It means nothing to me….ooh Vienna!

It was a song by Ultravox in case your music brain has deserted you. Vienna is one of those cities in Europe that everyone knows, its appeared in countless filims and has the privilege of capitaling Austria. I didn’t plan a holiday there or go there by chance. I went there to watch a football Read more about It means nothing to me….ooh Vienna![…]

Jonny Blair and Michael McClelland HWGA Northern Ireland fans

Here We Go…Again – The fanzine undeniably infatuated with the Northern Ireland international football team

Having been a massive enthusiast about the Northern Ireland international football team since the 1986 World Cup, I had slowly worked my way to the point where I wanted to do something with my knowledge and passion. Initially this meant just turning up at Windsor Park to watch Northern Ireland matches. I used to go Read more about Here We Go…Again – The fanzine undeniably infatuated with the Northern Ireland international football team[…]

Is this the way to Afandou? (Why don’t you travel with me?)

Totally unrelated and in no way meant to be to the tune of ‘Is this the way to Amarillo?’ My Dad actually wrote that wee song when we travelled to the Greek island of Rhodes in 1990. Life will take us here, there and everywhere. Every day and every time we meet someone new it Read more about Is this the way to Afandou? (Why don’t you travel with me?)[…]

Studying Saturdays: Beavering Away, Life in Belvoir, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Back in 1997 when I first stumbled upon politics in a big way, I also started a course in Media Techniques and Competences at Belvoir Training Centre in the Belvoir Estate in Belfast, Northern Ireland. In many ways this first period of time away from the bland, middle class British-ness of Bangor was a wake Read more about Studying Saturdays: Beavering Away, Life in Belvoir, Belfast, Northern Ireland[…]

A Bad End To 2007: Footloose and Legless

  After a crazy year in 2007 where I was on 34 aeroplanes, 3 boats and numerous trains, buses, trams and cars the year ended with a not so lucky break! I have now visited 29 countries, but am left with a broken leg – well foot really – 3 metatarsals. I managed to break Read more about A Bad End To 2007: Footloose and Legless[…]

Working Wednesdays: ASDA la vista baby! Springbourne, Bournemouth, England

In September 2003 I left my job in the butchery at Steenson’s to move to England and start my degree at Bournemouth University. The only problem was I hadn’t sorted out a job yet in England, and also hadn’t worked in England before (or actually lived there). The first day in my new house in Read more about Working Wednesdays: ASDA la vista baby! Springbourne, Bournemouth, England[…]

Attending George Best’s Funeral at Stormont, Belfast, Northern Ireland

“We won’t forget our Belfast boy, who filled our lives with so much joy” George Best was the best football player ever. He was also the fifth Beatle. He was also a total hit with the ladies and basically the first superstar footballer. When I was a kid, my Da always used to talk about Read more about Attending George Best’s Funeral at Stormont, Belfast, Northern Ireland[…]