Northern Ireland 1-1 Canada – April 1999

I only started taking a camera to Northern Ireland matches at the end of the 1990s. It’s amazing how the world has changed over the years, in that now almost everyone at the match will have a mobile phone/camera. These are the only two photos I took at the Canada match back in 1999. My Read more about Northern Ireland 1-1 Canada – April 1999[…]

Manic Street Preachers are back!!

As if they were ever away…last year’s highly acclaimed album, “Journal For Plague Lovers” ranks amongst the best I’ve ever bought. A band with meaningful lyrics. A band drenched deep in history, culture, travel and world politics. I’m even more excited now, at the prospect of a new album…and an Australian tour! Yes that’s right Read more about Manic Street Preachers are back!![…]

Broccoli Harvest: Formosa Farm

Next up was Formosa Farm in Cressy. Located just off the main road from Cressy to Poatina, this farm meant a drive along a very narrow mud path and then down a steep hill, which in wet conditions was pretty dangerous! Ironic name too, I thought. The irony only to be lost on those not Read more about Broccoli Harvest: Formosa Farm[…]

Working Wednesdays: Broccoli Harvest at Lakehouse Farm Near Cressy, Tasmania

A rough map as to where Lakehouse Farm is…it is actually quite a historic place to have worked in Tasmanian history, although when you’re spending your days slogging away cutting broccoli, the glamour of such as location eludes you. Lakehouse farm was a wee bit of a drive – it was in the middle of Read more about Working Wednesdays: Broccoli Harvest at Lakehouse Farm Near Cressy, Tasmania[…]

Working Wednesdays: Processed Broccoli Harvesting at Woodside Farm, Poatina, Tasmania

Once I moved to Poatina, Woodside was the first broccoli farm I worked on in this area. That’s the entrance to Woodside farm, with my colleague Jenny sitting on the back of my car having her lunch. The entrance to Woodside farm. The lonely road that Woodside Farm is on – a tranquil road which Read more about Working Wednesdays: Processed Broccoli Harvesting at Woodside Farm, Poatina, Tasmania[…]

West Coast Wilderness Railway Part Nine – End of The Line and Arrival at Regatta Point

After four months I’ve finally gotten round to condensing this one and finishing it off. Nine parts in total on what was an excellent day on board the steam locomotive along the West Coast Wilderness Railway. I did it alone which was probably the only bad thing – wish I had someone there with me Read more about West Coast Wilderness Railway Part Nine – End of The Line and Arrival at Regatta Point[…]

Northern Ireland flag

BEING NORTHERN IRISH: an identity crisis??

Politics aside…being from Northern Ireland has often led to confusion over the years. I find most people still use the word Ireland to describe as my country, Ireland isn’t in fact a country, but is an island consisting of two countries, Northern Ireland (of six counties, and of British occupation but whose residents are free Read more about BEING NORTHERN IRISH: an identity crisis??[…]

Yugoslavia 4-1 Northern Ireland (European Championship Qualifier, 1991)

I remember coming home from school to watch this one live, I think it was on BBC2 Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland had a really really decent side at the time (well in my opinion…). We boasted some World Cup stars such as Nigel Worthington, Alan McDonald, Colin Clarke and Mal Donaghy (who had a very Read more about Yugoslavia 4-1 Northern Ireland (European Championship Qualifier, 1991)[…]

Small world? You bet! Tayto Van at Glenorchy!

Imagine the surprise and disbelief of me driving through Hobart in Tasmania in May 2010 and seeing a van with the word “Tayto” on it!!! The Northern Irish crisp! And next to the sticker on this white van was another sticker with “Norn Iron” on it. I thought for once in life my eyes were Read more about Small world? You bet! Tayto Van at Glenorchy![…]

West Coast Wilderness Railway Part Eight – Teepookana and Lowanna

After tasting the honey at Lower landing it was onwards past two station stops, neither of which are used any longer…but added a bit of history to the journey…we passed by the King River several times. An excellent view out of the train window coming round a corner. Just after this we got to “Teepookana” Read more about West Coast Wilderness Railway Part Eight – Teepookana and Lowanna[…]