John Ó'Ríordáns Blog

I let off some small fireworks over the weekend. Fireworks are illegal in Ireland so we went up a mountain where we wouldn’t be seen. There was quite an echo through the Glens though.

When I move to Canada I think I’ll miss driving on Irish Roads in the Spring.

Went out for drinks with a few people for the St. Patrick’s Festival in Cork. My last Paddy’s in Ireland for a while. Here’s a video montage of who was there.

Why has no one mentioned how cold it was before this? ;)

And just in time for the weekend.

Neil Prendeville Edition

Details on the Zombie Walk in Cork. I’m there! it should be great fun.

“‘We’ve been in contact with the Garda about the Zombie Walk. They insisted in us keeping in the footpaths as well as respect the trafiic lights, so I please ask everyone to follow this instructions, we don’t want to get us in trouble!!! So please, bite away peacefully… :P

Also, please remember to come 15 minutes to the start point. This means to be there at 15.45. You can download a pdf map of the route in http://www.theresistanz.com

Come dressed up already! we will try to bring some make up, but we cannot do it for nearly 300 people, it will break our bank! so please come dressed up as proper zombies already, we only may be able to help you there with finishing touches.

Finally, two bands are confirmed to play in the Vineyard, which is jolly good imo. There will be food, brain cocktails, and more surprises. We just ask you to bite, enjoy and have a good time!”

As seen on The Examiner.

Lunatics

A few minutes before the end of the Cork v Waterford Munster Final yesterday the ball was sent wide by Waterford’s Dan Shanahan. For some unknown reason the umpire gives a 65. It goes over and now (after a Ben point at the other end) there is just a goal between the teams. Waterford attack once more with only seconds left and the ball goes wide. Me and all of the other Cork Supporters go crazy. That has to be it.

However at this stage the ref looks around at the poor attendance and probably realises the Munster Council haven’t made the money they would have expected to on this match. So he decides to give Waterford a free in. Seconds later the ball is in the back of the net. And the game is over. Replay! A joke!

Looking at the analysis after the match in the Sunday game in the Greyhound Track Bar across from Semple even the RTÉ analysts can’t figure out what the free was for. But I can. It’s widely believedthat statistically there are far more plays in GAA inter-county games than there should be for a game with such varied and high scores. Referee’s must be given incentives to play for replays in big matches.

In fairness to the Munster Council the game will be on next Saturday night which is a great time for a Final to be on. It should be some craic in Thurles that night. But I won’t be there. For the first time in year’s I’m not going to the Munster Hurling Final. Maybe the first time ever as far as I can remember. I don’t appreciate being taken for a fool. And I won’t be fooled twice.