The NI league and cup double winners, who are based at Queen’s PEC, will supply half of the 12-player squad which travels to Sheffield next week – and that figure of six could have been even higher.

Newly appointed NI skipper Gemma Gibney has her clubmate Hannah Irvine as vice-captain while Knockbreda woman Oonagh McCullough is also an established star who played in last July’s World Cup in Singapore.

They are joined by Grads’ club captain Louise McKeown, a teacher at Rathmore Grammar, defender Frances Campbell and reserve goalie Cheryl Wilson, who won her first senior cap in the friendly victory over the Republic of Ireland in March.

Additionally, Niamh Cooper, who was NI Under 21 captain before an ankle ligament injury sidelined her for the second half of the season featured in last weekend’s warm-up event in Glasgow when, playing as the Northern Panthers, the girls in green were runners-up in a four-team invitational tournament.

World Cup vice-captain Lisa McCaffrey would have been an automatic choice in the squad had she not still been sidelined following foot surgery last August and attempts were made to persuade veteran former Northern Ireland captain Bronagh McAfee to come out of international retirement.

Having, along with Irvine, played every minute of every match for all-conquering Graduates in the domestic season just ended, the 37-year-old McAfee was seen as the ideal short-term replacement for Fionnuala Toner.

Belfast Ladies defender Toner impressed in last summer’s World Cup but the Queen’s accountancy student – who comes from the Malone Road – is currently on a year out, playing basketball in the USA.

With such an array of talent at their disposal, it is hardly surprising that Madeline Mason’s team lost only one match in the entire season – being beaten in a league game by the then table toppers Larkfield last November.

But they were magnificently consistent following the post-Christmas split, securing the title with nine straight victories to take the title from old rivals Belfast Ladies before beating Larkfield 55-50 in last month’s Cup final to retain that trophy.

The most mature, settled, experienced, physically imposing, solid, fittest side in the Premier League, Graduates are worthy champions and, with their all-international line-up, will undoubtedly be the team to beat again next season.

Last summer’s signing of Frances Campbell from Belfast Ladies meant Grads could field five World Cup players in their starting seven along with club captain McKeown and former NI skipper McAfee.

In the event, McCaffrey only managed one substitute appearance all season but Cooper slotted in seamlessly at centre and then, when she got injured in January, former international Deirdre Donnelly came back from a maternity break and looked like she’d never been away.

Formidable

The relentless physicality of insatiable forward duo McCullough and the tireless Irvine epitomised the Grads’ work ethic and the ferociously combative Campbell formed a formidable pairing with the towering Gibney in the defensive circle.

In front of them, McAfee glided effortlessly around the court with an ageless elegance while all-action captain McKeown was like a blonde duracell bunny in earning her return to the international scene.

The return of Donnelly brought the number of PE teachers in a very seasoned side to five and although there weren’t any players aged under 25 in their Cup final line-up, hungry medical student Cooper represents the next generation.

Coach Mason may have some selection headaches next season when everyone’s available but for the next couple of months the Grads girls will deservedly be swapping their green club dresses for the green of Northern Ireland.

All politics is local and all war is as well.  It may look international when the wise-eyed historians have stitched together a big map of events, but war as it happens is a myriad of confusing individual experiences. None of us can live life outside of our own skull.

That’s what makes this one of the most interesting books you’ll find on the 1916 Rising. It’s really a mini-military history and it describes, close-up,  the battles fought around the Four Courts area of Dublin during Easter week.

It’s just over a hundred pages long and it’s broken into short, absorbing chapters: ‘Easter Monday 24 April 1916: First Blood’; ‘Tuesday 25 April 1916’ –a day-by-day account.’ First blood? That was a fourteen-year-old boy, Gerald Playfair. He was the son of the commander of the Magazine Fort in the Phoenix Park, which had been taken by the rebels. The boy ran out of the Park, headed full pelt for the residence of the barrack commander. A Volunteer chased after him on a bicycle and caught up with him just as the boy reached the door of the house. As the door opened, the Volunteer stopped, dropped his bike and opened fire with an automatic pistol, killing the boy.

Under the command of Captain Seán Heuston, a small group of Volunteers held the Mendicity Institute until they ran out of food and ammunition, at which point Heuston ordered them to destroy their weapons and emerge under a white flag. They did so, “carrying their wounded comrades. As they cross the yard towards the back gate at Island Street, a single shot rang out, killing Volunteer Peter Wilson.”

Horror mingles with humour. The Magazine Fort was taken by a group of Volunteers playing football, kicking the ball over the wall and asking “Would you mind returning the ball, please?” then overpowering those inside. A Dublin policeman  – “his big mouth wide open with astonishment” shouts in a broad country accent: “Eh, you fellows are going too far with this play at soldiers. Don’t you know you can be arrested for what yez are doing?” When British soldiers arrived in Ballsbridge via Blackrock, the Dublin suburbanites greeted them with oranges, bananas, sandwiches and chocolate. “Women walked beside the columns holding saucers as the soldiers drank cups of tea.”

And there’s shame as well. In the aftermath of the Rising, one Captain Percival Lea-Wilson stripped Thomas Clarke, the first of the Proclamation’s seven signatories, and made him stand naked on the steps of the Rotunda Hospital in view of other prisoners and the nursing staff. Lea-Wilson then shouted: “That old bastard is Commander-in-Chief. He keeps a tobacco shop across the Street. Nice general for your f***ing army.” Among the 300 prisoners watching were Volunteers Michael Collins and Liam Tobin. Four years later,  on the morning of June 15, 1920, Lea-Wilson, by this time a District Inspector of the Royal Irish Constabulary in Gorey, Co Wexford, was on his way home with his morning paper when he was shot and killed. “Newspapers reported that ‘the police officer’s body had been riddled with bullets’.” The belief was that the killing was retribution for the ill-treatment of Clarke “and had been planned by Michael Collins and Liam Tobin, by then senior members of the Irish Republican Army”.

With such details the book lays bare conflict  and shows how it brings out the best and the worst in people. It also shows how, although the GPO was a poor choice as the rebels’ headquarters, the Four Courts, then a warren of poor housing, was a highly effective position for the rebels, who fought shrewdly and with astonishing courage.

The book’s short, it brings the camera close-up on one area of Easter Week fighting, and it’s the first of a series. Anyone interested in 1916 should read it.

Bríd Maloney, a native of Stabannon in County Louth, had lived and worked at home and abroad.   Scotland, Australia, Greece and Zambia were just some of the countries she visited.

A graduate of NUI Galway, she had a Masters degree in Journalism and several years experience working for the BBC in Northern Ireland and in Scotland.

At the time of her death, Bríd was working as a producer for Belfast based production company Clean Slate TV.

An aficionado of trad, Bríd had a particular love for her native music.

A recent show she produced ‘The Bothy Boy”, was shortlisted in the Celtic Media Festival last month.

The 50 minute drama detailed the life and musical career of Mícheál Ó Domhnaill, a guitar player, singer, composer, arranger, producer and a member of the most influential Irish group of all time, The Bothy Band.

Bríd also spent time working for Edgecast Media in Ennis and Imagine Media in Belfast.

Highly successful in her career, Bríd worked with some well known figures from TV, radio, the music scene and the sporting world.

She also interviewed the late Mick Lally, most recognisable for his role as Miley in Glenroe.

She also interviewed Dermot O’Brien, captain of Louth and the first Irish artist to go straight into the charts at number one with The Merry Ploughboy and well-known 2FM Radio broadcaster Hector.

Bríd was also was involved in extensive work with the charity Concern which took her to Africa to help with their work.

Musician and producer Dónal O’Connor paid tribute to Bríd yesterday. “I worked closely on films with Bríd but more than that we were friends,” he said. “We are all shocked at this sudden loss.”

The first leg of the conference was held at the newly revamped Cultúrlann last Thursday evening where Alderman Tom Ekin and US Congressman Eugene O’Flaherty did the honours.

In his opening address, Alderman Ekin referred to a lack of leadership in the city over the past 50 years, but, he said, things are changing.  The development of the MAC, Belfast City Hall and Titanic Belfast were all name-checked as he focused on positive developments in Belfast, but there is one area that remains untouched, he added. “The peace walls are barriers,” he said, “and it’s very important we remove these barriers in Belfast.  These barriers, barriers in the minds, murals, and anything else that is preventing us from achieving what we want, should be moved. I believe the next phase for Belfast is changing people’s minds and removing barriers.”

Representative O’Flaherty took to the stage next and he described Belfast as “rich in history, vibrant and ready to move into the 21st century”, before talking about the similarities between  Belfast and Boston.

“There has been an amazing transformation in Boston and Massachusetts,” he said.  “It has gone from a mainly manufacturing based economy to a knowledge-based economy.  I see a lot of similarities to that right here in Belfast and the North of Ireland.”

Representative O’Flaherty urged Belfast to sell itself to entrepreneurs to move further into the knowledge based industries.

“This is a two-way street,” he added.  “We have a lot to learn from you and we can impart good lessons too.”

Geraldine McAteer, CEO of the West Belfast Partnership Board, Paul McErlean of the Cathedral Quarter, Eimear Ní Mhathúna of the Gaeltacht Quarter and Mike Smith of the Titanic Quarter took part in a discussion on the progress and condition of the various quarters of the city. Mark Hackett from the Forum for Alternative Belfast spoke on how a city must be drawn together for the benefit of all. Roisin McDonough, Arts Council CEO, artists Wolfgang Buttress and Conrad Atkinson and Steve Orr of Generation Innovation considered the importance of a new narrative for Belfast. The architect Ciarán Mackel, Fergus Ó hÍr of Raidió Fáilte, Simon Rea of Belfast Pride and Angila Chada of Springboard considered the future of the city. See page 3 for reports on these.

The first day ended with an evening of music and food in Caifé Feirste.

Joby Murphy was at the Snow Patrol concert in the Odyssey Arena on January 26 when he fell into the river.

The 20-year-old’s body wasn’t recovered until February 25 after a specialist rescue team from County Cork were able to locate him using their sonar equipment.

Since then Joby’s friends and family have been raising money to buy similar equipment for the County Antrim based Community Rescue Services.

Now over £22,000 has been raised, boosted by a donation of £10,000 by rock band Snow Patrol, who Joby had seen perform on the night he fell.

Philip Morgan, a close friend of Joby’s, raised nearly £2,000 when he organised a charity night at the Chester Bar last month

“It was a brilliant night and it for such a great cause,” he said.

“There has been an awful lot of good that has come out of this tragedy and I would like to thank absolutely everybody who helped out at the Chester, everyone has been fantastic.

“Hopefully now we are closer to getting the money for the sonor equipment because it is so important that Community Rescue Services have it available here in the North.”

More events are planned for the coming weeks, including a night with three mediums this Saturday (May 12, 8pm – 9.30pm, £10) and a quiz night in the Cliftonville Club on May 17. For information on more upcoming events visit www.jobymurphytrust.co.uk

The all-Irish affair has grabbed the imagination of fans throughout the country and while Ulster are looking to secure their first European title since their only success in ’99, Leinster are vying to become the first Irish side to win back-to-back titles.

On top of this, victory for Joe Schmidt’s Blues will see them overtake Munster as Ireland’s premier club side and move into second place in the European roll of honour.

With Ulster going into the game as a massive underdog, team captain Johann Muller feels the pressure is all on Leinster but believes that Ulster are more than capable of causing the upset.

“There is probably a little bit more pressure on them than us as favourites,” admits the South African.

“We almost have nothing to lose. That’s what the public and media will think but from our point of view, we have one goal and that is to go to Twickenham to win. We aren’t going to make up the numbers or to play in the final. Yes, it’s a great achievement to be there but we will be disappointed if we end the season with no silverware.

“From I have been here we played them five times and have come close but not beaten them. Obviously they are massive favourites but it’s a nice position for us going in as underdogs.

“One thing I can guarantee is that this group of players and management fully believe we can beat them.”

Muller is no stranger to the big occasion having won a World Cup with the Springboks in 2007.

However, the Ulster lock admits Saturday will be a little bit special as he takes on a key role as skipper.

“I was thinking earlier in the week I have been involved in the Super 14 final, a Currie Cup final and a World Cup final but this is right up there,” added the 31-year-old.

“In the World Cup I was on the bench and only played sometimes but with this it has been a real team effort and I have played in all the games.

“Obviously being captain makes it even more special and I can’t wait for Saturday.”

Exciting

For Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin, Saturday marks the end of his tenure, as he will be replaced by New Zealander Mark Anscombe next season.

If the former Inst school teacher is feeling emotional about his last game in charge, it didn’t show at Tuesday’s press conference as he claimed all that matters this week is preparing his team in what is an exciting week for everyone involved.

“To be honest it hasn’t really crossed my mind. The key thing this week is when we get to Twickenham, to do ourselves and fans proud and make sure everyone has a really super day,” he said.

“I will think about the rest of it next week and the week after.

“It has been an exciting week and we have said all year how exciting the European Cup is.

“We are heading for the final and training this week has been a step up, it has been outstanding.

“Johann and the rest of the players have really been performing out there so we just have to make sure we can carry that through onto the field on Saturday.”

Back row Chris Henry is likely to be available having been out with a shin injury but all of the talk this week has been centred on whether Brian O’Driscoll will be fit to start for Leinster.

The Ireland captain damaged his knee in training last week but McLaughlin expects him to start.

“I’m sure wild horses wouldn’t hold him back; he will be there all right,” chuckled the Ulster coach.

“These are the occasions as a coach you want all your players fit and available for; you don’t want anybody injured.

“These are the days everybody dreams of playing in and you wouldn’t want anyone to miss an occasion like this so hopefully Brian will be raring to go on the day and I’m sure he will be.”

Outsiders

Just as his captain said, McLaughlin acknowledges his side will be outsiders on Saturday but is convinced they are capable of winning.

While it will take a mammoth effort, he said they have the ability to top the performance against Munster in the quarter-final and hopes they give their loyal support something to cheer about by around 7pm on Saturday.

“We are looking forward to it but as I have said, we are under no illusions. Leinster are going for their third Heineken Cup, they are a smashing rugby side but we are looking forward to playing them and we are going to Twickenham to show we are a smashing side too,” admits the former Ballynahinch coach.

“We are going to have to be at the level we were against Munster or maybe even better but I have no doubt the players are capable of performing to that level again and going one step further.

“The role of the fans this year for us has been fantastic. Certainly over the last three years as far as I’m concerned, the Ravenhill crowd have been brilliant.

“I’m just hoping they can all get across but certainly the travel companies seem to be making a bit of a killing.

“Now we just want to get to London and show we are capable of doing what no Ulster side has done since 1999.”

Ulster Squad

Forwards: Tom Court, Declan Fitzpatrick, Callum Black, John Afoa, Adam Macklin, Paddy McAllister, Rory Best, Nigel Brady, Johann Muller, Lewis Stevenson, Dan Tuohy, Iain Henderson, Chris Henry, Stephen Ferris, Willie Faloon, Michael McComish, Pedrie Wannenburg.

Backs: Ian Porter, Paul Marshall, Ruan Pienaar, Ian Humphreys, Paddy Jackson, Nevin Spence, Ian Whitten, Darren Cave, Paddy Wallace, Luke Marshall, Craig Gilroy, Andrew Trimble, Adam D’Arcy, Stefan Terblanche.

I was born in Derry

I grew up in Strabane

I now live off the Saintfield Road

I was educated at St Colman’s High School, Strabane and Queen’s University

My earliest memory is playing on the swings at a park in Strabane when I was about three or four

When I was a child I wanted to be a vet, a chef, a fisherman, in fact it changed weekly

I actually ended up working in campaigns and communications for local charities and then discovered the joys of acting about three years ago and have not stopped since

Worst job I’ve ever had was working in a fish packing factory in Holland, putting 40 fish into a bucket for eight hours a day.

Best job I’ve ever had would be this present acting job on ‘Sitting up for Michael’ as it is my first professional acting role, but hopefully not my last

The bravest thing I’ve ever done was getting up on stage for the first time, it takes a lot of guts to put yourself out there like that.  But then you can’t stop, you’re just hooked

The stupidest thing I’ve ever done, well there is just too many to choose from really, I mean it, way to many to mention

The biggest thing I’ve yet to do is to travel around Africa and South America

The people who inspire me most are those who really know what they want in life and push for it to happen, as for many years I did not know what I really wanted to do

The most important thing in the world is to be happy and content in what you do.  I have not got there yet, but I’m working on it

I’m very bad at knowing when to go home when the party is over

I’m very good at enjoying myself, it takes a lot of practice.

My best friend would say that I don’t do things by half

I like to relax by having a few pints with friends

My favourite saying – ‘Life is not a dress rehearsal, you only get one go!’

The last book I read was ‘Dance with Dragons’ the latest in the Game of Thrones series by George R R Martin

My favourite movie is ‘Once Upon a Time in America’

The actor that would play me in a movie of my life would be, well George Clooney of course, he would have to put a few pounds on though

The song that makes me dance is ELO’s Mr Blue Sky, you can’t beat a great classic

The song I would have played at my funeral would be well ELO’s Mr Blue Sky again, why not have a good sunny, cheery song on your way out

The best place I’ve ever been would be India, I was lucky to travel in India a few years ago and it was a real experience, even with the Delhi belly

The place I have to visit before I die is Timbuktu… why not?

The last person I talked to on the phone was a friend, who I had not been in touch with for a while

The last text message I received was from one of those PPI insurance claims offers, I didn’t reply

If I was a politician I would get tougher on the banks, invest more in health and ensure people have proper pensions

If I won the lottery I would give away a lot of money and then quietly go off travelling for a few years.

If I could describe myself in five words they would be… generous, fun, stubborn, passionate and at times grumpy

If I could invite five people (living or dead) to a dinner party they would be… Oliver Reed, Johnny Vegas, Joan Rivers, Che Guevara and Ingrid Bergman

If I could change one thing about South Belfast it would be to make it sunnier, the world looks so much better on a good day

My favourite thing about South Belfast is it has a great mix of people and places to go, it’s a nice place to live.

For, as South Belfast councillor Alderman Christopher Stalford — Chair of the Council’s powerful Development Committee — pointed out, the ambition of the city to grow must be matched by its ability to create employment.

And that in turn must mean attracting investment by putting forward a compelling proposition — not by holding out a begging bowl. As Alderman Stalford put it: “In the past there would have been investment because it was seen as a sort of charity, whereas now they should be doing it because it’s the best place in Europe to do so.”

And viewed from the heights of the Titanic Building, there was plenty to feel good about in Belfast 2012 — as stated by speakers from as diverse a background as Glenn Jordan of East Belfast Mission regeneration project Skainos and David Dobbin of the Strategic Investment Board.

But all is not rosy in the garden, as stressed by UNISON representative Patricia McKeown. As part of her presentation, she showed a photograph of North Belfast taken from the top of the Titanic Building. What tangible change in quality of life had occurred there since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, she asked.

And in truth, the photographer could just as easily have looked east or west across inner-city Belfast for, as the leading trade unionist insisted, indices of poverty and joblessness have remained virtually unchanged in 40 years in those parts of Belfast.

All of which underlines the necessity to ensure that those, from all sides, who talked the talk at the One City Conference, must also walk the walk to deliver that most prized commodity of any great city: jobs.

New police figures reveal that South Belfast’s drug habit remains as high as the users, with the most combined seizures of anywhere in the Northern Ireland over the last year, and the most arrests in connection with narcotics.

However, the data also reveals that mephedrone, which was outlawed over the last number of years, is still worryingly popular.

The mind-bending powder, which was previously available to purchase legally in certain shops, is now a Class B drug. Officers recovered 149.5 grams of the drug in South Belfast over the last 12 months, eclipsing the hauls from other areas, with the second highest seizure being just 66.5 grams in North Down.

Often just known as ‘Drone’ the drug, which can cause euphoric effects but often leaves users with harrowing ‘comedowns’ lasting days, is highly addictive, and has been linked to a growing number of deaths across Ireland and Britain.

A local community worker who has witnessed the devastating effects of mephedrone has said although evidence of the drug among some youths currently remains low, there were fears that its popularity could once again cause problems.

Gerard Rice of the Lower Ormeau Residents Action Group said: “A few years ago there was an epidemic of this drug in our area, and it can have very destructive effects.

“We can measure such problems through the issues they cause, and when its use is high you will see more burglaries as people are trying to get cash to feed their habit, while you will also see more family relationship breakdowns as young people deal with their problem.

“Thankfully, we are aware that since it was made illegal, the availability of mephedrone is decreased, but I would be concerned to hear that more is being recovered in South Belfast than anywhere else. Of course, other drugs remain a problem as always, and we know that overall drug use is still common in some areas.”

The statistics also reveal that South Belfast was the only location for the recovery of liquid opiates, which can include heroin, while cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis remain popular, with some of the highest seizures anywhere.

Overall, the pills, powders and other substances pulled from South Belfast streets over the last year are valued at £291,693.

A PSNI spokeswoman said that across B District, comprising both South and East Belfast, the issue of drugs remained a priority for police.

“As part of our drug’s strategy, officers have been undertaking a programme of enforcement and education,” she said.

“We will continue to work with local residents, community representatives, businesses and elected representatives to ensure that resources are channeled in the right direction to do this.”

When the official opening of Gaelscoil Éanna was discussed the number one choice was the legendary Gaelic games commentator,  Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh. He was contacted and accepted the invitation. He agreed to open the school last Friday and further agreed to open the St Enda club grounds the following day. The club were delighted and offered to accommodate him in a hotel. Mícheál said he would be much happier to stay in the home of a club member.

However, he had earlier given a promise that he would attend the annual dinner of Glarryford GAC Westmeath. Glarryford drew with Crossmaglen Rangers in the Club All Ireland Final on  Patrick’s Day and their dinner was postponed as it was scheduled for the night before the replay. It was rescheduled for last Friday night. Mícheál said he would honour his commitment which meant he travelled from Dublin to Glengormley on Friday morning, then from Glengormley to Athlone on Friday night. On Saturday morning he drove back north reaching Glengormley by eleven o’clock. He set off on the return journey home to Dublin at five o’clock on Saturday afternoon.  That’s some undertaking for a man of 83 years.

On Saturday he presided over the naming of the two pitches, Paddy Laverty Park and Gerry Devlin Park. Both families were present and he spent much time with each of them, being aware of their respective backgrounds. This was greatly appreciated by all present.

Over the course of the two days he regaled his listeners with stories and anecdotes in Irish and English of people he has met and events which he has witnessed in his remarkable lifetime. Former Derry PRO Gerry Donnelly, who helped St Enda’s fundraising efforts ,ribbed Mícheál about Derry being cheated out of the All Ireland title in 1958 by Cavan referee Simon Deignan. Derry played Dublin in the All Ireland and some people felt that referee Deignan was partial to Dublin. Derry supporters feel that they were denied a penalty in the second half. Although a native of Cavan he owned a shop in Dublin. Mícheál pointed out that although they were level with 15 minutes to go Derry couldn’t take their scores and faded away. In his opinion they were not good enough on the day. He went on to tell us how major games at that time were refereed then by leading players eg; Peter McDermott of Meath refereed the 1954 final and played in the 1956 final. He also recalled that Simon Deignan played in the victorious Cavan team which beat Kerry in the 1947 final in the Polo Grounds, New York, the only one played outside Ireland. I think Gerry just said that to get Mícheál going.

When questioned about the state of hurling in Dublin he revealed that when Eoin O’Duffy was Chief Commissioner of the Garda Siochana from 1922 until 1933 he transferred any garda known to be a good hurler to Dublin. Dublin won the All Ireland hurling finals in 1924 and 1927, they drew with Limerick in 1934 losing the replay and won again in 1938. They haven’t won the title since. O’Duffy also transferred promising football gardai to Monaghan with the result that Monaghan reached the All Ireland final for the first and last time in 1930.

Mícheál’s autobiography is called “From Dún Síon to Croke Park”. I brought my copy to have it signed and also to confirm a suspicion I had. Referring to his time in Coláiste osagáin in West Cork he wrote, “Students came from all over the country: all six Munster counties, Donegal, Mayo, Galway,Kilkenny, Westmeath, Dublin: Seán Murphy came all the way from Glaslough in Monaghan.” I told him I knew a Seán Murphy from Glaslough Street in Monaghan. He told me that was the man. It was a printer’s error.  Seán Murphy was my cousin and Mícheál told me he had shared a desk with him for three years and were lifelong friends. Seán, a musician, died about ten years ago and Monaghan Silver Band turned out for his funeral. Mícheál was there, too. While signing my copy of his book he checked and pointed out that it was a second edition. Mrs Prenter, whose brothers played for Castleblaney Faughs and Monaghan and whose sons played for St Enda’s and Antrim, had produced a first edition the day before, much to Mícheál’s delight.

During his speech when opening Gaelscoil Éanna on Friday, Mícheál told the crowd about his lifelong interest in greyhounds. He told us that a dog called Razl Dazl Ríoga was running at 8.15 on Friday night at Wimbledon.”I think it will win. I’m sure it will win.” It did. A few of us took his advice and claimed weekend expenses from Paddy Power. Word spread about the tip and a group of people who had gathered in the clubhouse on Friday night were told about it. Nobody was sure of the name except that it was Razzle Dazzle Something , probably a foreign word.  Danny McGrinder asked Sharon, the bar steward,  to check it out . She made a phone call and inquired if they could make a bet. She said it was called Razzle Razzle Something beginning with R. The bookies’ rep checked and found a horse called Razzle Dazzle Rose running at a South African track on Saturday. I’m told a healthy bet was laid on behalf of the syndicate. It’s still running!

Among the many photographs taken was one with Mícheál, Mickey Lemon, his son Barry and grandson Dáire. (Incidentally, Mrs Prenter approached me a few weeks ago to tell me she was relieved to see that Mickey Lemon was alive and well. Having missed him in the North Belfast News for four weeks in a row she was a bit worried.)

Mícheál asked Dáire if he was fast and urged him to run up to the corner flag and back while he gave a commentary. When Dáire reached home he told his mother about the photograph. When his mother asked who was in it he replied, “Me, daddy, granda and a big man.”

A big man indeed!