womens Day

The news, this morning, bleakly reports the murder of two British soldiers in Ulster. It may be that terrorism is on the rise again – lets hope not.gerry adams was on the radio doing his usual turn: 'it was wrong' is his comment.Oh yeah, an inconvenience, nothing about the grief the bereaved families will be feeling.Of course what would you expect from 'Grizzly adams' and the butchery,in the name of 'the armed stuggle', that he supported for years. Even if it's a minority of a minority,it only takes one finger to pull a trigger. Depressing.

In Zimbabwe, a couple of days ago, Morgan Tsvangirai was injured and nearly killed in a so-called crash in which his wife, Susan, died. Many are saying the crash was an assassination attempt but the full facts are not known. Depressing.

It was at this unhappy time that I found myself involved in a charity walk for International Womens Day organised by a bright young student member of Amnesty International. The walk was organised by AI and on a cold Sunday early-afternoon I made my way up to the Central Bank Plaza, Dame Street and arrived, well wrapped up, at about 12.50pm and the walk was scheduled to begin at 1pm.

Before we started moving those present were introduced to Noeleen (Amnesty Ireland), Neltah (A formidable Zimbabwean now living here) and to Tendai (who is an amazing speaker and is a candidate in the forthcoming local elections). Neltah's words quite moving and it was easy to empathise with the troubles Zimbabwean women are going through. A minutes silence was observed for Susan Tsvangirai, a beacon of hope for Zimbabwean women.

Following the speeches we moved off and made our way down O'Connell Street, bound for the Phoenix park, as the weather became bright, sunny, dark, rainy, snowy and bright again.The north inner city felt the weight of our feet and some motorists beeped as we went by. Some of the younger Amnesty walkers chanted and there was a wonderful unity of purpose about our walk. I had contributed some Zimbabwean Cd's containing vibrant tunes and they boomed around the place.

As we set off I got talking to Gary, a great campaigner for the freedom of the Burmese people. He's a brilliant guy and our conversation roamed from subjects as interesting as: Burma, the needless proliferation of Mobile Phones, regulation of the banks to his dislike of Margaret Thatcher. If I ever get to his age and have as much energy I'll be doing well. It was a pleasure and a privilege to talk to such a caring, learned man.

The walking and talking continued through the streets of north Dublin city and we soon arrived at Europe's largest park – Phoenix park. We made our way up to a giant obelisk in the park and, after about half-an-hour, we dispersed (without meeting the president, whose residence is located nearby). Some of us repaired to a pub for some coffee, appropriately sober like the troubles in Zimbabwe.

Amid the gathering in the Phoenix park, my Cd's went astray much to my dismay. However I did manage to retrieve one of them and gave it to one of my colleagues. Gerard, I hope you enjoy it. Even though I no longer have ownership of the two Cd's, I did get myself a nice black T-shirt with the Amnesty insignia on it. A sort of quid pro qou.


I joined some of my colleagues when leaving the sprawling northside park and collectively we took the Luas back to the city centre and was soon on the 45 bus heading home. I earned Amnesty E36 for my troubles and this was the source of satisfaction. Not having a girlfriend may by hard to accept but I feel I've done a good turn for all the women of the world. After all where would we be without them?
© Ian Callagy 2009

Happiness is crucial in all our lives

Robert Gabriel Mugabe has enriched my life. To many this may seem outrageous but if the president of Zimbabwe didn’t exist I wouldn’t know any Zimbabweans. Thousands of Zimbabweans now reside in Ireland and I count some of these wonderful people as good friends. Out of oppression, for some, has come a happier existence for me, despite the obvious guilt. In turn I feel it my duty to make these people happier even though they have left their homeland under traumatic circumstances.

Many equate health with happiness. It is not hard to imagine that when people are unwell they become unhappy. In the 1990’s King Hussein of Jordan, one of the world’s richest people was ill with cancer and, because of his immense wealth, made regular trips from Jordan to the US for his treatment. In 1999 the King died and it goes to prove that no matter the affluence you cannot buy health. Happiness, similarly, cannot be purchased.

Money, drugs, alcohol, sex, sport, the sun – these are just some things that make us happy. When those of us suffer bereavement or some sort of personal trauma we lose interest in life and we no longer engage in activities we used to love to do. This can be seen as natural however for many people this can lead to depression and great unhappiness. As we get older it becomes more important that we feel happy in ourselves.

10 years younger is on the telly this evening and those featured seem to be unhappy due to premature aging. One of the ladies featured tonight is 55 but in a vox pop she has been told she looks more like 65! A man can be as ugly as a donkey’s bottom but the ladies need to be touched up with make-up and looking good is very important to a woman’s self esteem. It’s part of life that 90 per cent of fashion stores cater for women and all of this goes to help keep a woman happy and cheerful.

However there’s no reason that we all should participate in life and be as happy as we can. That applies to men just as much. Topman, Jack+Jones, River Island and stores such as Best’s and Unique are some of the places men now shop to give themselves a better outlook on life and make us happy even if it’s only temporary. In fact retail therapy is now seen as being good for our morale.

A degree of happiness is critical if your life revolves around a 9-5 job followed by having to deal with children or any extra baggage such as a disability. I have a good friend who goes to the gym regularly and is as fit as a fiddle he finds it makes him happy. But that isn’t for me. Even though I am a few pounds overweight my source of happiness could never be found in a gym.

I like to engage in meeting people and as a member of Amnesty Ireland, and also the Dublin-based Africa Centre, the people I meet and the work I engage in gives me a satisfaction and also brings happiness with it. Right now it would be good if my Zimbabwean friends could share in the happiness that I have found and a good start would be the end of the Mugabe dictatorship at home.
© Ian Callagy 2009

Incompetence of our politicians and bankers

I’m in Café Java, Blackrock, among some of south Dublin’s elite. I should be privileged. My Latte will be downed by the time most of the clientele here will have finished their bruschetta. Talk around me is about stocks and shares and there is a coterie of Yummy Mums around. Before setting out earlier, I heard a bit of (listening would be too kind) Pat Kenny’s radio programme. Noel Whelan was being asked to comment and analyse the latest polling. Unsurprisingly Fianna Fail is on the back foot and Labour are now ahead of them in the polls.

Apparently Eamonn Gilmore is favoured over Enda Kenny as being the alternative Taoiseach (no, not a gay icon!). The purple faced socialist is now the man of the moment. But Enda Kenny is looking more and more vulnerable in his position as chief leader of the opposition. He needs to be replaced.

But would change at the helm in Fine Gael really do any good for his party or, more importantly, the country? Kenny is a nice man but he, it’s obvious, has no charisma. If you put him up beside a whitewashed wall there would be no contrast, he’d fade away. At a time like now Ireland needs leadership from someone with character and Mr Kenny is not the man who will provide that. He, along with the other political leaders in this country, doesn’t inspire us at a time when we need inspiration badly.

Even though our leaders have little to offer, it is of paramount importance that no unnecessary elections should occur. Leadership or otherwise. But of course we have European and local elections to endure and it won’t do our politicians any favours on the doorsteps. They can expect boiling anger over the cuts and diminution of services around the country. National government may be the best way of handling the economic crisis we find ourselves in, but who to lead? To borrow a cliché: Cowen, Kenny and Gilmore couldn’t run a bath between them. None of the three musketeers display any real character.

However there are others in opposition that might bring some talent to a cross-party cabinet. Richard Bruton (FG) and Joan Burton (Lab) being two that spring to mind.
Last week it was reported by RTE news that: “Employers’ group IBEC has called for the government to engage with the main Opposition parties and the social partners to agree on a national recovery plan for the economy.”

On TV3, last week, a former leader of Fine Gael, Alan Dukes, was asked about a plan to have a national government. Mr Dukes said it was up to the Taoiseach to initiate this process, not the Opposition. He is right. Mr Cowen is behaving like a once wealthy person that has fallen on hard times and is reluctant, possibly through pride, to ask for help. He should make a call to do this as soon as possible. Unions, employers and economic experts need to be brought together to give Ireland the best, most united, way through the barbed thicket that our economy is caught up in.

The folk of Blackrock are going about their business as I sit and write. Well heeled ladies and men in posh suits are buzzing around, untouched by poverty. Will this atmosphere change if the economy worsens? In this part of Dublin property prices and belt tightening are more important to the locals than facing the dole like some other, less well off areas of the capital.

******************************************************************************

FAS executive, Rody Molloy found himself in hot water, recently, over his improper expenditure. This lead to his resignation, amid the anger of the public. However in the UK there is outrage at the pay of a banker, Sir Fred Goodwin. Goodwin has, according to the media; refused to take a cut in the amount he is paid. At a time of severe financial constraints this man had the brass neck to refuse even a symbolic cut in his remuneration. The anger this has aroused is palpable.

Perhaps Goodwin should be stripped of his knighthood for his greed. One wonders why people like him are given honours with such ease. The BBC’s teletext service are reporting that the ex-Royal Bank of Scotland Chief executive may be faced with legal action if he continues to refuse to hand back a portion of his £16m pension. He may need that money to get the hell out of the UK judging by the rage he has caused.

President Obama has well articulated what needs to be done to turn around the American economy. Other capitalist nations will no doubt follow. Nobody will get through the financial difficulties without ‘feeling pain’. This is the legacy of a lack of regulation. It may take years to repair the wreckage but many will suffer in the meantime. Hopefully the likes of Sir Fred Goodwin will suffer too.
© Ian Callagy 2009