Today’s sentence: "He read aloud from a torn edition of the Chicago Tribune, for the others on the picket line to hear above the howling wind and the crump of boots in the dirty snow, 'Says here she's the most dangerous woman in America'." Inspiration and Observation.Today is workers memorial day. On #WorkersMemorialDay #IWMD25 we... Continue Reading →
Today’s sentence: "With the coming of full spring came warmer days, which found the disheveled wretch wandering lonely roads, seeking holy rocks at which to pray, and crying to the laughing wind, "My name is Outcast." Inspiration and Observation.When I was young, a man used come out the four miles from Castlebar to Tawnyshane, and... Continue Reading →
Today’s sentence: “Battle through the foggy shroud, oh you wise fish of Saints, flee the earthly spires of this city of the damned and the pious faithful.” Inspiration and Observation.Have you ever heard of the 'Goldie Fish'? Surely you must have. It leaps over Shandon Tower, and it is one of the most iconic Cork... Continue Reading →
Today’s sentence: “The jostle stone stood mute to passersby, sentinel to the forgotten gateway of the silent workshop, which echoed no more with the ancient blacksmith's song.” How did I arrive at the sentence above?While passing Collins Barracks, Cork this morning, I noticed a fine jostle stone standing guard where someone, or something, has breached... Continue Reading →
Thursday, 24th April 2025. Today’s sentence: “Shimmering like a starling’s wing, the puddles of the pockmarked garage forecourt were the only brightness in a forlorn day.” How did I arrive at the sentence above?Well, it started in a garage forecourt on the most miserable of wet days in Ireland. The iridescence of the slick of... Continue Reading →
A thought, driven by rain, in a car park.It's not often that a Nobel Laureate and a Norrie spark a idea to coalesce from the firmament and strike one square in the brain. It must have been driven by the rain, as I sat in the carpark. A Moveable Feast. "Sometimes when I was started... Continue Reading →
Pig-Headed Determination and Storytelling. There’s a certain type of camaraderie that emerges in the trenches of writing; especially when history, military interests, and storytelling collide. Stephen Callaghan, a well-respected military historian (and someone I greatly admire) offered a few kind words of support recently on my writing journey. In reply, I shared a quote that... Continue Reading →
In some personal new I am pleased to announce that I’m joining the RNLI as Area Technical Manager for the South East.I’m delighted to take up this new role supporting the incredible work of this vital rescue service, especially as they celebrate their 200th anniversary this year.A huge thank you to everyone at Sirus for... Continue Reading →
Bertra
In the shadow of the Holy Mountain,Joyous days of my youth,Chasing impossible wolves of the sea,On beach rocks washed by the mighty Atlantic.Happy days tasting of salt & sunshine,
The end of a long week. I was reflecting on the transition from service, especially given the extraordinary display of skill and commitment by the Defence Forces, and the Joint Task Force this week. The Army, Naval Service, Air Corps, and Army Ranger Wing in particular to the fore in an arduous, complex, and important... Continue Reading →
Delighted to be reading in the Sirius Arts Centre in #Cobh this Saturday 29th, as part of this Ken Hickey lead event. So pleased to be in the company of such fine poets as Theresa McCormack, Eve Telford, and Ken. Its great to see #Poetry in such a wonderful venue in our beautiful town. Pop... Continue Reading →
If you're in #Dublin tomorrow evening & have an interest in the Defence Forces & contemporary security policy, the book launch of 'The EU, Irish Defence Forces and Contemporary Security’, will be held at the Royal Irish Academy on the 27th of July, starting at 6:30 pm.With an address by Tánaiste Michael Martin TD and Noelle O... Continue Reading →
Paper Never Refused Ink! 
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