Sadly, once again Ireland has flopped at Eurovision and we ended up with the lowest number of votes of any country in the two semi-finals. In fairness to Sarah McTernan, she performed well and wasn’t fazed by the big occasion but the song was weak and she couldn’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. In case I am...
Author: John O Connor
Death of music legend, John Duggan
Death of music legend, John Duggan
Unfortunately, Waterford lost another star last week when the great John/Don Duggan passed away to his eternal reward.A former lead singer with The Savoy Showband, he later formed The Partners with his friend, the late Danny Tobin, and they were one of the biggest acts on the cabaret circuit for over 25 years.John...
Will spirit of the law trump letter of the law?
Will spirit of the law trump letter of the law?
Waterford FC fans, and sports people in general, were upset and angered by a belated decision by Uefa not to allow the Blues to compete in Europe despite qualifying to do so on the field of play. After ten long years in the wilderness of Division One, Waterford finished fourth in the Premier Division in 2018....
A beautiful book, especially for printers – young and old
A beautiful book, especially for printers – young and old
A good idea is a good idea and I’ve just read a very interesting and beautifully printed book that I wished had been written about Waterford but, in fact, it was written about the town of Listowel in County Kerry.Entitled ‘Listowel – A Printers Legacy 1870-1970’, it tells the story of the history of printing in...
The ancient Romans loved sulky racing
The ancient Romans loved sulky racing
Now that the bright evenings are getting longer, racing sulkies, much loved by Travellers, are becoming more visible on our roads.Different people have different views but, last week, a councilor in Tipperary called for an official sulky racing track to be established in the county, one that would also most likely...
Just like The Queen, they were not amused
Just like The Queen, they were not amused
The Greek philosopher Plato once said that even the Gods loved jokes but for a while last week he was almost proved wrong.Our Munster Express April Fool story about British Prime Minister, Theresa May, buying a holiday home in Dunmore East took off like a rocket in the print and broadcast media and went viral around...
What’s going to happen to our Saint Anthony?
What’s going to happen to our Saint Anthony?
It is sad to think that the Franciscan Friary in Waterford may close. There are few if any vocations coming through and the four Friars in Waterford are now elderly and cannot continue to serve for much longer. As the world twists and changes, as it always has, it would be the loss of yet another part of ‘Old...
British PM buys house in Dunmore East
British PM buys house in Dunmore East
The British Prime Minister and Leader of the Conservative Party, Theresa May, has purchased a house in Dunmore East as a holiday home for when she leaves office.Her husband, Philip May, has visited Dunmore East on at least four occasions in the last two months and the Prime Minister has viewed numerous photographs...
Tired? Get up as normal and nap during the day
Tired? Get up as normal and nap during the day
A recent survey found that, next to the weather, one of the most favourite topics of discussion among adults was sleep. The survey might not have been scientific but there’s no doubt that we do complain to each other when we don’t get enough shuteye between the sheets. Experts say our circadian clock is actually more...
Broken Heart Syndrome is a very real condition
Broken Heart Syndrome is a very real condition
Sometimes, following the death of a person who had previously suffered a devastating bereavement, you will hear it said that they died of a broken heart.In the past, many doctors dismissed such an ailment but it has now been established that there is indeed a condition known as Broken Heart Syndrome, sometimes...
Not a good idea to target elderly
Not a good idea to target elderly
Sometimes I am mystified how governments get all excited about ‘new ideas’ that are clearly contentious and bitterly resented by the general public as soon as they are announced.The latest plan to fix the housing crisis is to persuade elderly people in houses they have lived in most of their lives to up-sticks and...
Clarification needed on the Mayoral issue
Clarification needed on the Mayoral issue
On Friday, May 24th, people in Waterford city and county will go to the polls where they will be asked to cast their votes on four separate matters.There will be the European Elections to choose our MEPs, the Local Elections to choose our City and County councillors and two referenda. One will be to determine the...