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Irish Independent
08-08-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Around the Districts: Boherbue, Clondrohid, Lismire and Western Duhallow
Tidy Towns Boherbue Tidy Towns were celebrating last week having been awarded third place in the Large Village section of the Cork County Council North Cork region Anti Litter Challenge. This was a great honour and due recognition for the continuous work carried out by the volunteers throughout the Spring months as they daily in rota walk the full speed limit sections collecting discarded papers, cigarette butts etc. When one considers that the speed limit from East to West through Boherbue is over seven kilometres long it gives an indication of the volume of work involved. At a special function held at Annabella in Mallow they were represented by Chairman Michael Cronin, Secretary Majella Murphy who was also co-ordinator of the project and Treasurer Helen Walsh. Having received their certificate they joined with the other winners as they enjoyed some refreshments and chat. Girl Guides On Sunday morning last nineteen members of the local Girl Guides accompanied by Leaders Mary O 'Connor, who is also a Regional Commissioner and Karen Walsh headed off to Clongowes Wood in Co. Kildare to take part in the International Camp for one week. With over 1000 ladies on site they are sharing an area with the Tralee branch. The attendance includes representatives from England and many other Countries as far away as New Zealand. What a wonderful experience this is going to be for the girls as they mingle with other cultures all part of the learning process. Hopefully, they will have lots of fun, challenges and enjoy the experience. Handball Best of luck to Evan Enright who contests the 60x30 All Ireland Junior B semi-final and to Carmel Kelleher who plays in the All Ireland 60x30 Minor singles semi-final, both games at the weekend. Fleadh Ceoil The All Ireland Fleadh Ceoil takes place this week in Wexford and local interest will be on those involved with the Freemount Comhaltas group in the Solo Singing, the Harp and the Ceili Band sections. Donna Moynihan takes to the stage on Sunday in the Under 18 Solo Singing having been crowned All Ireland U15 champion last year. Muireann O'Hanlon will participate in the Harp section while Eoghan Moynihan and Darragh Fitzpatrick are both members of the U18 Ceili Band. Best of luck everyone. See Western Duhallow notes for full Band membership. Active Retired The Boherbue/Kiskeam Active Retired group are off to the Fair in Kenmare on Friday next August 15th. They will then move on to Molls Gap and home by Killarney for dinner. The cost is €50. To book contact Nora on 087 6829564, Noreen on 087 6914968 or Ned on 087 9228151. The Bus will depart Kiskeam Church carpark at 8.30am and Boherbue Super Valu at 8.45am. Lotto The numbers were 2, 4, 23, 28. Lucky Dip €50 Shane O'Connor, The Square; €20 each Nuala Linehan, Ballyhoulihan; Tony Ankettell, Gneeves; Niall O'Connor, Ruhillmore. On line Anne Murphy, Lamanaugh Seller Charles Ankettell. Clondrohid Nell's bus to Knock On Friday August 15th Departing Ballyvourney via Clondrohid, Macroom, Carriganima,and Millstreet. Contact Mary Twomey 086 3299375 to book your seat. Padre Pio ceremonies In the church of the Holy Spirit Dennehy's Cross Cork this Sunday Aug 10 at 2.30pm. The CART bus will depart Carriganima at 1pm, via Clondrohid, Macroom. Contact Cait for more info 086 8736614 Weekly Summer History Tours These tours will continue every Tues night at 8pm with Dr. Con Kelleher, starting at Macroom Bridge Choice of 3 talks. The Historic Centre, New Street, and Macroom 20th Century Centres of Entertainment.. Everybody welcome. Clondrohid Dev Group Summer season in full flow. You can help by keeping the area around your house weed and rubbish free. Weeds are hard to keep under control. Thanks to everyone who is helping to keep our village neat and tidy, and to our CE worker James. Bingo Continues every Wed night at 8.30pm. During holiday times some young people might like to try their luck. Everyone welcome. Singing in the Tavern This lovely sing a long group or tell a story group meet the 2nd and the 4th Monday nights in The Tavern from 9pm. The next session is Monday August 11. They would love to see you there. Blood Donor Clinic It's a while away, but please mark it in your calendar. They will be in the Community Hall on Monday and Tuesday Sept 29 and 30. A great facility to have in our village, please support as blood is always needed. Carriganima Entertainment Saturday, August 9th, guess who is coming, an old favourite TR Dallas. Saturday August 16th: The Diamond Sisters will open the show, to be followed by the famous Cliona Hagan in the Marquee. There will be more entertainment in September. They would love to see you there. A great venue with fun and craic. Well done all. Lotto Results for July 30th: Jackpot €3,400. €70 Cian Creedon, Bawnmore. €20 Kevin Cullinane, Coachford. Tina Murray C/O Murray's Bar. John Hickey, Millstreet. Anthony Murphy, Masseytown. GAA news Clondrohid Juniors began their Championship campaign against Kilmichael in sunny Cill na Martra last Sunday. Clondrohid showed nerves early on with Kilmichael controlling early duels and showed it on the scoreboard 1-2 to 0-2. Clondrohid gradually gained control in the middle and breaks started falling their way. Good points by Ciaran, Darren, Jamie and 1-1 by Fergal got them back on level terms at the break. HT Clon:1-6 Kil:1-6 A few positional changes made at the break resulted in a much more focused attack and immediately paid dividends with Darren causing havoc in the Kilmichael defence. Owen McCarthy used his new freedom at wing forward to make probing runs and led to further scores by Cathal and Darren. A ball won back by the excellent full back line was played to Owen McCarthy and he ran 50 yards through the heart of the defence and calmly shot to the back of the Kilmichael net. Kilmichael never gave up and got 1 point back to leave the minimum coming into the final 5 mins. It was nip and tuck with both teams throwing everything at each other. Clondrohid held out through the 5 added minutes to win on a score line of 2-11 to 1-13. Well done to all involved. Lismire Scrap Metal A load of scrap metal is being prepared for collection on 9th August. If you have any unwanted scrap metal, please bring it to the GAA Grounds and leave it at the designated scrap metal area. Please be reminded that only scrap metal and batteries are suitable for recycling e.g., farm machinery, old cars, engines & parts, gates, corrugated iron, wheelbarrows, trailer chassis, cement mixers, transport boxes, electric motors, batteries, milk cans, slurry tanks, electric cookers, dishwashers, washing machines, radiators, food mixers, lead, bicycles, solid fuel cookers, barrels and any old iron. Please do not bring fridges, freezers, plastics, tiles, tyres or electrical goods like TVs and microwaves. Donations Newmarket Post Office has a drop off box for charity-they are now ONLY taking old stamps and cards for charity-they are NO longer taking old glasses and as always NO remotes/old phones collector wishes to thank you all for your donations over the years and hope you will continue to donate the old stamps and cards. Monthly Meeting Lismire Community Association will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday 12th August at 8pm in the local Community Centre. Everyone Welcome. Western Duhallow Knocknagree Congrats to Knocknagree Tidy Towns Committee who took first place in the Cork County Council Northern Section small village Anti Litter challenge held recently. Securing top spot was a huge success and a credit to all involved in the team. Knocknagree Village with its Fair Field in the centre is unique. Great work has taken place there over the past few years to make it the colourful spectacle that it is now. They received their reward at the annual presentation ceremony at the Council offices at Annabella in Mallow over the past week. Book Club The newly formed Book Club in Kiskeam meet on the first Wednesday of every month from 7pn to 8pm in the Community Centre. Details from Geraldine on 087 6472553 School Uniforms When the school uniforms come on display its a sure sign that school is just around the corner. O'Keeffe's Drapery in Ballydesmond cater for the following schools. 2nd level Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore and Boherbue Comprehensive School. National Schools Kiskeam, Ballydesmond, Knocknagree, Gneeveguilla and Holy Family, Rathmore. Knock The National Novena 'Pilgrims of Hope ' will take place in Knock Bacilica from August 13th to 21st with daily ceremonies at 3pm and 8pm. Full info on Kiskeam Lotto The numbers were 6, 24, 26, 30. Lucky Dip €50 Tom Culloty, Knockavoreen; €20 each Fionn and Molly McAuliffe Kiskeam; Seanie Lenihan, do; Liz Cremin, do. Fleadh Ceoil Western Duhallow will have a number of musicians taking part in the All Ireland Fleadh Ceoil which takes place in Wexford this week. We wish them all every success as they battle for All Ireland honours. James Lehane, Cullen who is the Munster U12 Box champion; Olivia Tarrant, Ballydesmond who is Munster U12 champion on the Fiddle and slow airs plus the Harp Muireann and Oisin O'Connor, Cullen, slow airs on the Flute plus the Crossfields U18 Ceili Band whose members are as follows: Roman and David Hynes, Kanturk; Vy Ha O'Leary, Cullen; Colin O'Riordan, Kiskeam; Sarah Kelly, Newmarket; Ciara Murphy, Derrinagree; Muireann O'Connor, Cullen; Jennifer Buckley, Knocknagree; Eoghan Moynihan and Darragh Fitzpatrick, Boherbue. The band are coached by Alan Finn, Buttevant and Eddie Kiely, Boherbue.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Details released about plans to bring McDonald's to Airport Drive area
Local McDonald's owner/operators Phil Close and Alex Maffei have announced plans to open a McDonald's restaurant this fall at 25651 Fir Road, near Harp's grocery store in Airport Drive. This location will be the 10th restaurant locally owned and operated by the father-daughter duo and their second in Joplin. The family also operates restaurants in Aurora, Jane, Monett, and Neosho, as well as Grove, Jay, and Miami in Northeast Oklahoma. 'McDonald's is more than just a restaurant; it's a gathering place, a first job opportunity, a supporter of our local schools, and a proud partner to Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States,' Alex Maffei said in a statement. 'We're proud to expand our role as part of the fabric of the Joplin community.' In a statement, the owners said the new Joplin restaurant will bring more than 70 jobs to the area, from crew members to managers. 'We're passionate about providing career paths and leadership opportunities to our team,' said Maffei. 'Many start with us and go on to do incredible things throughout the Four-States area.' The new location will also offer comprehensive employee benefits, including Archways to Opportunity, in which eligible McDonald's employees can receive up to $3,000 per semester toward college tuition. Hiring has begun for the new restaurant. Apply by texting MO501 to 38000 or by visiting the McDonald's at 4436 Missouri Highway 43 in the Petro Truck Stop in person. McDonald's has more than 38,000 locations in over 100 countries. Approximately 93% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local businessmen and women.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hilton's Tru brand updates prototype amid expansion
This story was originally published on Hotel Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Hotel Dive newsletter. Tru by Hilton launched a refreshed prototype in a bid to enhance guest comfort and flexibility as the midscale brand continues to expand globally, according to a Hilton release published Tuesday. Tru by Hilton has opened more than 300 hotels globally since its launch in 2016. The brand is seeking to expand in both primary and fast-growing secondary and tertiary markets in the U.S. and internationally, Brand Leader Andrew Harp told Hotel Dive. The new design brings enhancements to guest rooms, public spaces and guest floors that are 'rooted in real-world feedback' from guests, owners and hotel teams, according to Harp. Guest rooms in the refreshed Tru prototype feature a redesigned mobile rolling desk intended to offer space for working or dining, as well as improved lighting and updated furnishings to create a 'warmer, more welcoming atmosphere,' according to Hilton. A new roller shade system for window treatments also minimizes maintenance labor and downtime compared to the previous design, the company said. A revamped lobby features soft seating and high-back chairs, as well as a media wall with lobby games. Meanwhile, the brand has added a 'heat and cool' station near the elevator offering microwaves, ice machines and water-bottle refilling in response to guest and operator feedback. Harp said Hilton is 'focused on evolving the Tru experience in ways that drive loyalty, deliver value and set the brand up for long-term growth.' 'We're seeing strong demand from travelers seeking a vibrant, value-minded and practical hotel stay,' Harp told Hotel Dive, adding that the brand's global expansion has been driven by markets with a 'rising middle class.' Tru's flexible model, Harp noted, will allow the brand to expand further in both primary and fast-growing secondary and tertiary markets. Tru currently has 175 additional hotels in development, according to Hilton's website. In March, the brand opened Tru by Hilton Houston Downtown Convention Center, a dual-flag property with Home2Suites across from Houston's Toyota Center. Hilton has more than 100 dual-brand properties under development, as of a March announcement. The Tru by Hilton and Home2Suites pairing is the most common, per the company.
Hospitality Net
21-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Tru by Hilton Introduces Meaningful Prototype Changes, Expands Global Reach with Over 300 Open Hotels
MCLEAN, Va. – Tru by Hilton, Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) game-changing midscale brand, is unveiling a refreshed prototype—featuring purposeful updates designed to enhance comfort, flexibility and the overall guest experience. Since launching in 2016, the brand has seen rapid growth and momentum, boasting more than 300 hotels globally with recent brand debuts in Vietnam, Chile and Colombia. This expanding global reach offers more opportunity for travelers to enjoy Tru's consistent, high value stay experience while demonstrating how the brand continues to redefine expectations of a midscale hotel. Over the past eight years, Tru by Hilton has grown from a bold idea into a beloved brand that resonates with owners and guests around the globe. Our journey has been defined by rapid growth, continuous innovation and a commitment to delivering a stay that's simple, spirited and smart. We're excited to continue expanding our presence around the world and to welcome even more travelers to experience the Tru difference. Andrew Harp, Brand Leader, Tru by Hilton With a strong foundation in place, Tru by Hilton has quickly established itself as a leader in the midscale category and has been recognized for its guest satisfaction. As the brand continues to grow, it's also evolving to meet the changing needs of today's travelers, building on its reputation for reliability, affordability and spirited hospitality. A Refreshed Prototype Designed for Today's Traveler Tru by Hilton is introducing a refreshed prototype that brings thoughtful design enhancements to guest rooms, public spaces and guest floors. Grounded in feedback from guests, owners and hotel teams, the updates are designed to elevate comfort, flexibility and overall satisfaction, all while maintaining the approachable style and value Tru is known for. In guest rooms, updates include a re-designed mobile rolling desk that offers a large, versatile surface for working, dining or relaxing. Improved lighting and updated furnishings throughout the rooms help create a warmer, more welcoming atmosphere. The new roller shade system design for window treatments now offers an intuitive solution for guests while minimizing maintenance labor, downtime and cost versus the previous design. The lobby now features new soft seating and high-back chairs, giving guests more ways to relax or connect. A redesigned media wall brings Tru's signature lobby games front and center, encouraging spontaneous play and interaction. On every guest floor, the addition of a heat. & cool. station near the elevator gives travelers easy access to microwaves, ice machines and water bottle refill stations, an intuitive update inspired by recurring guest and operator feedback. 'This prototype refresh reflects how we're listening, both to our guests and our owners,' said Harp. 'Every update is rooted in real-world feedback, from added in-room flexibility to smart, efficient touches that improve operations. As we look to the future, we're focused on evolving the Tru experience in ways that drive loyalty, deliver value and set the brand up for long-term growth.' Hilton shared this video fly-through of the new design with current and prospective owners. Expanding the Tru Footprint Worldwide As Tru by Hilton celebrates the opening of its 300th hotel, the brand is continuing its strategic growth around the world. From distribution throughout the U.S. to major international cities, Tru is proving its versatility and cross-generational appeal across a diverse range of markets. Recent and upcoming highlights include: U.S.: Tru by Hilton Houston Downtown Convention Center: Opened March 2025 A dual-brand property that pairs Tru by Hilton with Home2 Suites by Hilton, this hotel offers guests a flexible stay experience and prime location across from the Toyota Center. A dual-brand property that pairs Tru by Hilton with Home2 Suites by Hilton, this hotel offers guests a flexible stay experience and prime location across from the Toyota Center. Vietnam: Tru by Hilton Hanoi Station: Opened April 2025 One of the brand's first properties in Vietnam, this hotel places guests near Hanoi's Old Quarter and major transit hubs, bringing Tru's modern approach to one of South East Asia's most dynamic capitals. One of the brand's first properties in Vietnam, this hotel places guests near Hanoi's Old Quarter and major transit hubs, bringing Tru's modern approach to one of South East Asia's most dynamic capitals. Canada: Tru by Hilton Montreal Centre-Ville: Opening Summer 2025 This upcoming property marks a milestone for Tru in Canada, introducing the brand's fresh design and value-driven offering to the heart of downtown Montreal. This upcoming property marks a milestone for Tru in Canada, introducing the brand's fresh design and value-driven offering to the heart of downtown Montreal. Mexico: Tru by Hilton Saltillo: Opening Summer 2025 Expanding Tru's presence in Mexico, this property sits in one of the country's growing industrial hubs, offering easy access to cultural attractions and manufacturing corridors. While the 300th hotel marks an exciting milestone, Tru by Hilton is just getting started. With more openings on the horizon, a refreshed prototype designed for today's traveler and growing demand across the globe, the brand is poised to continue delivering the consistency guests count on with the spirited experience they love. For more information about Tru by Hilton, visit About Hilton Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 24 world-class brands comprising more than 7,600 properties and nearly 1.2 million rooms, in 126 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World's Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive years. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the nearly 190 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Kadrie Lamin Hilton View source
The 42
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The 42
The feeling, the heart, the soul: Clones and Croke Park get us in the guts
THERE'S A PICTURE of an Ulster final day of the 1960s. As Fermanagh Street tumbles down from Matt Fitzpatrick Square and ramps heavenwards towards St Tiernach's Park, the scene demands your attention. Advertising hoarding juts out from the street façade, advising that Guinness is good for you, the famous Harp lager sign and ladies hairdressing saloons. You could smoke your lungs to a standstill if you followed the advice of Sweet Afton and Gold Flake. Clones in the 1960s. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Bunting tethered across the street. Beneath them, groups of young men in suits and women in pencil skirts stand around, taking in the day or else journeying up or down. Some 30 years later, the Cavan newspaper The Anglo Celt commissioned the poet and playwright Tom MacIntyre to write a colour piece on the 1995 Ulster final between Cavan and Tyrone. 'Clones, two hours before the match, the streets packed and rich with colour, sun shining, hamburgers and hot-dogs hopping up and down like eggs in a ponger. 'It's a Fair, I thought. The Ulster final has become a Fair, a Festival, a Fleadh. Are we starting to learn to enjoy ourselves, I wondered?' 30 years on from that day and I retraced MacIntyre's steps on Saturday. I parked out the Roslea Road end and walked around the long way to Matt Fitzpatrick Square in an act of self-sacrifice only matched by war correspondents. The square was resplendent as a technicolour dream; tangerine dreams and the green and gold of the most forlorn counties of them all. My hand went into my pocket to retrieve my phone in a futile attempt to capture it all. It's impossible to capture a feeling. On down through the hot, steaming mass of skin browning, baking or burning. Struck by the mix of all ages, the good humour and the obvious and gauche flirting of the rural Ulsterfolk; charming a potential partner by slagging them about something, anything at all. We are now at that age when we truly can say without irony that 'it is nice to, see the young people enjoying themselves.' 100 'scuse mes' later and the crowd opens up as you stretch the calves on the climb to the ground. Banjos are being plucked by a street side beat combo. A tinny tannoy broadcasts something a bit country and wobbly. Off in the distance behind us, the techno thump endures. Advertisement The Clones hill in full voice. Ben Brady / INPHO Ben Brady / INPHO / INPHO Images of children starved, bombed, burned and drowned from Gaza over the past year are fixed to the high fences. You cannot ignore them. They compel you to look and study and think how you can be in this unreality and confronted by the reality with banners imploring you not to support Israeli goods. Into the quirky concrete bowl and the day out properly unfolds. A line of people pouring into the hill remains right up until ten minutes after the game has thrown in. The day is alive and raw. None of this could have happened without the £700 handed over to local Methodist called Samuel Keary for some land that was turned into a ground and opened in time for the 1944 Ulster final. What a legacy. Questions have been raised about the provincial system. Is it now 'fit for purpose?' Has it outlived it's initial aim? How much of that debate was generated by Dublin's unrestricted authority in Leinster? And where that argument tails off, it is taken up again by the current situation whereby the provincial championships are almost entirely a clean divorce from the All-Ireland championships, only, well, there's kids involved. The former Derry captain, Chrissy McKaigue, is the ultimate bottom-line man. An example: In talking to this website over the winter following his retirement, we asked how he felt about entering the knockout stage of last year's All-Ireland series having already lost three games, he pointed out that everyone knew the rules before the competition started. Soon after he lifted the Anglo-Celt Cup in 2022, he was in the cool of the tunnel leading to the dressing room. We passed a remark about the significance of the Ulster championship. Instantly, he replied that as of the following year, it had little relevance beyond as a seeding mechanism for the All-Ireland series. McKaigue was right. Factually, you cannot dispute what he said. And yet how wrong he is too once you strip away the logical part of the mind. What has been logical about the Ulster and Leinster championships this year? What we have had instead is an succumbing to our emotions. Gaelic football had lost that for many years. The crowds shrank and kept their distance. Twitter became an important tool to lift the sense of ennui, ostensibly to check on scores around the grounds, but truly to offer some topics of discussion and debate while that in front of you faltered and drifted along. The new rules of Gaelic football are not perfect. The rules of Gaelic football have never been perfect ever since Cusack and his accomplices codified them. But the games are more arresting now. The romance of Meath beating Dublin was only trumped by Louth coming up the rails and making good on their third consecutive Leinster final appearance. The crowd in Croke Park of 65,786 shows us that the drug of identity and belonging gives a heck of a kick. We are at our best when silliness and frippery takes over. For all the Trust The Process chat, the sight of Louth's Dermot Campbell throwing the Delaney Cup over the goalline at the Canal End shows that the 2010 Leinster final Grand Larceny burned a hole in the soul of all Louth GAA people that was partly repaired on Sunday. Thomas O'Reilly performs with Grace Agnew ahead of the Leinster final. Tom Maher / INPHO Tom Maher / INPHO / INPHO As a sporting body, the GAA are blessed to have such incredible talent working in photography as the scenes captured in Croke Park and Clones show. There's something about the blending of colour, with the heat of Clones. Light dying, the shadow of the Gerry Arthurs Stand. The windows at the back offering pin pricks of light. It was as its most radiant when an Armagh player clipped a Donegal player just after the final whistle when he was having what we might charitably term, 'a moment to himself.' Carnage: Armagh and Donegal get stuck into each other. Ben Brady / INPHO Ben Brady / INPHO / INPHO Most people would fall into two camps; feeling that perhaps the Donegal player 'fucked around and found out', or that it was a disgrace that an Armagh figure pucked the head off another, before an accomplice lost all self-control and barrelled at his opponent. Jim McGuinness and Aidan Forker clash. Ben Brady / INPHO Ben Brady / INPHO / INPHO There is something insanely compelling about the photography of that moment. Of Jim McGuinness displaying the body language of a man trying to de-escalate tensions but at the same time getting a bit ragged all the same, of a deeply-aggrieved Aidan Forker remonstrating with McGuinness, of a veteran Donegal supporter, his 2004 Abbey Hotel jersey stretched tight over his midriff while he ill-advisedly appears to be either getting stuck in or is the only man to settle everything. And in the middle, a flare that offers a texture, haze and contrast. These pictures might be some of the most dramatic images ever captured around a game of Gaelic Games. Or maybe, maybe, maybe that's just me. Clones holds secrets. Clones holds truths. Think of the day when Tyrone won their very first Ulster title in 1956. They were captained by 19-year-old Jody O'Neill of Coalisland. After the game he washed himself and made his way down the hill towards the Creighton Hotel, on the corner of the Newtownbutler Road. Underneath the arches of the old stables, there were haybales left out that people sat on, smoking, drinking, chatting. He met his father with some Coalisland people who were eager to take a sup out of the Anglo-Celt Cup. Once they had one, they urged the county captain to do the same. He looked nervously at his father, who said, 'Whatever you like, son.' He didn't take the drink. There's a million stories like that. Of the Eoin O'Duffy Terrace, named after an Ulster Council Treasurer, IRA man, the second Commissioner of An Garda Síochána and later Fascist sympathiser who raised an army to go fighting for General Franco. Of James McCartan's boot flying into the stand, propelled by Tyrone's Paul Donnelly acting the maggot. Of the multiple Armagh pitch invasions in 1999 before the final whistle. Of the Frank McGuigan masterclass of 1984. Is there anyone out there who is insane enough to believe that a British Government – who would rather see Bridie Brown, the widow of murdered GAA official Sean Brown, pass away without ordering a Public Enquiry as ordered up by the Court of Appeal – will ever make up the shortfall of funding for a redeveloped Casement Park? Related Reads 'Why not us?' - Sam Mulroy on Louth's belief as they end 68-year wait for Leinster glory It's bananas and bonkers but Armagh-Tyrone thriller shows Gaelic football is back Armagh land 1-20 in blistering second half to see off Antrim in Ulster quarter-final If so, they need to be cared for. But let's say the money is found from wherever. And a brand new stadium that surpasses the capacity of Clones is built in Belfast. There would be a wow factor for a time. But the links back through history would be severed. No more silage fields stripped bare in the heat of summer for car parking. No more pitch celebrations, with the St Tiernach's bell tolling in the background. No more of a town becoming an Ulster final theme park for the day. No more on-street drinking, haybales, long strolls out the capillary roads leading out of an Irish country town, glowing in victory, muttering cursewords in defeat. It's been this way for 30, 60, 90 years. It traces all the way back to 'The Creamery Manager' short story by John McGahern, when Garda Casey is reluctant to arrest a local businessman for financial impropriety. Because he once commandeered a vehicle to bring a few of them to an Ulster final. 'You gave us a great day out,' said Garda Casey. 'A day out of all of our lives.' You lose Clones, you lose that.
