Though the shrine was built in the early twelfth century, Saint Manchan died in AD. 644. Contextual evidence allows the authors to point to possible reasons the saint’s life and work might be commemorated years later by such craftsmanship. Continue reading
Filed under review …
Tóibín being Tóibín.
Book Review by Frank O’Shea A GUEST AT THE FEAST. By Colm Tóibín. Picador 2022. 305 pp. $34.99 Colm Tóibín is the current Laureate for Irish Fiction, succeeding Sebastian Barry. As part of that role, he will be expected to deliver a number of public lectures; it is not clear whether this book is part … Continue reading
Ar thóir gach ní In search of everything
She points out how the dog is happy to see him home too and the cat in her own way. The bougainvillea has grown wild without his care, the olives need picking. She then notices his inability to respond and offers her arms, in which he finally releases his emotions, relieved to be home again. Continue reading
Fraud in Ireland
Former footballer gives a riveting account of the workings of the fraud squad, from an insider’s perspective. Continue reading
A Magnificence, and a Mammary, of Mollys
To enhance this understanding, there are two male actors on stage playing, respectively, Leopold Bloom (Chris Broadstock) and Blazes Boylan/Stephen Dedalus (Luke Belle). They also remain on stage, mostly in the background and provide visual context in the numerous vignettes or re-enactments of events referred to by the Mollys, including appearing as representations of various male characters. Continue reading
New Irish Fiction
New Irish and Irish Australian novels reviewed by Frank O’Shea. Continue reading
Belfast, a review
The film is at its best when we follow young Buddy as he navigates the grown-up world. Through his experiences we glimpse the apparent contradictions in adult life that is intent on perpetuating difference. Your religion can be identified by the name you go by, but not always Continue reading
Reflections on Evelyn Conlon’s Moving about the Place
A new collection of short stories, some set in Australia, by Evelyn Conlon Continue reading
Irish Film Festival Review-Sé mo Laoch
This documentary warrants many viewings for a full appreciation of Steve Cooney, a hero of Irish traditional music. But with just one viewing, there’s eating and drinking in it. Continue reading
From Tallaght to the Senate
Lynne Ruane had left school at 14, though it appears that her attendance there was often sporadic. She was smoking and drinking and had graduated to drugs … Continue reading