Category Archives: Article

    Van Morrison has a special affinity with Bristol,”Won’t you meet me down by Bristol”,sang Van on his epic song Summertime In England.The Colston Hall has been refurbished with a splendid new foyer area and bars.   The opening … Continue reading →

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall visited Kilkeel on Friday as the first part of a two-day stay in Northern Ireland. In the first of a series of engagements they met representatives from the local fishing industry.The … Continue reading →

9/11 Commemoration Ceremony As High Sheriff of Belfast I have just attended a Commemoration ceremony at the City Hall, Belfast. The Lord Mayor spoke of the tragedy and US Consul General Kamala Lakhdir responded. The choir then sang ” Bridge … Continue reading →

This is the speech made by President Mary McAleese. Liam, Ruairi and I were introduced to her after the event and I spoke to Senator Martin McAleese about our forthcoming POSSE meeting in Belfast. Aire agus a chairde, Is mór … Continue reading →

On arrival at Clones, Liam Logan, Ruairi O'Bleine and I were welcomed by Mr Jimmy Deenihan and his Secretary General Mr Joe Hamill. We then had refreshments in the Clones Credit Union Building. There we met the Minister for Culture, … Continue reading →

Tonight, as High Sheriff of Belfast, at their Gala Dinner, I welcomed the participants of the European Communication Research & Education Association Interpersonal Communication and Social Interaction Section Belfast Conference to the City Hall . I spoke on the history … Continue reading →

Today is the funeral of my old friend George Lyons of Conlig. He was the husband of Olive Sloan, my mother's cousin. He originally came from the Woodvale area of the Shankill Road, Belfast and worked in Mackie's factory on … Continue reading →

Tonight, as High Sheriff of Belfast I was in the Linenhall Library, Belfast, of which I am a Life Member. The Linen Hall Library, in cooperation with the U.S. Consulate in Belfast, was hosting Picturing America, an exhibition portraying masterpieces … Continue reading →

The highlight for the Ulster-Scots Agency at the Milwaukie Irish Fest this year was its sponsorship of the Londonderry and Donegal Showcase.There are certain parts of neighbouring Ireland counties, Londonderry and Donegal that are instantly recognisable. Things like Derry’s monumental … Continue reading →

Last week I attended the Milwaukie Irish Fest in Wisconsin, USA. This promotes and celebrates all aspects of Irish Culture, including both Gaelic and Ulster-Scots,and hopes to instill in future generations an appreciation of Irish Heritage. I was originally invited … Continue reading →