Joe Brolly: A GAA community shaped by the Troubles


IN 1969, Francie McCloskey, a well-liked 66-year-old farmer, was batoned to death by members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary in the door-front of Hassan’s draper’s shop on Dungiven Main Street. The joke told about suits from Hassan’s was that the trousers were so flared you had to take two strides before the trousers moved, but […]


Joe Brolly: Until we have a vaccine events with crowds are impossible


GERMAN authorities announced on Tuesday of this week that the world famous Oktoberfest has been cancelled. It was due to begin on the September 19, roundabout when the All-Ireland football final would normally be played. The Bavarian government concluded “there is no realistic possibility that we will have a vaccine by then and without a […]


Joe Brolly: Thank god for Tony Scullion


ON Wednesday morning (the 15th) the two most read online columns were “Dolly Parton says the coronavirus is God slapping us in the face” and “Liz Hurley claims coronavirus lockdown is scuppering her chances of finding love.” Dolly described how the coronavirus has “brought us to our knees, which is the right place to rediscover […]